The Goulburn Amateur Beekeepers’ Association may only be in its infant years, but its members have already snared a keynote address from internally-renowned microbiologist, Dr Shona Blair.

Dr Blair is CEO of the Wheen Bee Foundation – a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to research and sustainability in the industry.

Her Sydney University honours degree and thesis focussed on the use of antibacterial properties of honey and their potential medicinal purposes.

Her impending March 13 visit – during which she’ll address the Beekeepers’ Association monthly meeting at the Workers Club – is timely.

Microbiologists and apiarists are fearful for the planet’s bee population is staring down the barrel of extinction.

It’s a problem that’s hit home for the 25-strong Goulburn Beekeepers’ Association, too.

“There’s a situation called colony collapse disorder where whole colonies just seem to die and disappear for no reason,” the Association’s treasurer, Jane Suttle, explains.

“It seems that the general pressure on bees has become too great.”

Albert Einstein predicted that if bees disappeared off the face of the earth, humans would survive for just four years.

Mrs Suttle is confident both science and nature can overcome this problem.

But she concedes it’s still a serious concern.

“There are chemicals [farmers] treat seeds with that seem to also affect the pollen in the plants and therefore, the bees,” she continued.

“The other reason they’re in trouble is a lack of diversity. There are various pests and diseases that have spread out worldwide, which is also a huge pressure.

“That combination is making it very difficult for the bees to survive in the world. Something like 70 per cent of our food plants in Australia are pollinated by bees.”

Fortunately, interested parties are answering the call.

While only a relatively new club, the Goulburn Beekeepers’ Association is making waves.

Mrs Suttle says that trend is reflected elsewhere.

“There is a renewed interest in bees,” she said.

“It’s quite an active club. We have had this club for 12 months and we’ve got about 25 members.

There’s quite an interest in bees locally.

“The majority of our members are amateurs, but there are a couple of apiarists.”

Mrs Suttle hopes Dr Blair’s March 17 address (which gets underway from 7.15pm at the Workers Club) will provide greater exposure for the Association.

It’s that exposure, she believes, that will allow local beekeepers to maintain their love of the insect.

While largely affectionate, Ms Suttle admits the bees can sometimes get under one’s skin.

“I’ve been stung plenty of times.

Only the other day, some got underneath my jacket,” she said.

“I react less to the stings now than when I first did. If you leave them alone, they get on with their business and you get on with yours.”