2024, LAUNCESTON, TAS

The venue was the picturesque Country Club in Prospect Vale just outside Launceston Tasmania for the 2024 ANBC Show. All the Zones birds arrived on the Thursday ready for the competition on Saturday and Sunday 25th and 26th of May 2024. The competition was going to be at the highest level, with rumours floating around the preparation room that BCSA was out to take the third place from Sth Queensland this year. Some high-quality budgies had flown into Tassie for this year’s National Show.

This year’s National was hosted by the BCT, Budgerigar Council of Tasmania which should be listed as the BCTT, meaning the BCT Team, the Team that the Tasmanians have put together was outstanding, the organisation of this event has taken years to put together and once the official National started everyone could see how professional and organised the Zone/State was for the 48th ANBC National.

The first important event was on Friday just after lunch with two candidates sitting their practical ANBC Judges examination. Heath Chasemore and Rob Randall fronted the examination panel with high expectations, and they weren’t disappointed with both gentlemen passing and now sit on the ANBC Judges Panel for future Nationals – well done to you both. I heard there was a tear in a dad’s eye after the success of one of the candidates.

The BCT tried something new for the Meet and Greet on the Friday night with “On the Perch” a segment with interviews and chat show type of arrangement similar to the AFL and Footy Shows, this was taken with great enthusiasm with everyone giving the segment a huge thumbs up. On The Perch featured Media Commentator Nic Hayes, ABC Radio’s Kim Napier, and the ANBC’s own Peter Thurn. The next morning, Budgies were featured on Weekend Sunrise and WIN Regional. The live streaming is here to stay; the Youtube coverage was taken Worldwide through the WBO affiliated countries and Australian Zone clubs. Huge thankyou to the BCT and BCSA coordinated efforts – IT WORKED. Congratulations to them for their effort.

The Twenty-Eight Classes were ready for a great two-day show, again featuring some very impressive Budgerigars. Some great results were achieved with again a couple of regular Hall of Famers featuring in the placings, including Sheppard & Flanagan partnership, J. Leong, Peter Thurn (double wins for PT), Ray Slade (giving Ray his 7th Win and entry to the Breeders Hall of Fame, and Garry and Helen Hibberd from SQ were awarded with two wins. There were lots of first-time winners and a big congratulations to all those breeders, great achievement.

The judges rotated as per sessions, so each had the chance to work together at least once. Breeders/exhibitors needed the in-depth reasons why certain placings were made, the Judges did just that. Saturday morning eight classes and then ten classes to finish off the day. Sunday morning the final ten classes, with the auction, ANBC Judges meeting, Melanistic Spangle workshop in the afternoon.

Thanks to all the team carers who met the challenge and worked extremely hard to make sure their Zones birds had the best chance of taking out a Logie for their owners. It is a special kind of person that can bring the birds up to that level taking many years of practice and experience. The Preparation room had a visit from the 2024 Tasmanian Governor on Saturday, the Hon. Barbara Baker AC asking questions of the preparers etc, all reports it was an enjoyable visit.

Thanks again to Dave and his helpers from all Zones for the setting up and transportation of the container, everything worked well in that department. Now the long haul up to Cairns for the 49th National hosted by NQBZ. The setting up of the staging. Lightning etc is a specialist position, like a very large jigsaw puzzle, Dave your work is very much appreciated each year.

Thank you to Jon Regan from Golden Cob-Mars for their ongoing support and supplying the 16 bags of seed, millet sprays etc for the team’s usage, all teams chose to arrive during Thursday, again, depending on flights.

BCT had volunteers from all Zones, as stewards and general helpers. The commentary team of Stephen Mow and Troy Holmes a special mention for their two day’s work, Top job well done.

On the computers, Luke, Glen, Catherine, Carol Gough and the extras, photographer Rob Randall. All contributed to transferring the Judge’s comments along with the photos to Luke and Glen for their streaming to the world.

Judging 2024

Judging has started on the Saturday with an even distribution of winners; however, it was easy to see that BCV had everyone covered and the writing was on the wall for another BCV win. However, NSW was going to keep them honest. The big movers were BCSA, they were very constant in their placings during the first day and finished ahead of SQ at the close of play. But there was another full session of judging on Sunday and SQ snuck ahead at the final whistle. NQ were very constant and showed they have had massive improvements in the quality of their birds and will be a dark horse in future Nationals…. Watch out in 2025..Home grown team… advantage.

Congratulations to all the exhibitors……

Final Results

BCV. 603. 11 WINS
BSNSW 552. 5 WINS
SQBBA 470. 5 WINS
BCSA 464. 3 WINS
NQBZ 349 1 WIN
WABC 289 3 WINS
BCT 208 0 WINS

Congratulations to the Judges Nigel Tonkins (B.C.S.A.), James Bader and Rod Turnbull (B.C.V.), Jim Fletcher (BCT)

The live streaming of the show and results, photos, and comments was greatly received all over the World through the connections with the WBO.

The presentation Dinner was well supported and everyone had a good night relaxing after the two days show and activities. Presentations of Logies, Ian Hunter for achieving in 2023 the Breeders Hall of Fame, Heath Chasemore and Rob Randall were presented with their ANBC Judges Certificates. Plus, BCV was presented once again with the ANBC Shield.

There are ongoing discussions as to the live streaming format through the recently formed Working Group.

Everything finished exceptionally well for the hosts BCT. Congratulations to all associated with the planning and execution of this Special Event.

A very successful four days in Launceston Tasmania, with the common word after the event “it was one of the best” Nationals held.

Neale R Love, 2024
ANBC Secretary-Treasurer

2024 – Launceston, Tasmania (48th Annual)

Link to 2024 Results Booklet

Link to Website Including Photographs: ANBC National 2024

Link to YouTube Coverage:
On The Perch – Friday Night Coverage
Day 1 – Launceston Day 1
Day 2 – Launceston Day 2