A buzzing new educational resource has been installed at Bishop Druitt College in Coffs Harbour. A native bee hive. How this bee hive came to Bishop Druitt College is quite interesting as it was rescued from a fallen tree on the corner of the Pacific Highway and Bruxner Park Road on 15 March 2022. 

The hive rescuers were Clarence Native Bees Club. The log hive, approximately 5 feet in length, was taken by two members of the Clarence Native Bees Club, repaired, and enclosed to ensure the best chance for the hives' recovery. The Club is actively involved in rescuing Native Bees on the Woolgoolga to Ballina Highway upgrade and is experienced in rescuing fallen hives.

The hive was fully recovered and installed at Bishop Druitt College in Coffs Harbour on the 14th of September 2022. This hive is now an educational resource for BDC students to gain a better understanding of the importance of Stingless Native Bees and the pollination process.

The Clarence Native Bees Club President Bob Moulds said ‘it is exciting that this log hive has been placed at Bishop Druitt College. From the first visit, the enthusiasm of Karina Rothacker (BDC), has ensured the project was completed and the help provided by Shaun (BDC) and other staff in making the site for the log ready, and their continuing help with visits of members of our Club is appreciated.’

Bob also said that ‘the involvement of the carers, Paul and Bronwynn in the handover of the log to the college has allowed them to continue with the relationship they had developed in the 6 months it was in their care.’

Mrs Rebecca Rodger from Bishop Druitt College said ‘This is an amazing opportunity for the students and a fabulous addition to our veggie patch. We are all looking forward to seeing how the bees contribute to the growth of our fruit and vegetables. 

‘These bees will hopefully help make our BDC environment a whole lot better' said BDC student Jade Messner.

‘I can’t wait to see how our environment grows and changes with the help of these bees’ said BDC student Bonnie Ireland.

Clarence Native Bees Club members are committed to providing continuing care for the log, advice, and resources for Bishop Druitt College students. The Club’s objective is to improve the awareness of the community of the important role the Stingless Native Bees play in the pollination of our food sources and the flowers of the area.

Thanks go to RMS staff and a member of the Ecological firm Sandpiper Ecological Survey for making this recovery possible.