Lindsay Callaway
Hi members,
For this month’s President’s Report, I thought I would do something a little different and introduce you to the nine people who make up your VAA Board.
It’s a diverse group, bringing together commercial and recreational beekeepers, science and research, education, biosecurity, business, governance and industry experience from across Victoria. Between them, our Board members are connected with local branches and clubs, government, research organisations and industry bodies across Australia.
Most importantly, these are nine people who volunteer their time and bring their different skills, experiences and perspectives to the table for one reason: to work for Victorian beekeepers and help strengthen our industry and community.
So rather than another report from me this month, I’d like to introduce you to the people behind the VAA Board.
Andrew Wootton | Vice President | Melbourne
Andrew started beekeeping helping his father tend three hives in southwest London, eventually becoming his school’s beekeeper by default. Now managing hives in Melbourne and raising queens, he has served on the VAA Board for three years, including two years as Vice President. He is deeply committed to biosecurity, with involvement in the State Quarantine Response Team (SQRT), the Victorian Bee Biosecurity Working Group, and the National Varroa Management Training Workshops. His latest initiative, the HiveMeet live streaming series, aims to strengthen the Victorian beekeeping community’s preparedness for varroa. Andrew is also a Certified Master Beekeeper through the US-based Eastern Apiculture Society.
Mark Bichan | Mount Macedon
After more than 20 years of service across the New Zealand and Australian Defence Forces, Mark never imagined beekeeping would become such an important part of my life.
“After being diagnosed with PTSD, it was my family, together with the humble honeybee, that helped me rediscover purpose. I owe them both a debt I’ll never fully repay.”
He to contributes through his background in government, policy, strategic planning and governance, along with a willingness to roll up his sleeves and help wherever needed.
He joined the VAA Board to support Victorian beekeepers as we respond to varroa and the challenges ahead, and looks forward to meeting more members, learning from your experiences, and helping grow our beekeeping community.
Richard Collins | Bendigo
Richard is a third-generation apiarist and the director of Collins Honey in Bendigo, where he grew up surrounded by bees and the challenges of running a family business. Over the years, he has focused on innovation, sustainability and connecting directly with their customers, while building strong relationships with other local producers. As a member of the VAA Board, Richard is keen to contribute to a stronger, more united voice for our industry, support practical policy change, and encourage the next generation of beekeepers. He co-led the planning committee for the VAA’s 2025 record-breaking showing at the 2025 Melbourne Royal Show as well as the sponsorship campaign for the 2026 conference. He brings hands-on experience, a fresh outlook and a strong commitment to the future of Victorian beekeeping. This will be Richard’s second term on the VAA Board.
Olivia Ducommon-Dit-Verron | Melbourne
Olivia is a PhD candidate in the Agricultural Bio-Solutions Lab at La Trobe University, researching vaccine strategies and transgenerational immune priming in honey bees. Her goal is to develop a sustainable, single-dose vaccine against bacterial pathogens that fits seamlessly into current hive management. Olivia manages hives both for her research and at home and enjoys being hands-on in the field and lab. She is passionate about combining science and practice, using research to equip beekeepers with practical tools and knowledge. By bridging research and real-world application, she seeks to drive industry innovation, leveraging her scientific expertise and fresh ideas. In the past year, Olivia held the VAA’s non-voting position with AHBIC and has taken leadership roles on the 2026 conference planning committee and the VAA’s Education Subcommittee, particularly in the area of education programming and social media communications.
Millie Enbom-Goad | Dunnstown (Ballarat)
A third-generation commercial beekeeper based on a farm in central Victoria, Millie has been keeping bees since age 15 and holds a science degree in Environmental Resource Management. She practises law in her spare time and is a passionate advocate for sustainable forest and land management. Her industry roles include president of the Central Victorian Apiarists’ Association (CVAA) and member of the AgriFutures Honeybee and Pollination Advisory Panel and the Young Farmers Advisory Council. She is a past member of the VAA’s Resources Subcommittee. A recent graduate of the Rural Women’s Leadership Course, Millie is committed to building a resilient, evidence-based and environmentally conscious beekeeping industry in Victoria. This will be Millie’s second year on the VAA Board.
Stafford Kelly | Lockwood South (Bendigo)
Stafford Kelly grew up on a family farm in Inglewood where beekeeping was part of daily life. After completing a carpentry apprenticeship in Bendigo, he joined the Australian Army in 1981, serving across Australia and overseas until retiring in 2017. His military career spanned senior roles in education, training, personnel management, and operational planning. Returning to Bendigo, Stafford resumed beekeeping and has worked in a commercial apiary for nine years. He is currently chairperson of the VAA Bendigo Branch and its Board representative and serves on the Bendigo RSL Sub-Branch Board. He is passionate about education, peer inclusion, and building industry resilience.
Monré Meyer | Melbourne
Based in Melbourne, Monré Meyer is a commercial beekeeper and co-founder of Pure Pollination, operating several hundred hives across Victoria and New South Wales. With a background in engineering leadership and risk management, he brings a systems-driven approach to hive health, pollination efficiency, biosecurity and operational excellence. Through Pure Pollination, Monré supports industry collaboration, education and the next generation of beekeepers, while also offering consulting services to recreational and beginner beekeepers. His work focuses on improving pollination outcomes, strengthening biosecurity, and raising awareness of honeybees’ critical role in Australian food security and agricultural productivity.
Tony Wilsmore | Melbourne
Tony Wilsmore runs Suburban Bees, a small beekeeping business in Moonee Valley focused on honey, nucleus colonies, training, and advice, with a commitment to local, suburban and sustainable practice. Before beekeeping, he held senior roles in health and community services management and major infrastructure projects. Tony served as a Varroa Development Officer with AgVic and trainer for the National Varroa Mite Management Program. He is lead trainer and biosecurity officer for the Moonee Valley Beekeepers Club, a committee member of the VAA Melbourne Section, a member of the VAA Education Committee, and this will be Tony’s second year as a VAA Board member. Tony has also been a key organiser of the VAA’s education program at the Melbourne Royal Show.