Newsletter – November 2026
Welcome
Welcome to the latest edition of the BQUAL newsletter, bringing you practical information, industry developments and topics relevant to Australian beekeepers.
In this edition, we take a practical look at some of the challenges that can arise in the apiary with “Troubleshooting Common Beekeeping Problems: A Practical Guide”. From identifying potential issues to taking a systematic approach to solving them, the article provides useful guidance for maintaining healthy and productive colonies.
We also explore sustainability in “Circular Apiaries: Sustainable Practices for Reusing Wax, Timber, and Plastic Equipment”, looking at ways beekeepers can make better use of materials and reduce waste across their operations.
Alongside our latest articles, this edition of the BQUAL newsletter includes news from across the Australian beekeeping industry, covering developments in biosecurity, Varroa, pollination and the challenges currently facing beekeepers.
We hope you find this month’s edition informative and useful for your own beekeeping operation.
Update about audits
Recently the Bqual Board made the decision to go back to performing yearly / biyearly site audits from now on.
Latest articles
Troubleshooting Common Beekeeping Problems: A Practical Guide
Even experienced beekeepers know that a colony can change quickly.
A hive that appeared strong at the last inspection can suddenly show signs that something isn’t quite right. Knowing where to look, what to record and when to intervene can make a significant difference, particularly when managing multiple colonies or running a commercial operation.
Our latest blog, “Troubleshooting Common Beekeeping Problems: A Practical Guide”, looks at some of the challenges that can catch even experienced beekeepers off guard, with a focus on practical observation and sound hive management.
It also considers an increasingly valuable aspect of hive-product management: propolis harvesting.
If you want to sharpen your approach to identifying problems before they become bigger issues, this is worth a read.
Circular Apiaries: Sustainable Practices for Reusing Wax, Timber, and Plastic Equipment
In a commercial apiary, every piece of equipment represents an investment. So when materials reach the end of one working cycle, the question shouldn’t always be, “How do we dispose of this?”
It should be: “Can we get more value from it?”
Our latest blog looks at the growing idea of circular apiaries and what it could mean for serious and commercial beekeepers in Australia.
It is a practical look at making better use of the resources already moving through an apiary, while considering both environmental responsibility and the realities of running an efficient operation.
Sustainability doesn’t have to mean adding another complicated process to your operation. Sometimes, it starts with looking differently at what you already have.
NEWS
Local bee losses alarming
Bee and hive losses are being reported across Victoria’s Mount Alexander Shire, with some beekeepers experiencing substantial colony losses. While Varroa is suspected in many cases, not every loss has been conclusively attributed to the mite.
The article highlights the experience of local beekeepers adapting to the realities of Varroa, including the importance of regular testing and monitoring. One professional beekeeper reported losing around 90 per cent of his bees.
For beekeepers, the message is particularly relevant as Australia moves further into a period of managing Varroa rather than attempting to eradicate it. Monitoring, appropriate treatment and understanding whether treatments are actually working are becoming increasingly important parts of routine hive management.
Beekeeping across Central Victoria is changing
With Varroa now established in Victoria, local beekeepers are adapting to a pest that Australian honey bees have not previously had to manage. Regular monitoring is becoming another essential part of maintaining healthy colonies.
The article focuses on the value of knowledge-sharing between beekeepers, particularly through local clubs and associations. Experienced beekeepers are adapting their practices while helping newer operators understand the changing requirements.
For the wider industry, it is a reminder that managing Varroa is not simply about individual hives. Communication, education and sharing practical experience will all play a role as Australian beekeepers adjust to a very different operating environment.
– Times News Group
The BQUAL App
The Bqual App has been specifically developed to assist Beekeepers in moving away from paper records and to assist the Bqual Auditors (Safe Food Australia, SFA) when performing the yearly/biannual Audits by enabling them to view a beekeeper’s records for compliance before an upcoming Audit.
Watch the YouTube video on how to implement the Bqual App into your Business
Our commitment to our members
At Bqual, we understand the trust you place in us, and we want to assure you that safeguarding your confidential data is our absolute priority. Board Directors do not have open access – the truth is, only our Managing Director holds the key to any sensitive information, ensuring a tightly controlled and secure environment for your peace of mind.
Our Bqual Board isn’t just made up of beekeepers; it’s enriched by professionals from other industries, bringing fresh ideas and proven skills that can truly benefit our community. We value your unique insights, and our structure is designed to support your growth without the worry of internal competition or information being used for unintended gain. For the past seven years, a testament to our commitment, there has never been a breach of your trust.
We know cost is a consideration, and that’s why Bqual stands as the most affordable quality assurance program available. We’re constantly evolving, introducing digital audits to save you precious time and money.
Quality assurance isn’t just a tick-box; it’s your powerful statement to buyers and consumers about your dedication to producing safe, high-quality honey – a commitment that builds lasting trust and strengthens your business in the long run.
Minimising RISK with Fair Work and WorkSafe Claims against your Business
Every business in the country reports to at least 3 regulatory authorities:
- The ATO.
- Fair Work and
- WorkSafe.
The ATO is the easy one. The Accountant puts it in place and we follow the bouncing ball.
Fairwork and WorkSafe are the hard ones. With contains changes, the requirement for Policy, Process and Proof, it represents SUBSTANTIAL RISK for Business Owners.
If you would not dream of having an Accountant when these two regulatory authorities are the hard one, it is important to GET SUPPORT!!
Getting support
Considering the ever-changing HR and OH&S landscapes, it is important for Business Owners and Operators to stay ahead of the curve and understand the impact of legislative changes upon their business. It is also a statutory obligation for all businesses to have a compliant OH&S system.
It is our intention to both proactively and strategically protect the business owners and operators regarding HR and OH&S. It is important for us to assist our members in having the relevant Policy, Process and Proof to facilitate this.
That is why we work with you 24/7/365. It is also our intention that these systems assist with enhancing the return on investment form your labour fixed costs, which I personally feel more than covers the cost for this compliance.
We are here to take work off your table and provide you with the peace of mind and confidence that you are supported and protected as both a business and an individual.
We provide peace-of-mind and confidence.
Peninsula is “NOT” a Government organisation. We are a proudly independent company helping Business Owners proactively and strategically protect their businesses regarding HR and OH&S.
Let us take the load.
Peninsula will work with you to navigate and manage confusing workplace requirements. We are here to support YOU.
How does it work?
By advising, assisting and supplying robust Policy, Process and Proof, (record keeping systems).
We take a huge administrative component from your business. By customising and providing employment documentation including contracts, employee handbooks, employee letters and correspondence, performance management and disciplinary materials and a variety of other bespoke materials.
By providing 24/7 advice and support in relation to FairWork and Work Safe legislation, compliance, managing employment relations matters and holding difficult conversations. In fact, anything to do with Employment Relations and Work Health and Safety.
Providing access to our Award-Winning Legal Partner for legal representation.
Safeguarding our clients against the financial costs of workplace claims. This is subject to the terms and conditions of the attached PDS.
PLUS our BrightSafe and BrightHR Software Solutions, which can help you get on top of Work Health and Safety compliance, rostering, leave management, expense management and document management.
Additional resources for review
Please take a moment to view this short video clip.
Please also click on the following link for Trustpilot reviews. We have an excellent 4.8 stars out of five across over 1800 reviews.
https://au.trustpilot.com/review/employsure.com.au
With over 31,000 clients just like you, Peninsula is a brand you can trust at a price you can afford.
Get in touch for details and to sign up
Office: Phone: 07 4994 9820
B-QUAL email: admin@bqual.com.au
B-TRACE email: admin@btrace.com.au
Join B-TRACE QA and Food Safety Program
“Accurate record-keeping is the backbone of a successful food safety program.”
Food safety is crucial for maintaining health standards and ensuring that food doesn’t cause harm to consumers. One vital aspect that everyone involved in food production, from farmers, food manufacturers, and beekeepers must focus on is strict record keeping. Joining the B-TRACE QA and Food Safety Program is one way to help achieve this goal and enhance food safety practices by using the B-TRACE hive management app.
The B-TRACE program encourages small and medium enterprise beekeeping operators to put reliable, systematic practices in place to ensure that all aspects of food safety are handled correctly.
What is B-TRACE?
B-TRACE could stand for “Building Traceability Assurance for Compliance and Excellence.” The program is designed to equip beekeepers with the tools and knowledge they need to ensure food safety from apiary to consumer.
The primary aim of B-TRACE is to enable operators to track and monitor every aspect of honey production. This includes gathering, processing, packaging, and distribution. Keeping accurate records allows businesses to pinpoint any problematic areas before they lead to significant issues.
Why Join B-TRACE?
There are several reasons why being a part of the B-TRACE QA and Food Safety Program is beneficial:
1. Enhanced Safety Standards:
By joining B-TRACE, you align your practices with industry standards that emphasize food safety and quality.
2. Improved Traceability:
With the use of the B-TRACE hive management app, you can easily trace products. This is critical in the event of a food recall.
3. Better Consumer Confidence:
When customers know that a company is dedicated to safety, they are more likely to trust its products.
4. Regulatory Compliance:
Participating in B-TRACE helps ensure that your organization meets all industry standards and requirements for food safety and record keeping.
Statistics show that businesses with strong record-keeping are less likely to experience safety violations. Keeping accurate records allows companies to identify trends and improve their safety protocols effectively. As part of B-TRACE, you will have access to templates and software designed to simplify this process.
Benefits of Effective Record Keeping
1. Liability Protection:
In case of illness reports or food recalls, having excellent records can protect your business legally.
2. Operational Efficiency:
When everything is documented, it becomes easier and quicker to find crucial information, thereby allowing for better decision-making.
3. Employee Training:
Records provide a history of incidents and safety measures. They are valuable tools for training employees on food safety practices.
4. Quality Control:
Systematic record keeping can help identify areas for quality improvement.
Make the move now contact BTRACE via www.btrace.com.au or phone 07 4994 9820
Notices
B-TRACE Audits
If you have not yet submitted your online audit for the current year, please do so to keep your accreditation up to date.
The online audit form is available in the member section of the B-TRACE website or alternatively, contact admin@btrace.com.au and we will email one to you.
Once completed email back to the office.
Allow 5-7 days for audit review and issue of the accreditation certificate.
B-QUAL and/or B-TRACE logos
Pre-printed logo labels are available from the office.
B-TRACE 30mm lid labels full colour
$26.50/1000 (plus GST and postage)
B-QUAL 12mm jar labels full colour
$ 22.50/1000 (plus GST and postage)
If you are printing your own labels high Res’ artwork is available free of charge.
B-QUAL Self Assessments
If you have purchased your Approved Supplier Manual but have not yet submitted the self-assessments, you cannot proceed with further certification until self-assessments are submitted.
The assessments are in the first section of the manual. Complete both assessments and send to admin@bqual.com.au for review and certificate issue.
If you have any queries about assessments contact admin@bqual.com.au for further assistance.
Members section of websites
To access the member section of the B-QUAL and B-TRACE websites you need to create an account.
To do this email the office requesting an account for either website.
Once the account is set you will receive an email requesting to log in and change the initial password. Remember that you must have a separate account for the members section, your app or other passwords will not work.
Our Sponsors
We acknowledge and thank Steritech and the CMV Group for their valuable ongoing support of B-QUAL and B-TRACE which assists us to continue to participate in research and industry development works which we see as important to our industry.
Please support those who support us.
Contact details
General enquiries for B-QUAL & B-TRACE:
Office: All enquiries. Phone: 07 4994 9820
B-QUAL email: admin@bqual.com.au
B-TRACE email: admin@btrace.com.au
Newsletter disclaimer
Material and information published in the B-QUAL newsletter is produced for general information only. Although published in good faith, the company and/or any officer of the company will not be liable for any loss suffered by any person for action taken on the basis of such information.
