A Heartfelt Thank You to Don: Reflecting on Years of Dedication to BQUAL

In this special blog post, we’re privileged to share a candid Q&A session with Don, exploring his background in beekeeping, his initial involvement with BQUAL, the pivotal roles he held, and the significant challenges and triumphs he witnessed.

From his early days tending hives amidst plum and apple blossoms to his leadership in groundbreaking projects like the Australian Honey Library database and the innovative hive records app, Don’s journey is a testament to passion and foresight.

Join us as we explore Don’s reflections on the importance of quality assurance, the evolution of BQUAL, and the ongoing challenges facing the Australian beekeeping industry, particularly the ever-present threat of Varroa.

His wisdom and dedication shine through as he shares his proudest achievements, acknowledges the steadfast BQUAL members, and offers invaluable advice for the future.

This is a unique opportunity to gain insight from a true advocate for quality and progress within our beekeeping community.

Thank you, Don, for your remarkable service.

I had the great privilege of talking with Don about his career, experiences and time with BQUAL, here’s a record of our conversation, so now, let’s hear from Don himself…

Q – What is your background in relation to beekeeping?  

Moving into a new property returning to Melbourne after many years away. I had a number of plum and apple tress to pollinate and had harboured some thought s for some time about getting involved in beekeeping. I started beekeeping on a small scale in 2007, with 2 hives and built to 21 over next 3 or 4 years. I was happy to keep to this figure as I still had some business commitments and limited in time.

Q – How did you first find out about BQUAL, and when was this? 

As a committee member and then President of a large bee club in Melbourne I was aware of BQUAL and the work it did.

Q – How did you first start getting involved with BQUAL, and when? 

While arranging a Melbourne bee club field trip to Tasmania I had a number of phone calls with Lindsay Bourke a large commercial beekeeper in Tasmania and also on a number of industry committees, who was at that time Chairman of AHBIC and on the BQUAL board. We got on well on the phone so when we got to Tasmania we found we had a good rapport and spent some time together over the 3 day trip. During that time Lindsay spoke about BQUAL and perhaps then laid the seed in my mind I could do something for the industry on a higher level than just my club.  About 2 months or so later I got a call from Lindsay saying a board position was available and would I like to apply. It turned out that BQUAL had two applications  so we attended the next board meeting with resumes and both of the new applications where accepted. As fate would have it the other application was from Paul Costa who he and I have worked closely with ever since joining the board in 2015. 

Q – What official roles did you hold at BQUAL?  

Board member and along with Paul we were both appointed Co Managing Directors in I think it was 2021. I also took on a couple of special projects with the opportunity to work closely with Sharon and Liz from the UWA in establishing standards, and operating procedures for management of the honey library and testing for the project; as well as the development and introduction of the hive management app. Those couple of years I enjoyed so much and learnt so much from Sharon and Liz, and now they are on the BQUAL board is such a great benefit, not only to BQUAL but the industry generally.

Q – What do you think your major challenge was during your time working with BQUAL?  

From the first board meeting it was evident to me and Paul, that we needed to suggest corporate changes to place BQUAl in a more stable financial setting and incorporate a business plan to ensure long term planning to increase membership, income and improve operating procedures.

I am pleased to say that BQUAL is now financially stable and in a position now to put back into the industry by supporting through sponsorships various state and industry groups.

Making industry aware of the importance of QA and food handling and particularly record keeping. Also to educate members that BQUAL is amongst the cheapest industry audit fees in Australia.

Q – What do you think your major contribution was? 

Most of what was completed during my time was a team effort but I am particularly proud that we were able to receive a Federal Government grant to establish regimes for testing and recording results to establish a honey Library data base of Australian Honey which has become a major industry asset. But with a great team and the introduction to people like Professor Sharon Purchase and Dr Liz Barbour whom I am proud to say are now BQUAL directors we were able to with Sharon develop our hive records app. And we are now involved in a project with Liz developing speech to text record keeping. This should be a great asset to the industry, not being rude but beekeepers are great at talking pretty ordinary at writing up records, so being able to just talk to keep your records will be a winner. Another achievement -+that still needs work in increasing members is B-TRACE the on line audit system for smaller enterprises up to 350 hives. This will have the ability to promote better record keeping, and biosecurity into the small and recreational industry, a fast growing and large market with nearly 40,000 registered beekeepers in Australia.

Q – Do you have any stories or anecdotes you’d like to share? 

Not so much stories or anecdotes as you know member privacy is the mainstay of BQUAL. But It would appropriate to mention and acknowledge those many members of BQUAL who have been in the program for many years some from the very beginning, they really are the backbone of the organisation.

Q – What challenges do you think remain for BQUAL moving forward? 

The biggest threat facing the industry is Varroa so BQUAL must keep promoting record keeping and maintain and updating standards of hive management for cost effective hive management. So it is now more important than ever that BQUAL work to encourage beekeepers joining the programs and working with all stakeholders to manage varroa as best we can. It is going to be hard for a few years so we must work with members and understand their concerns and develop programs around our findings that will assist members not give them more paperwork.

Q – What advice (if any) would you give to BQUAL moving forward?  

Simply, as in all busineses, do not forget to talk to members and be aware of their needs and requirements, listen to them and supply their needs, we work for our members.

Q – What comes next for you?  

Old age and as I have had to divest myself of my last hives hopefully easy retirement. But you never know I may get the occasional phone call from BQUAL and ask me to do some specific project.

Through Don’s thoughtful responses, we gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication and hard work that has underpinned BQUAL’s success and its positive impact on the Australian beekeeping landscape.

His insights into the challenges faced, the triumphs celebrated, and the crucial importance of community engagement offer valuable guidance as we move forward. Don’s unwavering commitment to quality and his forward-thinking approach have left an indelible mark on BQUAL and the wider industry.

As Don embarks on a well-deserved retirement, we extend our sincerest wishes for a peaceful and fulfilling new chapter. His contributions will long be remembered, and the seeds of progress he helped sow will continue to blossom within BQUAL for years to come.

Thank you once again, Don, for your exceptional service and enduring legacy.

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