About DVBA
Supporting and educating beekeepers in the Derwent Valley and throughout Tasmania.
The Derwent Valley Beekeepers Association (DVBA), established in 2023 by local amateur beekeepers, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and educating beekeepers in the Derwent Valley and throughout Tasmania.
Our mission encompasses several key objectives:
We offer regular social and instructional activities to assist beekeepers of all levels.
We provide basic beekeeping education to all interested individuals, including children, through mentorship and ongoing instructional access.
We aim to educate the public about the significance of honeybees in the food chain and the importance of environmental conservation for sustaining bee populations.
We work with businesses, farms, local governments, and non-profit organizations to establish a self-sustaining, community-based beekeeping economy in the Derwent Valley.
In line with our educational mission, the DVBA conducts a basic beekeeping course yearly, tailored for hobbyist beekeepers. The course comprises nine theory sessions and one practical session, with additional opportunities for hands-on experience at our learning site.
The DVBA is also committed to preserving Tasmania’s unique leatherwood forests, which are vital for the production of the renowned leatherwood honey. We advocate against the clear-felling and burning of these forests to protect the beekeeping industry and ensure the continued pollination of fruits and vegetables in southern Tasmania.
Our vision is to establish the DVBA as the premier hub for community engagement and education in beekeeping within the Derwent Valley. The region boasts a rich history of farming, including poppies, cherries, raspberries, and blackcurrants, and serves as a gateway to the leatherwood-growing areas of Strathgordon and the Florentine Valley. We aim to advance and expand the beekeeping industry, bolster the agricultural sector, and achieve international recognition for our efforts.
We extend our gratitude to our supporters, including Base Camp Tasmania, Derwent Valley Honey, Rotary New Norfolk, Phoenix Garden, Devilish Services, and Waterfalls Cafe and Gallery.
As an incorporated association, the organisation is managed by a team of enthusiastic beekeepers who just love anything to do with bees!
Meet the committee