Contact Us - NSW & ACT

Varroa Development Officers are available to support and advise beekeepers on all aspects of varroa management.

Varroa Development Officers, or VDOs, are critical members of the National Varroa Mite Management Program. 

Their role involves helping recreational and commercial beekeepers understand and implement Varroa management techniques, improve hive health and undertake sustainable hive practices.

Together with other team members, VDOs help improve industry resilience and capacity.

To get in contact with a VDO in New South Wales or the ACT, contact Dave Fairhall, Extension and Engagement Coordinator, by completing this form.

NSW Varroa Development Officers

  • Dave Fairhall

    Extension & Engagement Coordinator

  • Emily Noordyke

    Varroa Development Officer

    Emily has extensive international Varroa experience having previously worked with the Bee Informed Partnership Tech Transfer Team in the US.

    In this role Emily helped commercial beekeepers across America monitor their hive health and implement tailored Varroa management strategies.

    Since moving to Australia, Emily has expanded her beekeeping knowledge by working with bee breeders as part of the National Honey Bee Genetic Improvement Program.  

  • 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.