Hi Max,
Thank you for your report. Do you know if any of the new findings have been 'outside' of the danger zone and eradication areas? Hopefully not.. It is understandable that folks are disappointed. We (beekeepers) knew, going into this that it would be a tough row to hoe, a hard enemy to defeat, because 'ever single' Varroa Destructor 'has' to be eradicated for the outcome to be a successful venture. IF the new findings are within the danger zones listed by the officials there may still be a decent chance of success.
I am still 'hoping for the best' results for you and your countrymen who are associated with the Honeybee in any avenue. Each and everyone of you deserve tons of credit for your efforts and sacrifice while you continue working 'together' to contain and eliminate this pest. I feel sure every beekeeper 'knows' and 'knew', the uphill climb and 'stiff odds'; yet with unselfishness and willingness to offer what was needed when the program of ridding this pest was first put forth and set into motion. Win or Lose this battle, you and your fellow countrymen can hold your heads high knowing you "each" are doing the very best you can in this fight.... As you said the 'War' is not over.
PS
I hope the following thinking is never needed, but Just in-case the battle doesn't go as hoped, perhaps beekeepers from all over the world can unite for you and yours by stepping up and 'donate' to your cause by shipping stock to your country. FREE
If individual beekeepers from all over would co-op by coordination, (if only one hive each), of certified heathy bees shipped by the airplane load to your country to be distributed according to each beekeepers loss, wouldn't that be grand!
I am thinking if the need were to arise, with the right people involved, perhaps companies such as Fed-ex, UPS, and DHL etc. might also donate by giving free shipping of this cargo throughout different areas of your country. Or where needed
You would need a fluent spokesperson to coordinate this effort and a good team to help the endeavor become a reality. I personally think it CAN be done if it comes down to it. Lets continue to be hopeful it does not, but either way, lets continue to be hopeful. I am still 'cheering' for you.
Wishing each of you in Australia the very best, especially the good beekeepers who have sacrificed and lost so much!
Sincerely,
Phillip