Our Story
The story of HoneyBee Hives began with the meeting of Di McQueen and Scott Richardson in 2017.
Their shared passion for nature, bees, and community quickly blossomed into both a personal and professional partnership. In response to strong local demand for bees, they founded HoneyBee Hives in 2018, based in the heart of northern New South Wales. Their bond was further sealed when they married in May 2020.
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From humble beginnings, HoneyBee Hives grew rapidly, supplying over 1,000 nucleus hives to satisfied customers across the region. However, in 2019, the devastating NSW bushfires swept through thousands of hectares of critical bee-foraging areas, forcing a pivotal shift in their business model. With breeding impacted, Di and Scott turned to new opportunities — crafting high-quality balms from beeswax harvested with care and respect for their bees and the environment.
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What began as heartfelt, handmade gifts for family and friends soon evolved into a diverse range of all-natural, therapeutic, and cosmetic balms, built on a foundation of purity, sustainability, and natural wellness.
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Inspired by this success and their deep commitment to natural living, Di and Scott launched Queenie Bee & Me, a premium range of all-natural, honey-based baby care products.
Designed to nurture delicate skin with the purest ingredients, Queenie Bee & Me reflects their vision for offering families gentle, sustainable alternatives grounded in the healing gifts of the hive.
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Beyond their products, Di and Scott remain passionate advocates for environmental stewardship, regularly sharing their knowledge through educational workshops and community presentations. Their efforts continue to inspire greater understanding of the vital role bees play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
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In 2023, their entrepreneurial journey expanded onto the international stage.
HoneyBee Hives successfully launched into the Vietnamese market, exporting their award-winning raw honey and rose petal infused honey through key partnerships with Nam An Market and Sahna Foods. This venture was followed by a landmark achievement — securing a distribution agreement with China for their HoneyBee Hives product range. This strategic step marks a major milestone in their vision of sharing Australia’s finest, ethically sourced products with global audiences.
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Their dedication, resilience, and innovation have earned significant professional recognition. In 2023, HoneyBee Hives was awarded the Business NSW Award for Excellence in Agriculture & Primary Industries, a prestigious honour that celebrates their impact within the industry.
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Their success has attracted widespread media attention, including interviews, features, and mentions in Parliament. In October 2023, they were honoured to host a visit from the Governor of New South Wales — a powerful affirmation of their growing contribution to Australia’s agricultural and business communities.
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In 2024, they were further honoured by an invitation to attend the NSW Premier’s official reception for the Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City, celebrating the strengthening trade and cultural ties between Australia and Vietnam.
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Today, HoneyBee Hives and Queenie Bee & Me continue to grow — driven by a shared vision: to deliver products of exceptional quality, protect and nurture the environment, and inspire a deeper connection between people and the natural world.
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Meet Our Founders
Scott Richardson
Scott’s journey into the enchanting world of beekeeping began as a young child, inspired by the wisdom and passion of his grandfather.
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What started as a simple childhood fascination quickly grew into a lifelong dedication to bees and the vital role they play in sustaining healthy ecosystems.
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Over the years, while Scott briefly explored other career paths, he was invariably drawn back to his true calling — beekeeping.
Today, with over 40 years of commercial beekeeping experience, Scott brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge, practical skill, and industry insight to HoneyBee Hives.
His hands-on expertise, coupled with a profound respect for ethical and sustainable practices, has been instrumental in shaping the company’s reputation for excellence.
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In addition to managing the day-to-day operations and hive management at HoneyBee Hives, Scott is a passionate mentor, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of beekeepers. Through one-on-one training and community workshops, he generously shares his knowledge, empowering others to continue the essential work of protecting and promoting healthy bee populations.
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Scott’s lifelong commitment to the craft reflects more than just professional experience — it is a testament to his deep-seated belief in the interconnectedness of bees, people, and the environment. His work continues to inspire both new beekeepers and the wider community, helping to safeguard the future of sustainable apiculture for generations to come.
Di McQueen-Richardson
Drawing from a rich background in natural therapies and an extensive career in business management, Di McQueen-Richardson brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and vision to her role as the “Queen Bee” at HoneyBee Hives.
Her commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and environmental stewardship underpins every aspect of the business, as she actively champions greater awareness of the critical role bees play in supporting global ecosystems.
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In addition to her leadership at HoneyBee Hives and the development of the Queenie Bee & Me range, Di is the founder of Buzz Business Boosters, a consultancy dedicated to helping small businesses grow through strategic marketing, brand development, and operational excellence — with a strong focus on sustainability and community impact.
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Beyond her professional achievements, Di proudly serves as a board member of The Mend & Make Do Crew, a respected not-for-profit organisation supporting homeless and at-risk individuals across Northern NSW and South East Queensland.
Her involvement with this vital cause reflects her unwavering dedication to creating positive change — not only within her industry but also within her broader community.
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Through every venture, Di’s passion remains the same: to build businesses that uplift people, protect the environment, and inspire a future grounded in integrity, compassion, and sustainability.
Our Mission
To create ethical, sustainable, and eco-friendly products that enrich the lives of our customers while contributing meaningfully to the preservation of the environment.
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We believe that true success lies not only in the quality of what we produce but also in the integrity of how we produce it. Through a steadfast commitment to ethical sourcing, environmentally responsible practices, and continuous innovation, we strive to set a new standard of excellence within our industry.
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Our dedication to outstanding customer service is at the core of our values. We are committed to building lasting relationships based on trust, transparency, and a genuine desire to exceed expectations — always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the satisfaction and success of those we serve.
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Passionate advocates for bees and their essential role in sustaining healthy ecosystems, we believe that education is vital for lasting change.
Through a range of educational programs tailored for all ages, we share our knowledge and passion with schools, community groups, and the wider public, inspiring greater awareness of the importance of bees and empowering others to contribute to their protection.
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At HoneyBee Hives, every decision we make is guided by a vision of a more sustainable, connected future — where nature, community, and excellence come together in harmony.
Our Vision
Our vision is to lead by example — delivering exceptional products and outstanding customer service while inspiring communities and customers to embrace sustainable living.
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We aspire to be recognised not only as an industry leader in ethical honey production but also as a driving force for positive environmental change. Through innovation, excellence, and unwavering ethical practices, we are committed to preserving the natural world for future generations.
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We strive to create a lasting, positive impact — setting a standard for others to follow by demonstrating that business success and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
At the heart of our vision lies a deep commitment to bees, whose wellbeing is critical to the health of our planet. By educating people of all ages about the essential role of bees and the challenges they face, we aim to raise awareness, foster greater respect for nature, and contribute meaningfully to the global movement toward sustainability.
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At HoneyBee Hives, we believe that through knowledge, innovation, and integrity, we can help build a future where both people and the planet thrive.
Watch our promotional video to learn more
