Contact Us - Western Australia

Extension and Engagement Coordinator

I remember as a kid finding a bee and deciding I was keeping it as a pet. Why it didn’t fly away I can’t say, but not knowing much about bees, I picked it up between the palms of my hands and it stung me. My first pet stung me, then died, and I didn’t understand why! Little did I know that this childhood encounter would be the first of many lessons about these complex and fascinating creatures. 

Fast forward to 2022 when I joined the DPIRD Apiary, and suddenly that childhood curiosity transformed into a professional passion. Being thrown into the deep end of the world of bees, I jumped right in and haven’t looked back. 

Through the opportunity of working alongside amazing beekeepers, I’ve learned that bees simply defy the recipe – each hive is unique, presenting its own surprises (and challenges).  Being entrusted to manage the DPIRD apiary has been an exceptional experience, and the satisfaction from keeping them alive and producing throughout the year has been a highlight. Now, as part of the National Bee Pest Surveillance program here in WA, I’m committed to supporting our state’s beekeepers, especially in the face of the Varroa threat.

Varroa Development Officer

Shannon brings 8 years of experience in honey bee research, specialising in the immune responses bees use to combat disease. While working in the University’s apiary, she quickly developed a passion for beekeeping. 

Driven by an interest in honey bee immunity, Shannon worked with Better Bees WA’s queen breeders for three years, conducting hygienic behaviour testing to establish a baseline of disease resistance for Plan Bee: The National Honeybee Genetic Improvement Program. 

Now, as a Varroa Development Officer, Shannon is excited to apply her expertise in disease management and bee breeding to support Western Australian beekeepers in addressing Varroa mite challenge

Varroa Development Officer

Over ten years ago, a few thousand bees decided to take up residence in my yard. From that chance meeting my beekeeping learning began with me absorbing all I could, especially from established beekeepers.  Writing the required council management plan gave me a lot of respect for the responsibilities ahead and with the help of a mentor I gained the confidence needed to stand in front of tens of thousands of bees and get stung before making the financial commitment.  

Fast forward a few years and I’ve now completed by Certificate 3 in Beekeeping, am the WAAS Committee Bee Buddy Coordinator and part of the training team.  I regular volunteer throughout the sector and love running workshops for new and experienced keepers on topics from frame building to crafting wax and body products.  

The mentoring I received early in my beekeeping journey was invaluable, and I love the opportunity I have these days to pay that forward.  

 Like you, I enjoy the pure clean environment here in WA and am committed to supporting us all being proactive with our Varroa preparedness.  

Varroa Development Officer

With two decades of experience as a primary producer, my passion for bees and their health runs deep. I actively seek new opportunities to share knowledge through the delivery of educational workshops and presentations at schools, public events, and farm field days, while also valuing opportunities to learn from others.

My commitment extends beyond my own hives. I actively engage with a diverse community of beekeepers through my role as a trainer and presenter with the WA Apiarists’ Society. This involvement allows me to connect with fellow enthusiasts and contribute to the broader conversation about bee health and sustainable practices.

In 2022, I contributed to the Varroa Eradication Program, which provided valuable insights into pests not present in our beautiful state. This experience reinforced my belief in WA’s fortunate position regarding exotic bee pests and diseases, highlighting the critical need for responsible bee management. I advocate for every hive in WA to serve as a sentinel hive.

I remain optimistic about WA's ability to maintain our ‘clean’ honey status, and I see the T2M workshops as a significant step towards achieving this goal.