Rodney Stevens
Prominent Australian beekeeping business, Coutts Crossing based HoneyBee Hives has been announced as a finalist in an impressive six categories of the Australian Rural Business Awards, and they are calling for help to win the highly regarded ‘People’s Choice’ award.
The commercial beekeeping enterprise owned by Scott Richardson and Di McQueen-Richardson was announced as a finalist in the Australian Made Small Business Excellence Award, Positive Impact (Making a Difference) Award, Rural Business to Watch Award, Excellence in e-Commerce Award, Micro Business Excellence Award, and Overcoming Odds Award.
Mrs McQueen-Richardson said they were exhilarated when they received the news that they were a finalist in all six nominated categories.
“We are truly honoured to receive this remarkable recognition for our achievements, especially given the calibre of other businesses nominated,” she said.
This year, Mrs McQueen-Richardson said HoneyBee Hives hoped to improve on previous success in the awards.
“Last year, we were also finalists in all nominated categories and secured the second-place position in the Excellence in e-Commerce Award,” she said.
“This year, we are hopeful to win the trophy.”
HoneyBee Hives offer a wide range of products and services, Mrs McQueen-Richardson said including bees, beekeeping equipment and training, all-natural, beeswax-based balms, educational experiences, and bee-themed workshops for all ages.
Recently they won three first and three second places at the Grafton Agricultural Show for their raw honey and took out the coveted ‘best exhibit’ for a frame of honeycomb.
Mrs McQueen-Richardson said the business had faced unprecedented challenges over the past few years, so the announcement was a reward for all their hard work.
“Over the past few years, HoneyBee Hives has faced extraordinary challenges, including devastating bushfires, major floods, the impact of the COVID pandemic, and the threat of the Varroa mite,” she said.
“Despite these adversities, the business has shown resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable beekeeping and raising awareness about the vital role of bees in our ecosystem.”
To win the prestigious ‘People’s Choice’ award would be an amazing achievement, Mrs McQueen-Richardson said, and with the collective support of Clarence Valley residents, the business could be awarded that accolade.
“This award holds tremendous significance as it reflects the collective voice of the community,” she said.
“Your vote can make a meaningful impact on our journey, especially for a small business in the Clarence Valley.”
The winners of the Australian Rural Business Awards will be announced on Friday, June 23.
To vote for HoneyBee Hives in the People’s Choice category, visit www.honeybeehives.com.au