NSW Governor David Hurley must think Sutherland Shire is the bee's knees.
Wanting to install two hives at NSW Government House, Mr Hurley made a beeline straight to the Sutherland Bee Garden and Museum last week to learn all about the craft of beekeeping.
After donning a protective outfit, he spent several hours in the bee garden learning all about bees with Amateur Beekeepers' Association teacher and beekeeper Bruce White.
During his visit, beekeepers opened four hives and showed the bees at work.
NSW ABA president, Lamorna Osborne said Mr Hurley also saw the Australian-developed flow hives which allow honey to be extracted directly via a tap from the hive.
"The Governor is installing two hives at Government House at the end of August," she said.
"Each hive will have about 40,000 bees.
"He eventually hopes to exhibit the honey from Government House at the Royal Easter Show," she said.
Dr Osborne said the Governor showed the attributes of a good beekeeper.
"He even felt confident enough to handle the bees without wearing gloves," she said.
"A good beekeeper is somebody who remains calm at all times.
"Bees can smell when you are annoyed or frightened.
"I play golf and I have to be 10 times calmer than a golfer when I'm beekeeping."
NSW Government House estate manager Dayn Cooper said Mr Hurley enjoyed his visit to the Sutherland bee garden and came away with a few tips.
"The Governor has an interest in beekeeping," Mr Cooper said.
"He will be very hands-on in looking after the hives. We won't have the hives in the public area but back of house in the picking garden."
Dr Osborne said: "Sutherland has the only bee museum in NSW and receives visitors from around the world, attracted by Australia's reputation of having the cleanest honey in the world.
"This is because Australia is the only country in the world that does not have the varroa parasite that has attacked overseas hives, sucking the blood from baby bees."
The Sutherland Bee Garden and Museum is located at Eton Street South and has 150 members.
The bee club will have an open day on Sunday, September 27.
