Whether you want to strike a blow for biodiversity or simply love honey, the importance of honey bees cannot be underestimated; they are essential for the pollination of about one third of the food we eat, including fruit, vegetables, oils, seeds and nuts.

The one-day workshops will run on Saturday, September 24 and also on Sunday, September 25 at the Old Bega Hospital, 301 Princess Highway Bega.

Topics covered will include beekeeping, honey production, bee behaviour, setting up your first hive, keeping bees and hives in good health.

The day will include theory in the morning with a chance to handle a frame of bees in the afternoon.

Bega Valley Beekeeper, David Richardson, who lives at Mirador, said beekeepers don’t need to live on acreage as there are plenty of flowers in our suburban areas. Mr Richardson said he had obtained 44kgs of honey from just two hives.

Last year there was a big demand for places on the courses and so bookings are essential for the beekeeping course at the Old Bega Hospital, 9am to 2pm, cost $60 (includes morning tea) BYO lunch.

For further information contact treasurer@begavalleybeeclub.org.au or Lyall Zweck 0418 816 904

Until October 31 the Women’s Resource Centre, at Penden Street, Bega, is offering help with tax issues.

Tax Help is a free, confidential service to help people prepare tax returns using e-tax and lodge a tax return electronically. Volunteers can help support people with claims for refunds and encourage clients to prepare the tax return themselves.

Tax Help is for women and men on low incomes who need help with their tax returns including seniors, people from non-English speaking backgrounds, those with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other people with special needs. Volunteers do not assist with business tax matters, only personal tax.

Phone 6492 1367 to book an appointment for Mondays or Wednesdays.