Our workshops
Secret Life of Bees: Open Hive Experience Workshop (2hrs)
The Secret Life of Bees: Open Hive Experience is a curated two hour Workshop held at one of our urban apiary sites. It is an opportunity to fulfil any lifelong curiosity you have for these fascinating insects and get up close and personal. Regarded as the most selfless and industrious creatures in the insect world, you will be guided through the machinations of the hive by local beekeepers Amanda and Scott. Enjoy a honey and mead tasting and take home a bee-centric gift bag.
No beekeeping experience necessary. Full protective equipment supplied.
$55.00 per person
Introduction to Beekeeping Course (4hrs)
A four hour theory and practical course which includes hands on practice with two hive openings and how to light a smoker. Join local Ballarat Beekeepers Amanda Collins and Scott Denno for this 4 hour Introduction to Beekeeping Course. Amanda and Scott have been keeping bees for the past 8 years in both urban and rural settings for honey production and agricultural pollination services. Scott holds a Certificate Three in Beekeeping from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Certificate Four in Training and Assessment.
No beekeeping experience required.
$130.00 per person
Advanced Beekeeping Course (6hrs) – Sold out for this season
A six hour beekeeping course including theory and practice in advanced beekeeping techniques which will accelerate your skills in beekeeping. This two part course offers with two or more years of beekeeping experience or graduates of an Introduction to Beekeeping Course, the opportunity to accelerate their learning of advanced beekeeping theory and practice.
$150.00 per person
About us
Backyard Beekeeping Ballarat was established in 2015 by local Beekeepers Scott Denno and Amanda Collins. They manage both backyard beehives and a small number of migratory hives throughout Central Victoria. Scott and Amanda are both registered beekeepers, members of the Victoria Apiarists’ Association and foundation members of Ballarat Regional Beekeepers Inc.
The Accidental Beekeepers
Scott and Amanda became ‘accidental beekeepers’ when they were unexpectedly gifted a hive from a friend in 2013. This lonely hive sat in their back paddock among the sheep while they frantically researched about how to care for the colony. Since then they have both undertaken formal training in beekeeping and biosecurity and are qualified Emergency Beehive Surveillance Apiarists with the Victorian State Quarantine Response Team (SQRT).
Scott Denno
Scott is a foundation member, past President and Biosecurity Officer for Ballarat Regional Beekeepers Inc. and when not involved in Club activities was the Steering Committee Chair of the successful Victorian Beekeeping Clubs Conference 2018 in Ballarat.
Scott takes an active role in Geelong Beekeeping Club where he is also a member and is often involved in mentoring beginner beekeepers in ‘Beginners Corner’. Scott is also a member of the Central Victorian Beekeeping Association (CVAA).
Amanda Collins
Like Scott, Amanda is a member of the State Quarantine Response Team (SQRT) with Agriculture Victoria and is a foundation member, past President and Committee member of Ballarat Regional Beekeepers Inc. Amanda is passionate about promoting women in beekeeping and is a member of the Victorian Rural Women’s Network and Australian Women in Agriculture (AWIA).
Amanda was instrumental in the success of the Inaugural Victorian Beekeeping Clubs Conference, is a member of the Victorian Apiarists Association (VAA), donor to Australian Honeybee Industry Council, member of Geelong Beekeeping Club and a member of Ballarat Permaculture Guild.