The Australasian Beekeeper

The Wheen Foundation Website is now up and running, and reflects the establishment of the When Foundation, created as a result of a generous bequest from well-known honeybee identities, Gretchen and the late Frank Wheen.  Its broad purpose is to support research, development and training which will benefit beekeepers and pollination dependent industries. Go to www.wheenfoundation.org.au

The Wheen Foundation is a not-for-profit Public Company Limited by Guarantee.

The Foundation was officially launched on Saturday 12^th December 2009 during a seminar at University of Western Sydney on bee genetics and stock improvement. An AI course for beginners was conducted at the Wheen Foundation on the three days preceding the seminar,  followed by an Advanced AI course from 14^th to 16^th December at the Wheen Foundation. (Details of the Seminar will be found in the next issue of the ABK.)

The Wheen Foundation is located at the Richmond property of Gretchen Wheen. This comprises a beautiful 18 acre (7.2 ha) farm, fronting the Nepean River. It is well-known for its suitability for queen raising. Currently, there is a well-equipped AI laboratory and other facilities. In time, there will be small conference facilities and some limited accommodation to support the activities of the Foundation.

The Founding Directors and Members of the Foundation are: Max Whitten, Linton Briggs, Gretchen Wheen , Jodie Goldswarthy and Colin Powell. Additional Directors and members will be sought in time.

If you would like to learn more about the Wheen Foundation, or are interested in helping the Foundation achieve its objectives, please go to the website. Four Directors, Max, Linton, Gretchen and Jodie are well known in the industry.  Colin Powell has served as Gretchen’s accountant for many years.

The objects of the Foundation are purposely wide ranging. In brief, they are:

1. To advance scientific knowledge and research into bee keeping in Australia, including but not limited to the systematic breeding and researching into honey bees to genetically improve strains of honey bees for the benefit of the Australian Apicultural Industry and in the national interest of Australia generally.

2. To provide means for research and development of the bee keeping industry in Australia, including research into disease, parasites, other pests, predators and nuisances; and to promote entomological study and, by collaboration with other entities, to increase knowledge and develop remedies to prevent, eradicate or minimise endemic and/or exotic threats to the health and existence of honey bees.

3. To collaborate with other entities to foster investigation into the capacity for Australian Native Social Bees and European Honey Bees to effectively improve production of plants through pollination.

4. To facilitate improved methods of bee-keeping and promote better standards and practices.

5. To develop, advocate and promote alternative or new methods, practices and procedures to better regulate and protect beekeeping.

6. To promote the marketing and advertising of products and by-products

of beekeeping in Australia and elsewhere.

7. To provide means for the education, advancement, accommodation, training and support for bee-keepers and other persons, including researchers, teachers or operators in or associated with beekeeping.

8. To generally promote the betterment of bee-keeping in Australia.