Always were. Always will bee.
Once upon a time, this land was home to one of the world's largest populations of wild honeybees. Living freely amongst the gum trees. Part of country and part of culture.
Australia is a unique and important nation for honeybee conservation as it is home to several free living Apis species. The warm climate, abundance of native forage, nesting sites, clean air and crystal clear water provides a perfect habitat for the Honeybee.
This diversity of honeybee genetics and landscapes offers an excellent habitat for the advancement of genetic strength, as well as the delivery of essential pollination for native plants and agriculture.
International research on wild honeybees continues to advocate for the protection of these populations.
Countryman
- Percy Mumbulla
From the hollow trees in their native home
them old fellows cut the honeycomb.
On honey and little white grubs they fed,
'cause them young bees was blackfeller's bread.
That's why they was so mighty and strong
in their native home in Currarong.
An' them old fellers' drink was honey-bul;
honey and water, a coolamon full.
Naked through the bush they went,
an' never knew what sickness meant,
them native bees could do you no harm,
they'd crawl all over your honey-smeared arm.
But them Eyetalian bees, they'd bung
your eyes right up. When we was young
we used to rob their honey-trees,
Savage! they'd fetch your blood, Them bees
would zoom an' zing an' chase a feller
from Bombaderry to Bodalla
Well Old Uncle Ninah, and Billy Bulloo
Old Jacky Mumbulla, King Merriman too,
them fierce old fellers, they're all gone now.
An' the wild honey's still in the gumtree bough.
