Contact Us - NSW & ACT

NSW VDOs have now ceased work with the National Varroa Mite Management Program.

Bee Biosecurity Officers are available to assist NSW beekeepers adopt best practice and provide advice regarding pest and disease management. Rod Bourke, Sam Giggins, Daniel Martin, Alex Schellenberg, Harvey Howard, and Doug Purdie have extensive beekeeping experience across a spectrum of beekeeping operations.

Contact the team by emailing bee.biosecurity@dpird.nsw.gov.au and a Bee Biosecurity Officer near you will help you with any bee pest or disease issues you're facing. The team are also available to visit beekeeping clubs/branches or attend field days.

NSW Varroa Development Officers

  • Dave Fairhall

    Extension & Engagement Coordinator

  • Simon Phillips

    Varroa Development Officer

    Simon is a seasoned educator and trainer with decades of practical hands-on beekeeping experience.

    Simon is keen to share his own insights and help mitigate the effects of Varroa across industries.

    Simon is confident that by working together Australia’s beekeeping community will continue to thrive and flourish.

  • Slavi Nenov

    Varroa Development Officer

    Slavi has a comprehensive portfolio of international beekeeping experience having previously managed hives with Varroa in Europe and New Zealand. 

    Slavi has worked as a commercial beekeeper for over 20 years and understands how Varroa responds under different climatic conditions and environments. 

    In addition to pest management experience, Slavi is particularly interested in queen bee breeding and selection.