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WESTERN AUSTRALIAN 
APIARISTS' SOCIETY

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BEEKEEPER EDUCATON AND TRAINING

Training is an important element of WAAS's mission. All members are encouraged to complete our Introduction to Responsible Beekeeping course which is run in Spring and Summer.

Our core curriculum focuses on hands-on education during the active beekeeping season.
Courses are delivered in Perth (Murdoch), Bunbury, and Margaret River.

Member Access
You must be a financial member of WAAS to attend our Beekeeper Training Courses and Winter Series Workshops.

Become a Member

101: Introduction to Responsible Beekeeping

Full Day | $169

The essential starting point for every WA apiarist. This foundational course combines classroom theory with hands-on hive inspections to ensure you have the confidence and knowledge to manage your first colony.

For beginners, those considering the hobby, or beekeepers needing a refresher.

Topics Covered:

  • Occupational Health and safety
  • Biosecurity, bee pests and diseases
  • Assembling and maintaining hives
  • Buying bees and bee equipment
  • Selecting a hive site
  • Opening and inspection of hives
  • Lighting your smoker (hands-on)
  • Inspecting a hive (hands-on).

Included: Morning tea and lunch, presentation notes, plus an excellent textbook reference.

Prerequisites: None

201: Advanced Responsible Beekeeping

Half Day | $98

Prepare for the specific challenges faced during the established years of beekeeping. You will gain the confidence to manage colony dynamics, optimise hive productivity, and navigate the seasonal challenges of established hives.

For beekeepers with two or more years of experience. 

Topics Covered:

  • Poor performing queens
  • Dealing with angry bees
  • Splitting hives
  • Creating nucs
  • Includes demonstration session in the training apiary.

Included: Morning tea and presentation notes.

Prerequisites: You have attended a beginner beekeeper course with WAAS or another organisation.

Flow Hive Management Tips & Tricks

Half Day | $85

This course covers specific management techniques to better manage your Flow Hive system. Learn the practical tips and tricks from initial set up of your Flow hive to optimising your harvests while ensuring your colony thrives.

For beekeepers who have or are planning to invest in the Flow system.

Topics Covered:

  • Assembly
  • Set up
  • Operation
  • Maintenance
  • Equipment checklist
  • Includes practical hands-on session

Included: Morning tea and presentation notes.

Prerequisites: It is preferred that you have beekeeper experience - beekeeping basics are not covered in this course.

Guardians of the Hive

Half Day | $50

This course focuses on essential biosecurity practices and your obligations as a beekeeper. Gain the skills to identify and manage pest, disease and other risks, safeguarding Western Australia's honey bees and ensuring your colonies remain strong, healthy, and resilient.

For ALL beekeepers.

Topics Covered:

  • Biosecurity Code of Practice
  • Pests and diseases
  • Surveillance and monitoring
  • Hive management practices
  • The Barrier System
  • Reporting

Included: Morning tea and presentation notes.

Prerequisites: None

Winter Series Workshops

These workshops focus on 'beyond the hive' activities and value-adding to your harvest.

Homemade Products: Learn the methods of making products for the body and home including lip balms, sugar scrubs, soaps, candles, wax wraps, furniture polish and more.

Harvest & Fermentation: Explore the art of making mead or ambrosia.

Equipment Maintenance: Practical, hands-on workshops focused on frame-building, equipment maintenance, and winter preparation.

View Workshops >

WAAS Beekeeper Education 

Our YouTube Channel is now live!

Watch | Subscribe | Share

Our YouTube channel is a free, public library open to all beekeepers.


NO MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED


These resources support our mission to promote responsible beekeeping throughout Western Australia.

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For information on upcoming training sessions please contact us on info@waas.org.au or visit our Events page.

Spring Training will commence in September and course dates will be advertised in our monthly newsletter (Smoke Signals) and promoted at WAAS meetings and through our Bee Buddy Groups.

Upcoming training and workshop dates are listed in the calendar below.


Did you know gift vouchers are available for our 101 Introduction to Responsible Beekeeping Course?

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Upcoming events

  • Introduction to Responsible Beekeeping (101) Bunbury 2/2026

    • 17 Oct 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • ECU Campus Bunbury
    • 8
    Register

    Introduction to Responsible Beekeeping (101)

    Saturday 17th October 2026

    9:00 am - 4:00 pm

    $169 per head

    This training course will be held at the WAAS Bunbury apiary on the ECU Campus

    Topics covered during the course include...

    • OHS
    • Biosecurity and bee diseases
    • Beekeeping equipment
    • Assembling and maintaining hives
    • Buying bees and bee equipment
    • Selecting hive site
    • Opening and inspection of hives
    • Seasonal management of hives
    • Honey harvesting
    • Learn how best to light your smoker.

    You will have the opportunity to do a hands-on inspection of a hive 

    What you need to bring:

    Boots and clean or new bee suits for the practical part of the course.*

    Biosecurity is very important - please make sure that you suit is freshly laundered prior to the course.

    If you have a smoker, bring that along too and learn how to light it properly (mark with your name please)

    Light lunch and refreshments will be provided

    You will receive a Beekeeping handbook, course notes, additional useful information and a WAAS Certificate of Completion

    Spaces are limited!

    Please be aware that due to the "hands on" nature of this course, that it is dependent on suitable weather on the day or venue availability and may be subject to change.

    Register Here: Introduction to Responsible Beekeeping Bunbury 2/2026

    using your Visa or MasterCard, by EFT/cheque/cash before the Course.

    You need to be a member to attend this course, please join here: www.waas.org.au/Join-us

    Registrations will be processed strictly in order of payment

    * If you don't yet have protective gear, please let us know and we can provide some for you on the day at a hire fee of $10.00 cash payable on the day.

    If you have any questions, contact us at training@waas.org.au

      Show details

    • Flow Hive Management FH 3/2026

      • 18 Oct 2026
      • 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
      • ECU Southwest (Bunbury) Campus
      • 3
      Register


      Flow Hive Management

      (Tips & Tricks)

      Bunbury

      ECU Campus
      Sunday 18th October 2026
      9:00 am - 1:30 pm

      Cost is $85 per head

      Note: you need to be a current member to access this course -you can join online now and then register for the course.

      This course covers tips and tricks to better set up and manage your Flow Hive

      Assembly

      Setup

      Operation

      Maintenance

      Equipment Checklist

      Information Sources

      Practical hands-on session of Flow Frame inspection and honey extraction in the training apiary. 

      This short course builds on your beekeeping knowledge with a focus on tips and tricks to get the most from your flow hive. If you are an aspiring or new beekeeper this short course is  complementary to the Introduction to Responsible Beekeeping Course, where you will be taught basic beekeeping husbandry, more information about this course can be found here.

      What you need to bring:

      Boots and clean or new bee suits for the practical part of the course.*
      Light refreshments will be provided

      You will receive course notes, additional useful information and a
      WAAS Certificate of Completion

      Spaces are limited!

      Please be aware that due to the "hands on" nature of this course, that
      it is dependant on suitable weather on the the day and may be subject to change.

      REGISTER HERE

      using your Visa / MasterCard or by EFT before the Course.

      Registrations will be processed strictly in order of payment

      * If you don't yet have  protective gear, please let us know and we can provide some for you on the day at a hire fee of $10.00 cash payable on the day. 

      If you have any questions, contact us at  training@waas.org.au
        Show details

      • Introduction to Responsible Beekeeping (101) 6/2026

        • 24 Oct 2026
        • 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
        • Bees Neez Apiary, 285 Leyland Cl, Beechina WA 6556
        • 0

        Introduction to Responsible Beekeeping (101)

        Saturday 24th October 2026

        8:30 am - 3:30 pm
        $169 per head

        This training course will be held at a commercial apiary approximately 1 hour from the CBD.

        Topics covered during the course include...

        OHS

        Biosecurity and bee diseases

        Beekeeping equipment

        Assembling and maintaining hives

        Buying bees and bee equipment

        Selecting hive site

        Opening and inspection of hives

        Seasonal management of hives

        Harvesting Honey

        Learn how best to light your smoker.

        You will have the opportunity to do a hands-on inspection of a hive 

        What you need to bring:

        Boots and clean or new bee suits for the practical part of the course.*

        Biosecurity is very important - please make sure that you suit is freshly laundered prior to the course.

        If you have a smoker, bring that along too and learn how to light it properly (mark with your name please)

        Light lunch and refreshments will be provided

        You will receive a Beekeeping handbook, course notes, additional useful information and a WAAS Certificate of Completion

        Spaces are limited!

        Please be aware that due to the "hands on" nature of this course, that

        it is dependent on suitable weather on the day and may be subject to change.

        Register Here: Introduction to Responsible Beekeeping 6/2026 using your Visa or MasterCard, by EFT/cheque/cash before the Course.

        You need to be a member to attend this course, please join here: www.waas.org.au/Join-us

        Registrations will be processed strictly in order of payment

        * If you don't yet have protective gear, please let us know and we can provide some for you on the day at a hire fee of $10.00 cash payable on the day.

        If you have any questions, contact us at training@waas.org.au

        This is the location of the Apiary, please ensure that you are able to make it to the site by 8:15am.

        This is the location of the Apiary, please ensure that you are able to make it to the site by 8:15am.

        https://maps.app.goo.gl/sUTh4LimeFD3sBMz5

          Show details

        • Introduction to Responsible Beekeeping (101) 7/2026

          • 07 Nov 2026
          • 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
          • Bees Neez Apiary, 285 Leyland Cl, Beechina WA 6556
          • 7
          Register

          Introduction to Responsible Beekeeping (101)

          Saturday 7th November 2026

          8:30 am - 3:30 pm
          $169 per head

          This training course will be held at a commercial apiary approximately 1 hour from the CBD.

          Topics covered during the course include...

          OHS

          Biosecurity and bee diseases

          Beekeeping equipment

          Assembling and maintaining hives

          Buying bees and bee equipment

          Selecting hive site

          Opening and inspection of hives

          Seasonal management of hives

          Harvesting Honey

          Learn how best to light your smoker.

          You will have the opportunity to do a hands-on inspection of a hive 

          What you need to bring:

          Boots and clean or new bee suits for the practical part of the course.*

          Biosecurity is very important - please make sure that you suit is freshly laundered prior to the course.

          If you have a smoker, bring that along too and learn how to light it properly (mark with your name please)

          Light lunch and refreshments will be provided

          You will receive a Beekeeping handbook, course notes, additional useful information and a WAAS Certificate of Completion

          Spaces are limited!

          Please be aware that due to the "hands on" nature of this course, that

          it is dependent on suitable weather on the day and may be subject to change.

          Register Here: Introduction to Responsible Beekeeping 7/2026 using your Visa or MasterCard, by EFT/cheque/cash before the Course.

          You need to be a member to attend this course, please join here: www.waas.org.au/Join-us

          Registrations will be processed strictly in order of payment

          * If you don't yet have protective gear, please let us know and we can provide some for you on the day at a hire fee of $10.00 cash payable on the day.

          If you have any questions, contact us at training@waas.org.au

          This is the location of the Apiary, please ensure that you are able to make it to the site by 8:15am.

          This is the location of the Apiary, please ensure that you are able to make it to the site by 8:15am.

          https://maps.app.goo.gl/sUTh4LimeFD3sBMz5

            Show details

          Contact

          Have any questions? Need more information? Have something to send us? Please visit our Contacts page. We are volunteer organisation so it is best to contact us by email. We will reply as soon as we can.

          Become a member

          Join other hobby beekeepers across Western Australia and beyond - benefit from education, insurance, support and fellowship opportunities. 

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