If you are interested in beekeeping it is highly likely that you have already done some research into what it is, and what you need to do. Joining a club is a great way to gain insight and knowledge to aid you on your beekeeping journey. There is a few things you need to know before you can obtain bees yourself and set up a hive however, you can join the club whenever you like.
Macarthur Beekeepers Association Incorporated (MBAi) is affiliated with the Australian Amateur Beekeepers Association (ABA) and uses their membership system for club membership. To join the MBAi follow this link: https://www.beekeepers.asn.au/index.cfm?display=3151346
PLEASE NOTE: The membership period finishes June 30, then you'll need to renew. If you are a new member wanting to join close to May, consider holding off until July.
Fees associated with joining the club:
$25 yearly Macarthur Beekeepers (MBAi) membership fee.
$20 yearly Amateur Beekeepers Australia (ABA) membership fee - NB It is necessary to join the ABA in order to join Macarthur Beekeepers.
$25 optional Public and Products Liability insurance 1 to 100 hives - optional, cover from July 1st to June 30.
Insurance is optional but recommended. Information on the insurance can be found here: https://business-insurance.aon.com.au/aon-partners/aba)
In NSW, you'll need to register as a beekeeper with NSW Department of Primary Industries to keep honey bees. This can be done via the Byte Portal: https://www.bfs.dpi.nsw.gov.au. You'll need to need to create a login if you haven't registered with the system before. Once you're done this you can login and click "Apply Now" for Beekeeper registration. You can register via mail if you wish. More information can be found here: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/bees/beekeeper-registration
Fees associated with registering with the NSW DPI as an amateur beekeeper. Registration is for two years from application being accepted:
Online - $54 for two years for recreational registration if applied for online. $36 for concession registration.
Manual - $60 for two years for recreational registration if applied for email/mail. $40 for concession registration.
Get in contact with our Membership Officer: macarthur.membership@beekeepers.asn.au or message us via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/macbeekeepers.