The newly formed Australian Native Bee Association Inc. (ANBA) aims to build a dynamic member-based organisation dedicated to protecting all native bees (not only stingless bees), protecting our members and providing great learning resources and social experiences. The aim is not to impose rules or restrict activities, but to provide a nurturing environment in which we can all learn from each other, while respecting differences, and in the process protect and utilize this precious natural resource.

The Objectives of the Australian Native Bee Association are:-

(a)   To promote, and protect the interests of its members (professional and amateur keepers of native bees)

(b)   To support the protection and conservation of Australian native bees in the wild

(c)   To represent industry policy at all levels of Government, private enterprise and the public

(d)   To support the development of pollination services, honey production, trade in native bee husbandry products, educational services and other relevant activities

(e)   To disseminate information of interest and relevance to its members

(f)    To conduct and encourage research

(g)   To establish, authorise and support branches in areas where there is interest

(h)   To secure business concessions and services for members.

(i)     Engage with indigenous communities and interests for mutual exchange of knowledge

The cost of joining the ANBA is $50 per annum for standard membership or $100 for industry membership. There is pro rata available.  The benefits of joining this association include:

• ·         Public Liability Insurance for meetings and field days,
• ·         Access to a website where newsletters and high quality information will be available for all members to view and share on other social media platforms,
• ·         Networking opportunities and a contact hub to connect beekeepers together to share experiences and information on bee diversity, people, climates, habitats, techniques and ideas,
• ·         A discount to the annual native bee conference.
• ·         A discount to workshops.

Individuals can join the ANBA here: https://australiannativebee.org.au/

The ANBA is registered to operate nationwide, but we encourage LOCAL BRANCHES to form. Upon joining the association, members choose to affiliate with a local branch or remain unaffiliated. Branches can raise and manage their own funds. Four branches (Brisbane, Rockhampton, Gladstone and Mid North Coast NSW) have already voted to form. Branches retain some autonomy but need to follow a few guidelines as stated under The Rules of the ANBA.  Some of these guidelines are:-

• ·         One or two local people need to prepare to form a branch. They should inform their intentions to the ANBA secretary, Trevor Weatherhead (0427 960735, sec@AustralianNativeBee.org.au).
• ·         The local organisers should plan a meeting of the potential branch and set a date and place. The local organisers should recruit two or more people to form the branch executive.
• ·         A meeting of the potential branch needs to be called with the aim of voting to form a branch and to elect an executive. The meeting should be advertised locally and widely through the ANBA.
• ·         There needs to be a minimum of five (5) financial members of ANBA present at the meeting
• ·         The organiser should put a motion to form a branch
• ·         The organiser should put a motion to elect the officers of the branch (Chairperson and Secretary/Treasurer or Secretary and Treasurer plus other officers as appropriate. The duties of the Branch Secretary include keeping proper books and accounts and preparing annual statements.)
• ·         At this meeting there needs to be a record kept of those in attendance, the mover and seconder of the motions and the results of the votes.
• ·         These details need to be forwarded to the Secretary of the ANBA.
• ·         The authorisation for setting up the Branch is carried out by the Management Committee.
• ·         Any Branch funds left over after paying all membership fees to the Secretary of the Association, is the property of the Branch concerned and shall be banked in the name of the Branch.
• ·         The Branch must meet at least three (3) times per year.
• ·         Branches need to adhere to the Objectives of the ANBA.
• ·         Branch meetings provide a forum to enlighten members of the Branch on aspects of Australian native bees.
• ·         The Branch is covered by the ANBA Public Liability policy provided it adheres to the Rules and any activities are authorised by the Branch.
• ·         The Branch is entitled to nominate a person to the Management Committee of the ANBA.

The Interim Management Committee (operating until the first AGM when all positions are up for election) is:-

·         Secretary: Trevor Weatherhead

·         President: Tim Heard

·         Vice President: vacant

·         Treasurer: Ann Ross

·         Communication officer: vacant

·         Membership Officer: Wayne Berry

·         Committee member: Jenny Shanks

·         Branch representative / Honey subcommittee: Dean Haley

If you are interested in forming a local branch, please contact Trevor Weatherhead (0427 960735, sec@AustralianNativeBee.org.au) or Tim Heard (0434 416053, pres@AustralianNativeBee.org.au).