“Beekeeping on the Move” depicts the migratory beekeeping practices of two men, with the only clue as to their identity being the name EE Abram, Calimpa Apiaries, Tanja Road, Bega, on the driver’s side truck door.

It is part of the Film Australia Collection (FAC) of films and documentaries produced by the Australian government, 1913-2008. 

The BDN and the NFSA are interested in identifying these two men and where it was shot.

“It would be great if your readers could help us identify the people/places featured in it!” NFSA national media and social media manager Miguel Gonzalez said. 

The footage runs for almost 10 minutes and gives a fascinating insight into the beekeeping methods of several decades ago, the protective clothing they wore, or lack thereof (they were a lot tougher in those days it seems), their simple “no frills” bush camp and laid-back manner.

It also shows off the Australian bush and beautiful Bega Valley countryside in all its glory.

The synopsis reads: Migratory beekeepers move their hives around the country, following the blossom. This film follows two apiarists from the Bega region of New South Wales, who take their bees to a stand where the trees are flowering. They set up their hives and the bees are released to take their store of honey from the surrounding bush. The keepers themselves go bush while the bees are on the job. The honey is then extracted from the combs on the spot by means of a portable extractor. After a few weeks, when the stand has been worked out, the beekeepers and their hives move on. 

If you have any information that may help in identifying the men or location, or would just like to make a comment on this historical piece of footage, you can contact the BDN on 6492 1177, email ben.smyth@fairfaxmedia.com or join the conversation on Facebook.