Michael (‘Mick’) Palmer started jackarooing in 1987. After attending agricultural college in the late 80s and early 90s, he has managed sheep and cattle most of his life. In 2018, he took on the role of managing Tasmanian Pollination Services, where he has since increased the number of hives from 50 to 6000 across three locations – Richmond, Plenty (honey extraction) and Cressy. Pollination is at the core of their business.

Join Mick’s talk to hear about how pollination works and why pollination is so critical, as well as some of the challenges faced by pollination apiaries in Tasmania. Mick will also share more about Tasmanian Pollination Services’ requeening program. Come along to learn from a highly experienced professional apiarist about what makes a good pollination hive and why autumn is so important for spring hive productivity.

Mick can be contacted on 0436 640 995 or at mick-palmer@taspollination.com.au

The Tasmanian Junior Beekeepers Association has been operating since 2017 and is currently Australia's only dedicated youth beekeeping organisation. A registered charity, Tasmanian Junior Beekeepers offers children aged 7-17 years free access to a special pollinator-to-plate program. This program delivers both hands-on skill development and a science-based approach to educating young beekeepers on bees and their environment. 

Join Founder and President, Anita Long, and young members of the Tasmanian Junior Beekeepers Association as they present an interactive and educational talk on the importance of bees and other pollinators in our environment and food systems. The group's presentation will include some fascinating displays and resources, including a virtual hive, Varroa mite specimens, microscopy of bee anatomy, and local pollen. 

Come along and also hear about the Australian Youth Beekeeping Team’s experience at the International Meeting of Junior Beekeepers in Slovenia.

Tasmanian Junior Beekeeeprs are based in Richmond, Tasmania and can be found on Facebook or emailed at tasmanianjuniorbeekeepers@gmail.com

Bob Newton started beekeeping at the age of 15 and has been a recreational beekeeper ever since. Bob raises queens for sale as well as making honey.

Join Bob’s talk to learn about the first steps you should take when starting out with bees, including what diseases to be aware of. This talk is for anyone interested in starting beekeeping or for those with questions for an established and experienced beekeeper.

Bob is based at Dodges Ferry and can be reached on 0427 240 084 or at rnewton1952@yahoo.com

Biosecurity Tasmania, part of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, is responsible for leading the biosecurity effort in Tasmania. They work in partnership with other government agencies, the community, and industry to protect our primary industries, the environment, and unique way of life, from the negative impacts of pests, weeds and diseases.
A key focus of Biosecurity Tasmania’s efforts is bee biosecurity, crucial for maintaining the health of Tasmania’s vital pollinator populations and ensuring the sustainability of its pollination-dependent industries.
Join this talk to learn more about how to monitor and protect your hive from key pests, such as the Varroa mite.

Jenni McLeod, a beekeeper whose passion extends beyond the honeycombs, is sure to wow Festival-goers. Jenni’s experience in community development and advocacy has shaped her mission to advocate for pollinators in urban and peri-urban areas as well as introduce women into a traditionally male-led industry. With a strong focus on making the invisible visible, Jenni’s talk promises to inspire attendees to take action in support of these vital creatures.

Tasman Honey is a family run business operating for the last few years selling pure, natural honey from the pristine Tasman Peninsula. Ian will provide information about the varieties of honey available and how the honey is flavoured.

Born and bred in Tasmania, Tino’s lifelong interest in plants and gardening stems from growing up on his family’s small vineyard and olive grove. He studied landscape design at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and has an Associate Diploma in horticulture. Tino was a presenter on ABC Gardening Australia for 15 years before his family and farm beckoned him to the Tasman Peninsula.