About

This large swarm is just one of many collected during the swarming season.

Principal Apiarist, Damien Nam Hoban is a third generation in a family of beekeepers. Although these generations never shared a honey harvest together, they shared an appreciation and wonder of these social insects which now spans 70 years.

Damien concluded his undergraduate studies in Science and Agricultural Science with courses in Ecology, Invertebrate Zoology and Microbiology where he developed an online learning tool for Apiarists in 1994.

It wasn’t until 1999 when an old friend found a swarm when removing a tree in Elsternwick. He recalled Damien’s earlier interest in Bees and since Damien had returned from working in Canada and…. it might just be the right time to start his own hives. The year was 2000, a golden year for Australia hosting the Olympics and a Golden Year for Damien’s first harvest. Elsternwick Gold was a huge success. It didn’t last long, and neither did that name for I Love You Honey was conceived trademarked and into the markets.

He has an intrinsic affinity with these social insects. He promotes honey bees and beekeeping, teaches beekeeping skills and theory, maintains hives for clients, haversts and sells local honey. He also rescues bees and swarms in Melbourne and throughout Victoria.

Whilst not in the ‘bee suit’ Damien is a University and Secondary teacher. He’s currently a stay-at-home parent living in Reservoir with his young family, chickens, dog, cat and the buzz of bees.