History

The Northside Beekeepers Association Inc. (NBKA) commenced in July 1982 at the Petrie State School, Dayboro Road, Petrie. Its first President  Mr. T Edwinsmith of Ferny Grove presided over about 30 members at that time. As at December 2021 the Association’s membership has grown many times over to 400 members.

Much of the format and activities of the Club’s General Meetings, now held at the Pine Rivers Showgrounds, 757 Gympie Rd, Lawnton Qld, on the last Thursday of every month except December, has remained the same over the years which is testament to that great original NBKA committee.

Also, whilst the NBKA was originally established to cover European Honey Bees, the club now also supports members with Australian Native (Stingless) bees.

In 1983 the Club started displaying its apiculture and associated products to the public at the Royal EKKA and in June 1984 established its own Honey Court at the Redcliffe Agricultural Show. For over 35 years the NBKA club has been promoting and supporting European & Native Bees to the general public.

In more recent years the club has introduced new initiatives such as a Mentoring program and facilitated multiple regular fields days for beginners, annual Bio Security Days (Know your Bees’ Pest & Diseases), Practical Workshops and other events to support both new and existing members. The club has incorporated mentoring for all hive technologies including Flow Hives, Langstroth, Top Bar Hives, Native Hives, Plastic and Polystyrene.

Visitors and new members of all ages are always most welcome!