Apiarist
Stuart Dench
Stuart Dench
A Decade of Dedication to Bees and Beyond
In the serene landscapes of Theresa Park, NSW, nestled in what locals affectionately call "God's Country," Stuart Dench has spent the last ten years cultivating not only his farm but also a profound passion for beekeeping. As a seasoned apiarist, Stuart's journey is one marked by continuous learning, a commitment to safety, and a love for sharing knowledge.
Stuart's fascination with the world of bees began a decade ago, and since then, he has dedicated himself to honing his skills and understanding the intricacies of beekeeping. His commitment extends beyond the boundaries of his farm, reaching out to fellow enthusiasts and aspiring apiarists, driven by the belief that knowledge is meant to be shared.
One of Stuart's notable accomplishments is his experience in managing bee diseases, handling swarms, and maintaining an apiary. His dedication was further underscored by his involvement with the Department of Primary Industries, where he played a pivotal role in the frontline response to the varroa mite—a challenge that demanded both expertise and agility.
Safety is paramount in Stuart's world, evident not only in his role as a Safety Officer but also in his contributions to asset management. His expertise encompasses the development and implementation of safety policies, risk assessments, and safe operating procedures, showcasing a well-rounded approach to ensuring the well-being of both bees and beekeepers.
Stuart's commitment to education is evident in his possession of a Cert IV in Training and Assessment. Through training, assessment, and mentoring, he actively imparts his wisdom to others, fostering a community of knowledgeable and responsible beekeepers. Stuart's dedication goes beyond merely instructing; he takes the time to guide and support individuals, ensuring that they not only acquire the necessary skills but also develop a deep understanding of beekeeping practices. In doing so, he plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of skilled beekeepers and creating a supportive learning environment.
Beyond the buzzing world of bees, Stuart finds joy in various hobbies, such as 4-wheel driving, camping, and fishing. A proud Rotarian, he actively contributes to community service, embodying the values of goodwill and camaraderie.
However, perhaps the role Stuart cherishes most is that of a loving Grandpa. With four delightful grandkids, he revels in the joy of family and the simple pleasures of life. Stuart's journey is not just about bees; it's a testament to the richness that a life well-lived can bring, filled with purpose, passion, and a deep connection to the world around us.
Get to know me
How long have you been Beekeeping for?
I have a decade of dedicated experience in the world of beekeeping. Over the past 10 years, I have honed my skills, delving into the intricacies of hive management and nurturing thriving bee colonies. My commitment is evident in the rich, golden honey my colonies produce, showcasing both my expertise and passion for sustainable apiculture.
Do you have any other hobbies?
I find joy in various hobbies, such as 4-wheel driving, camping, and fishing. I am a proud Rotarian and actively contribute to community service, embodying the values of goodwill and camaraderie.
However, the role I cherish is that of a loving Grandpa. With four delightful grandkids. My life’s journey is not just about bees; it's a testament to the richness that a life well-lived can bring, filled with purpose, passion, and a deep connection to the world around us.
Why do you like working with bees?
Over the years, I have developed a profound connection with bees, admiring their intricate social structures and the vital role they play in our ecosystem. I find joy in the harmonious collaboration between humans and bees, where my care for bees manifests in the golden, liquid sweetness of honey. It's the delicate dance of nature, the constant learning, and the sense of stewardship for these essential pollinators that fuel’s my passion for beekeeping. The profound impact on the environment and the satisfaction of contributing to the well-being of these remarkable creatures make working with bees not just a hobby or profession for me but it is a genuine labour of love.
What Skills do you have?
I have a versatile skillset that combines hands-on expertise with a deep understanding of bee behavior and hive management. I inspect and maintain hives, manage disease and pests, and skillfully harvest honey.
My skills enable me to be proficient in hive construction, equipment use, and I have sound environmental awareness to navigate the impact of seasonal changes. I have effective communication and educational skills and my wife calls me “MacGyver” as she says I have great problem-solving abilities in addressing challenges that arise in beekeeping. I am committed to continuous learning and adapting to evolving practices as this is fundamental to the well-being of my colonies and the sustainability of my beekeeping endeavors.
What did you do before you became an Apiarist ?
Before embracing the world of beekeeping, I served as an asset officer, construction worker and chair of the safety committee in Local Government, playing a pivotal role in infrastructure management and maintenance. I also owned and operated a successful water cart and trucking business. Recently, I played a crucial role as a Field Safety Officer for the Department of Primary Industry in the Varroa mite response, where I was passionate and committed to safeguarding bee populations and ensuring the resilience of apicultural practices.
My diverse background in construction, asset management, and safety has equipped me with a unique set of skills and a strong work ethic. This experience has laid the foundation for my work in beekeeping, where I am dedicated to hard work and implementing my diverse skill set to maintain my flourishing hives and yield sweet golden honey
Have you ever been stung whilst working?
Well lets just say I’ve been punched on the nose, smacked on the forehead, wacked in the legs, and had 20 beestings on the face due to a bad fitting veil and a very cranky hive! I have also spent some time in hospital due to bee stings and have bounced forward with a clear understanding that every bee colony is different and needs to bee respected.
Throughout my work with the Department of Primary Industries we were inspecting 80-200 hives a week with some hives never having been touched for many years, so bee stings and their management was a focus for me as the Field Safety Officer.
This honed my skills to help myself and others to take safety as a high priority and now enables me to limit bee stings in my environment.