Newsletter – May 2025
Celebrating Don Muir’s Dedication to BQUAL
From his early beekeeping days pollinating fruit trees to his pivotal roles, including Co-Managing Director, Don’s journey has significantly shaped our organization.
In a special blog Q&A, Don shares his insights on the importance of quality assurance, the challenges of industry awareness, and his proudest achievements, such as the groundbreaking Australian Honey Library database and the innovative hive records app.
He also reflects on the steadfast BQUAL members and offers crucial advice for navigating future challenges like Varroa.
Don’s passion and foresight have been instrumental in BQUAL’s growth. To read his inspiring story and learn from his extensive experience, we invite you to explore the full interview on our blog. Join us in celebrating Don’s remarkable contributions to the BQUAL community.
Latest articles
Sustainable Beekeeping Practices: A Guide for Ethical Apiculture
The world is waking up to just how important our pollinators are—but how we care for them matters more than ever.
Whether you’re a seasoned beekeeper or just starting out, there’s a growing movement toward a more mindful, impactful way of working with bees.
We’ve put together a fresh, thoughtful guide that explores how your approach can support not just healthy hives, but thriving ecosystems. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing better.
The future of beekeeping is changing, and your role in it matters. Let’s build a more sustainable, ethical path forward—together.
The Declining Bee Population in Australia
The health of Australia’s bee population is facing serious challenges, and beekeepers are feeling the impact.
Without immediate action, the future of pollination, honey production, and biodiversity could be at risk. But there’s still time to make a difference.
We’ve put together an important update on the current state of Australia’s bees, the growing threats they face, and the crucial steps that beekeepers and bee enthusiasts can take to help protect them.
Every small action adds up. Whether you’re a beekeeper, gardener, or simply someone who values nature, your involvement can help secure the future of these essential pollinators.
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.
News from around the industry
Rethinking Varroa: Towards Sustainable Solutions
The current consensus in beekeeping is shifting away from synthetic miticides for Varroa control. Their diminishing effectiveness and increasing deregulation signal a need for wiser approaches. Experts highlight that these chemicals offer only short-term relief to a persistent problem.
The challenge is twofold: no miticide eliminates all mites, and ultimately, breeding for mite-resistant bees offers the most sustainable solution, as advocated by experienced beekeepers.
So, what’s the way forward? Nature provides answers. We can emulate the natural defenses of wild honey bees by promoting swarming, inducing brood breaks, and regularly removing drone brood. Proven natural miticides like organic acids and essential oils also offer effective alternatives.
To learn more about the science and practical application of these sustainable Varroa control methods there is a great blog about this on the Canberra Region Beekeepers website.
– Credit Canberra Region Beekeepers
Australian growers expect to benefit from US tariffs as Trump’s trade war angers markets
New trade opportunities are emerging for some Australian agricultural industries, following US President Donald Trump’s wide-ranging tariff announcement on Thursday.
Australian exports to the US will be subject to a 10 per cent tariff, as part of the Trump administration’s sweeping changes to US trade policy.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vowed to use “dispute resolution” powers if necessary, while Opposition Leader Peter Dutton suggested he would be willing to use defence and security as bargaining chips in negotiations. Australian products have avoided the much higher “reciprocal tariffs” applied to the US’s major trading partners. As a result, some Australian agricultural markets are celebrating an unexpected silver lining from the Trump tariff announcements.
– Credit ABC News
Memberships
Just a reminder to B-Trace members that it is a requirement to conduct audits annually. It is simple to complete and forward the fillable form, signed declaration and other documentation through to SFA. Once completed and compliance has been demonstrated with the B-Trace requirements the B-Trace certificate will be issued.
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.
