Last year the Hastings Valley Amateur Beekeepers Association (ABA) received a $1,000 Charles Sturt Community-University Partnership (CUP) Grant to help them in their mission to open a new club apiary.

The club hosted a grand opening event for their new apiary on Sunday, May 2 to thank Charles Sturt, ABA-NSW, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and other local businesses and members who have made considerable monetary and labour contributions to the club.

The Charles Sturt CUP grant enabled the club to purchase three complete beehives and without the support, the club would not have had the hives to put the bees in.

Several Charles Sturt staff members attended the opening event to show their support for the club and to see first-hand how they put the Charles Sturt CUP Grant to good use.

Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement in Port Macquarie Kate Wood-Foye said CSU is delighted to be able to support vital grass roots programs that encourage ongoing connection with community and environment.

"Congratulations on a wonderful initiative that will provide hands-on learning for all ages," she said.

President of the Hastings Valley ABA Mr Charles Watkins said the purpose of the club apiary is to train new and not-so-new beekeepers on the finer points of beekeeping.

"As you would know, theory is good, but you learn so much more when you get your hands dirty," he said.

"We currently have four workshops booked in and a beginning beekeeping two-day course later in the year, with details to come.

"We are very pleased to open this new apiary for our association.

"Bees are very important to the local area, as we have farms that need pollination services for crops of avocado and macadamia as well as the many fruit trees and vegetable crops."

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