Native bee enthusiasts and professionals alike are excited about the formation their own member organisation, the Australian Native Bee Association.

President Dr Tim Heard said: “The association will harness and spread the enthusiasm for native bees by many groups including naturalists, beekeepers, farmers and backyarders.”

The Australian Native Bee Association aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of all native bees.

“Although much interest is centred on the stingless bees of warmer areas, all native bees lie within the scope of the association,” said Dr Heard.

Native stingless bees are social, occurring in the warmer parts of Australia, and can be kept in hives and used for honey production and pollination.

But the huge numbers and diversity of solitary and semi-social native bees has captured the interest of people right across the nation. These can be encouraged everywhere.

All bees are important for the health of natural systems and agricultural production.

Dr Heard said: “We encourage the formation of local branches and already have expressions of interest from a number of regional areas in five states and territories.”

ANBA will achieve its objectives by providing resources, disseminating information, supporting members and communicating with stakeholders. The Association has longer term goals of obtaining endorsement for a stingless bee honey standard and accredited training in native bee keeping.

ANBA will host the second Australian Native Bee conference in Brisbane in December 2019.

To be a part of this vibrant community, and stay abreast of what is going on in the native bee world, join the Australian Native Bee Association at australiannativebee.org.au