Name: Keeping Native Bees
Start: 2025-04-05T09:00:00+11:00
End: 2025-04-05T12:00:00+11:00
Location: 23 Hawke Drive,Woolgoolga,2456,AU

Discover the joy of keeping native bees in your garden in this interactive workshop with local native bee enthusiat, Steve Mcginnity.
What's the buzz?
Australia is home to more than 2000 species of native bees, the majority of which are solitary or semi-social bees including the Teddy Bear Bee, Blue Banded Bees and the Cuckoo Bee.
Around 12 species of native bee live in communal hives with a Queen and produce native bee honey. These are known as Stingless Native Bees and can be kept in hive boxes in your garden or farm. Tetragonula carbonaria are the local species of stingless native bees.
What you'll learn
In this workshop we look at native bee biology, native bees in the wild, bee box design, native bee honey, and we will do a hive inspection and a hive split (weather permiting).
Our presenter
Steve Mcginnity owns and operates The Australian Native Bee Company here on the North Coast of NSW. With a background in teaching Steve has a developed a deep and practical knowledge of native bees, and is involved in supplying native bees to pollinate farms, and working with schools and community on native bee education. Steve is an informative and hands-on presenter who will leave you inspired to learn more about our diverse native bees.
What to expect
The workshop will be held at the Woopi Bee Shed and will be a mix of classroom and outdoor sessions.
Morning Tea
Morning tea including honey tastings will be included in the experience.
Clothing
Make sure you wear clothing appropriate to the weather, including a hat for sun protection, and covered footwear.
Group size
Groups are kept small to ensure you get the most out of your day.
WARNING
European Honey Bees are kept at the venue along with Native Bees. Avoid wearing strong perfumes and make sure you wear covered footwear and appropriate clothing.
Our hosts
This event is being hosted by Coffs Beekeeping Supplies at the Woopi Bee Shed.