Life’s looking pretty sweet for Sunbury’s Distinctive Options (DO) Pathways program participants, who have started their own honey business in town.
A diverse-abilities employment enterprise, DO Honey is a beekeeping and honey production business which kicked off in July as part of the DO Food Project, providing opportunities for people to develop happier, healthier lives through food education, production and supply.
The DO Project has engaged 10 supported employees to be trained in apiculture by Bee Responsible’s Rebecca Light, with suits provided by Kyneton’s Waggle and Forage, and the six hives placed in a semi-rural location provided by Greater Western Water.
Participant Jonty Norris said DO had given the group great support in line with what they needed to become beekeepers.
“They are really understanding and if we need a time out that’s ok,” Jonty said.
Jessica Opie said she loved seeing the bees up close, while Daniel Wright said he liked the bee suits.
The group expect the first honey harvest in August next year, and within five years, the number of hives will have increased from six to 50 with an annual honey production of 1500 tonnes.
Products produced by DO Honey will feature on the menu of DO Food Project’s own cafes.
Elsie Lange
