Welcome to your Monthly Edition of the ANBC Gazette

Dear Fanciers,

The Australian National Budgerigar Council (ANBC) has always valued the support and enthusiasm of our sponsors. Over the years, Rosette Sponsorships have provided clubs, breeders, and businesses with a way to be recognised while contributing to the success of our National event. Now, as the hobby evolves and expectations grow, it is time for our sponsorship model to evolve as well.

From 2026 onwards, the ANBC will proudly transition from Rosette Sponsors to Logie Sponsors – an all-encompassing sponsorship program designed to deliver more value, more visibility, and more engagement for every supporter. This initiative reflects our commitment to honouring sponsors in a way that matches the prestige of our National Show while creating new opportunities for recognition across both traditional and digital platforms.

Why the Change?

The Rosette Sponsorship model has served the ANBC well, but as our National continues to attract more participants, followers, and online viewers, it became clear that we needed a sponsorship package that reflects the modern reach of our event. Our Nationals are no longer just about what happens in the show hall; they are now widely followed on social media, livestreamed across the country, and published in booklets and reports that are read long after the show concludes.

The Logie Sponsorship Program has been designed with these realities in mind. By introducing a single, comprehensive package, we are ensuring that every sponsor receives recognition at every level of the event – from the live presentation of awards to the online platforms where our hobby is growing rapidly.

What Does a Logie Sponsorship Include?

Each Logie Sponsorship is valued at $500 per class, or available as a discounted bundle of three classes for $1,000. For those looking to support at an even greater level, the model scales seamlessly:

• $500 per class sponsorship – inclusive of all benefits listed below.
• 3 classes for $1,000 – includes one seat at the ANBC Presentation Dinner.
• 4 classes for $1,500 – includes two seats at the ANBC Presentation Dinner.

So, whether you’re sponsoring a single class or multiple, you’ll know exactly what you’re receiving: unmatched recognition and hospitality at the heart of the National.

Every Logie Sponsor will receive:

• Social Media Recognition – Your name will be featured across ANBC’s official social media platforms, where our reach continues to expand each year.
• Presentation of the Award (Logie) – Sponsors will have the honour of presenting the Logie to the winning exhibitor during the National. This is a moment of visibility and pride, shared in front of the nation’s most passionate breeders and fanciers.
• Dinner Inclusion – With each sponsorship bundle (3 for $1,000, or scaled at 4 for $1,500), seats at the ANBC Presentation Dinner are included, allowing sponsors to join in the evening’s celebrations with fellow enthusiasts and industry leaders.
• Photograph in the National Results Booklet – A professional photograph of the sponsor presenting the award will appear in the Results Booklet, a record that becomes part of the historical archive of the ANBC.
• Live Feed Recognition – With more people than ever tuning in to our livestreams, sponsors will also be acknowledged during the live broadcast of the Nationals, reaching audiences well beyond the show hall.

This package brings together all the essential touchpoints of recognition – in person, in print, online, and live – making it one of the most comprehensive sponsorship programs the ANBC has ever offered.

More Value, More Visibility

The introduction of the Logie Sponsorship Program ensures that the value of sponsorship matches the stature of our National event. Instead of fragmented recognition, sponsors will enjoy a streamlined and highly visible experience. Every aspect of the package is designed to strengthen the link between sponsor and community.

For sponsors, this means greater exposure, both to those inside the event and to those following online. For the ANBC, it means a more professional, cohesive presentation of our major event. And for exhibitors, it elevates the prestige of winning – receiving a Logie in front of peers, presented by a sponsor who has invested in supporting the future of the hobby.

Building a Stronger Future

Sponsorship is not just about awards – it is about strengthening the fabric of our community. By supporting a class, sponsors help ensure the National remains a professional, well-run, and forward-thinking event. This transition to Logie Sponsorship reflects the ANBC’s broader mission: to keep building pathways that celebrate our achievements, support our exhibitors, and showcase our hobby to the wider world.

The Trill™ Expert National Titles are the pinnacle of the exhibition budgerigar hobby in Australia. It represents decades of dedication, careful breeding, and countless hours of preparation by fanciers across the country. Sponsors play a vital role in ensuring that when exhibitors take to the stage to receive their award, the recognition is presented in a setting that reflects the prestige of their achievement.

How to Get Involved

Sponsorship opportunities are open now for the 2026 Trill™ Expert National Titles and beyond. Whether you’re a long-time supporter of the hobby, a local business, or an exhibitor wishing to contribute to the success of the show, the Logie Sponsorship Program provides the perfect platform.

With packages available at $500 per class or $1,000 for three, and with scaling options for those who want to support multiple classes, the program is both accessible and impactful. We encourage interested sponsors to secure their classes early – not only to guarantee the category of your choice, but also to ensure maximum exposure in the lead-up to the event.

A Final Word

The ANBC is proud to introduce this next chapter in our sponsorship journey. The move from sponsoring Rosettes to Logies is more than a change of format; it is a statement of intent. It reflects our belief that every aspect of the National should be presented with the prestige and professionalism our hobby deserves. Our rosettes won’t go away – our offering has just grown larger.

To our past, present, and future sponsors: thank you. Your support ensures that the National remains not only the highlight of the exhibition year, but also a celebration of the dedication, friendship, and passion that makes our hobby thrive.

We look forward to welcoming you as part of the ANBC Logie Sponsorship Program – 2026 and beyond.

Warm Regards,
Neale R Love
ANBC Secretary

Dear Budgie Enthusiasts,

As we move into September hopefully the weather conditions in south and eastern Australia improve to be more conducive to breeding budgerigars.  There have been the cold fronts and the wet weather in some locations along with being dry in South Australia and Victoria making this winter different to recent times.

The auction season has now settled after a busy couple of months, with many birds finding new homes across the country. Having attended a number of auctions in different states, it is always heartening to see club volunteers stepping up to support their teams. I would like to give a special shout-out, however, to a smaller group who often go unrecognised – the partners of budgerigar enthusiasts. Many of them have little personal interest in the birds, yet they still roll up their sleeves to help: manning the computers, handling the club finances, cooking in the kitchen, and ensuring events run smoothly. Their quiet dedication deserves our thanks – well done to each of you.

On the National Show front, the ANBC has now released pricing for National Logie sponsorships. Previously, sponsorship was tied only to the class rosette. From 2026 onward, however, this will be known as Logie Sponsorship, with a much broader package of recognition. Sponsors will now have the honour of presenting the Logie at the ANBC Presentation Dinner, enjoy a seat at the dinner where applicable, be acknowledged in advertising, and feature in a photograph of the presentation within the official Results Booklet. This change reflects the ANBC’s commitment to providing sponsors with greater value and visibility while elevating the prestige of each award.

The updated ANBC website will also serve as your go-to hub for information on accommodation and flight bookings, with arrangements available through Alex at Premium Flyer.

Finally, I would like to extend my warm congratulations to Gary Gazzard on his appointment to judge in Belgium – a wonderful achievement. In recent years we have been very fortunate to see several of our own represent us overseas in judging positions, including Peter Thurn, Neale Love, and Steven Mow, and now Gary joins this distinguished list. Well done to all for showcasing our region’s expertise on the world stage.

Take care until next time,
Garry Hibberd
President – ANBC

ANBC Judges Coordinator

Hello All,

The breeding season is looking very positive, eggs are loaded, chicks are hatching, and babies are thriving in the nest boxes. Those who started early this year have seen great results, with strong numbers and some impressive birds.

Over the past couple of months, club shows have been held across the country, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Attendance has been strong, and the quality of birds benched has been outstanding.

Judging is always a privilege, but when you have the opportunity to Judge in another state, the experience is truly elevated.  This year, many Judges embraced the chance to travel interstate, and the benefits have been clear—not only is it a rewarding experience, but it also sharpens your skills and broadens your perspective as a Judge.

I strongly encourage all judges to accept invitations to Judge in other states when they arise.
Better yet, don’t hesitate to put yourself forward and express interest—it’s a great way to grow professionally and personally. I’ve received numerous requests from interstate judges keen to participate in the BCV State Adult Bird Shield and the UBC Shield. All requests were approved, and I have no doubt that those Judges found the experience enriching and walked away with enhanced Judging skills.

Let’s continue to support one another and keep raising the bar in our Judging standards.

Regards
James Bader
ANBC Judges Co-Ordinator

Colours & Standards

A reminder to all that any submissions to Colours & Standards must be in the hands of the ANBC Secretary by 31st December 2025. We encourage all to make sure they adhere to this deadline for submission.

To move this important initiative forward, a dedicated working group has been formed to gather, review, and coordinate material for the new pictorial Standard. The group is comprised of myself (SQ), André Ozoux (NSW), Peter Glassenbury (SA), and Peter Thurn (VIC).

This is an exciting step towards producing a clearer and more comprehensive resource for the budgerigar community. I will ensure that fanciers are kept updated on progress, developments, and key milestones over the coming months.

Regards,
Garry Menzies
ANBC Colours & Standards Coordinator

WBO Noticeboard

The 30th meeting of the World Budgerigar Organisation (WBO) took place in Blackpool, UK, on 6 June 2025 — a particularly special occasion as it coincided with the Budgerigar Society’s (BS) 100th anniversary. Delegates from 11 countries gathered, making up 17 representatives in total, to celebrate the milestone and discuss the future of the hobby.

After apologies were read from absent countries, Grant Findlay set out the weekend’s programme: lectures, a quiz, social events, judging, and a gala dinner with over 200 guests. Delegates also received some fun tokens of the BS centenary, including wristbands, local Blackpool rock, and judging paddles.

The meeting then turned to business. Previous minutes were approved, and discussion moved to the ongoing feather problems research project. Progress has been slow — no samples were received this year and Covid had delayed efforts — but most agreed it was worth continuing, provided new birds from different countries could be sourced.

One of the most memorable moments came with the Gould Award. Only one nomination had been received, from the Budgerigar Society, and it was unanimously agreed to honour Grant Findlay. In an emotional acceptance, Grant spoke about his lifelong passion for the hobby, his father’s influence, and the support of his wife, Maggie. He encouraged more nominations in the future, pointing out the many unsung contributors worldwide.

On colour standards, delegates debated updates to the pictorial ideal, particularly around visibility of the eye and beak. While most supported the adjustments, concerns were raised about exaggeration and public perception in countries under animal welfare scrutiny. The group agreed on minor amendments and a welfare statement to accompany the drawings. Work on a 3D model of the colour budgerigar is also underway.

Finances showed a small deficit due to pictorial ideal costs, but overall balances remained healthy. Subscriptions will stay the same for 2026, and Richard Miller will continue as auditor. Secretary Ghalib gave his report, congratulating the BS on its centenary and noting that the WBO now has 58 member societies across 48 countries. He also flagged the need for more societies to pay their fees and return updated information. To help modernise the website, several breeders generously offered birds for auction, with proceeds shared between breeder and WBO.

Delegates then considered new proposals. A tiered system for judges was approved, clarifying who can judge Exhibition, Colour, or both types of budgerigars. A more detailed Hungarian proposal for judge certification was seen as too complex, though the Executive Committee will revisit the idea in a simplified form.

National updates followed. The UK shared how it had stabilised finances after some tough decisions. Romania spoke proudly about its growing society and youth involvement. Germany described reforms aimed at boosting show participation and addressing welfare concerns. Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands noted ageing memberships and welfare pressures, while Kuwait reported a successful international show and preparations for the Dubai 2026 World Show. Australia highlighted livestreaming successes, increased sponsorship, and its new Hall of Fame initiative. Bangladesh emphasised the role of budgerigars in fostering global friendship, and Germany’s DSV reported strong shows and growing international membership.

The final business saw Grant Findlay re-elected as Vice Chairman for another three years. The next meeting will be in Dubai in 2026, generously hosted with free accommodation for delegates, followed by Portugal in 2027. The next World Shows will be in Colmar, France (2025) and Reggio Emilia, Italy (2026).

The meeting closed with thanks to all delegates. Overall, it was both a celebration of the BS’s centenary and a forward-looking discussion about research, standards, welfare, and the global growth of the hobby.

WBO Show

• Best in Show & Best Any Age: Yellow Faced Grey Cock – MJB Partners (Belgium)
• Best Any Age Opposite Sex: Opaline Dark Green Hen – MJB Partners (Belgium)
• Best Young Bird in Show: Dominant Pied Cinnamonwing Yellow Faced Grey Hen – Ignace Reinhart (France)
• Best Young Bird Opposite Sex: Texas Clearbody Grey Cock – MJB Partners (Belgium)

• Best Any Age: Lutino Hen – Jean Marie Weyrich (Luxembourg)
• Best Any Age Opposite Sex: Recessive Pied Sky Blue Cock – Edouard Merrienne (France)
• Best in Show & Best Young Bird: Light Green Hen – Marine Sueur (France)
• Best Young Bird Opposite Sex: Texas Clearbody Grey Cock – Sarah Modave (Belgium)

On Saturday evening, an auction of five donated birds—two from Daniel Lütolf and one each from Mathieu Bily, Marcellus Bürkle, and Maarten Heylen—raised funds that will go directly towards modernising the WBO website’s Home Page.

Looking ahead, the next WBO meeting will be held on Saturday, 7 November 2026, in Dubai, UAE, hosted by the Emirates Budgerigar Club (EBC). The EBC has generously offered three nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation (shared basis where possible) for delegates. In 2027, the meeting will be held in Portugal on 10–11 July (week 27).

In line with established practice, the next WBO World Championship Show will take place in Reggio Emilia, Italy, from 12–14 June 2027.

Fancier In Focus: Bob Cowburn

A Manageable Stud
These days Bob prefers to keep things at a level that still feels like fun. “I currently have 30 cabinets. I’ve had more in the past, but it became a job rather than a hobby. Thirty is a good number—it keeps me busy without being overwhelming.” Living in Canberra, Bob works around the seasons. “It gets very cold in winter and very hot in summer, so I pair up in July and breed through to December, then maybe set a few pairs again in March through to May.”

Club Life
Bob proudly represents the Canberra Budgerigar Club on the show bench. “It’s a revitalised club,” he explains. “We don’t have a lot of exhibition breeders locally, but we’re working on that. What I really like is that the club is inclusive—we’ve got members with the old style budgies and members with pet budgies. We all share a common interest and get along really well.”

Varieties & Favourites
Bob admits he might keep “too many varieties,” but some always stand out. “Cinnamonwings and Dominant Pieds are my favourites. I also like a good Normal, but they’re hard to get and harder to breed.”

Hobby Highlights
Like many of us, one of his proudest moments came on the national stage. “At the 2016 Nationals in Tassie I came fourth in the Greywings. To represent your state at the Nationals is such an honour, and that result meant a lot.” Another standout memory was a Cinnamonwing Grey Green cock. “He won a couple of Best in Shows and Champion Young Bird. Unfortunately, I lost him before I could reproduce him. He was a beauty.”

Nationals of Yesteryear – 1979

It was something new, something special. Instead of just a show, arrangements were made well in advance for lectures, group meetings, dinners and even slide shows. Fanciers who wished to attend had to register ahead of time—a simple step, but one that gave the gathering a sense of occasion. The dates, 19–21 May, have since gone down in history as the moment that set the tone for all future Nationals.

The convention welcomed a particularly notable guest: the editor of Cage and Aviary Birds magazine from England. His lectures drew strong crowds, and his candid comments on Australian budgerigars were both “jolting and eye-opening.” His colourful slide presentations backed up his points, sparking plenty of conversation among the fanciers present. In an era before digital media, the organisers even made audio cassette recordings of every speaker, selling them to breeders right across the states.

Competition itself remained fairly simple: ten variety classes and one for hens. Yet even within that limited structure, history was being made. Victoria dominated, winning seven of the ten classes. The judging panel—Kevin Kelly, Fred Cardona and Neville Seage—introduced another innovation: for the very first time, trained stewards were used, graduates of a newly established stewards’ school.

Queensland entered the ring for the first time, fielding a young team that included a name many would later come to know well—Brian West. It was also the beginning of international connections, with Trevor Watkins and Burnie O’Dea from New Zealand attending as honoured guests. That visit marked the start of a tradition, with many New Zealanders making the trip to future National shows.

One of the more significant decisions taken at Rose Bay was a vote to allow Queensland to compete as two zones in future events—another small but lasting legacy of that first convention. And, of course, the competition ended with Victoria on top:

• Victoria – 181 points
• New South Wales – 157 points
• South Australia – 138 points
• Queensland – 91 points
• Western Australia – 28 points

Looking back, Rose Bay was more than just a show. It was the start of a new era—where the National became more than cages on a bench. It became a gathering of ideas, friendships, innovations, and the foundation for the Nationals we know today.

Looking Back: How SQ Joined the Nationals

Abridged from Jim Calder

Up until then, the fierce team rivalry had always been between NSW and Victoria, and their competitions were as spirited as they came. But that year, a small group of Queenslanders made the trip down — names like Stan Ford, Geoff Taylor, Barney Hackney, Brian West, and Jim Calder among them. “It was also the Silver Jubilee Dinner of the BSA,” Jim recalls, “so it had a real sense of occasion.”

South Australia was represented too, with George Duffield and Stan Watson in attendance. At Rose Bay, they committed SA to hosting the following year’s challenge in Adelaide, 1980. That set the wheels in motion for Queensland to get involved.

There was plenty of debate in Sydney as well — particularly over the existence of Lacewings. Southern breeders scoffed, claiming Queensland’s so-called Lacewings were just Cinnamonwing Fallows or Fallow Darkwings. Yet in Queensland, Bill Silvertand’s Lacewings had already won Grand Champion several times, and Geoff Taylor’s Fallow Light Green had taken top honours at a QBS show only months earlier. “We argued the point,” Jim says, “and it really brought home how different the standards were from state to state.”

Back in Brisbane, the idea of forming a Queensland team gained traction. At a Queensland Budgerigar Society (QBS) meeting in June 1979, slides from the Sydney convention were shown, and President Herbie Heath gave his backing. By October 9, five clubs — QBS, ABS, Wynnum, Gold Coast, and Darling Downs — gathered at the QBS Hall in Milton to talk through the logistics. Minutes of that meeting show strong support, seed funding, and a commitment to raise more money.

The committee took shape soon after: Vic Andrews (ABS) as President, Jim Calder (QBS) as Vice President, Val Polzin (Darling Downs) as Secretary/Treasurer, and Andrew Wilton (Gold Coast) as fundraiser. Plans were made for a pre-selection show, and Darling Downs members Val Polzin and Alan Lamb were tasked with designing a suitable carry cage for the team.

Sadly, tragedy struck over Christmas when Vic Andrews died suddenly, leaving a vacuum that caused some tension. But by the March 1980 meeting, Ipswich and Sandgate had joined in, and the pre-selection show was set for the ABS Hall at Mt Gravatt, just one week before the Adelaide Nationals.

Five judges — Barney Hackney, Merl Melrose, Maurie Scarff, Geoff Taylor, and Jim Calder — selected the first-ever SQ team. Debate was fierce about how to pick birds: should they be chosen as we would for a local show, or with interstate preferences in mind? In one famous case, a huge Normal Grey Green from Ray Mastin was selected as a reserve but ended up benched — and finished 5th overall, SQ’s second-best class result. “We still laugh about those debates,” Jim says.

The team travelled to Adelaide with Noel Black as carer and transporter. In the end, South Australia reigned supreme on home turf, Victoria finished second, NSW third, SQ fourth, and NQ fifth. “Had the two Queensland zones combined, we might have topped NSW,” Jim notes, “but the odds were stacked against us.”

Still, the experience was a success. SQ continued to participate from that point forward, lobbying successfully for the inclusion of Lacewings and Fallows. Over time, the National Standard evolved, the National show cage was adopted, and the way clubs worked together fundamentally changed. Even airline rules and wildlife permits shifted as more birds began moving interstate.

Looking back now, Jim reflects: “From rather simple beginnings, good things have grown. That 1980 Adelaide show was the first time SQ competed — and we’ve never looked back.”

Black Eyed Self Yellows

By Ron Hunt
Former ANBC Historian

My own personal reason is one of admiration, and my flights are in a position to allow the late afternoon sun to play upon their plumage when they arrive at the feeding station during the afternoon feed. This sight alone convinces me every day I need Black Eyed Yellows as part of my aviary. The birds during this time look like living gold. I have personally kept this variety for over twenty years, and despite the many ups and downs (more downs than ups), I could never imagine giving them up. Six times in the State Team and six winners of the B.S.A breeder’s trophy at the annual event have certainly given me incentive enough. However, these brightly coloured birds are the first I look for when entering my aviary each day, and I guess they will always have a spot in my heart and home. Breeding them all the time, I have not found them to have any vices or problems in the breeding cabinet, unlike any other type of budgerigar. Many people fall by the wayside when faced with the many disappointments when they turn out poor quality results. I might add, from my show point of view, as many as seventy-five percent could be classified as pet shop style, and of the remainder, only half are considered good enough to breed from the following season. The best of these being benched in shows are still unable to take out major awards.
I look to the late fifties and early sixties and wonder at times what was happening. During these years the Black Eyed Yellows took out the awards. I believe their old rival the Lutino was one of the main reasons the Yellows were left behind. The old story is a sex-linked variety improved more readily and jumps ahead a lot quicker. Using a Lutino to say a Normal Green Hen as an outcross, one can breed in the first nest (indeed all the hens are Lutino) split Lutino Cocks thus creating the outcross blood with the first mating.

Breeding with the Recessive variety like a Yellow is not nearly so easy. A split Yellow Cock or Hen mated with a Green Cock or Hen would produce all split Yellow with not a Yellow bird in sight. These Green splits when mated together will only produce twenty-five percent with the added problem of having to decide which of the greens are split Yellows and which are not. The resulting runoff test can be quite off-putting.

I recommend therefore to re-mate our splits with another Yellow and this again is breeding or line breeding to the very variety we are trying to improve. The resulting number of Yellows (fifty percent) and all the Greens produced are split Yellows giving the beginner a great more encouragement, but as one progresses to this method of mating, split provides the better show birds. One word of warning, to the newcomer, is to remember the Cinnamonwing when outcrossing. Our Yellows today are indeed cinnamon in colour and have pink eyes for their first seven days as have all Cinnamonwings, but for a reason best explained by more educated people than me, the cinnamon markings do not appear as such when the bird is fully moulted. Without this Cinnamonwing blood our Yellows appear with a much duller colour, losing that brightness and generally has more Green suffusion than can be tolerated by a Yellow supporter. One should not confuse fanciers with the genuine Cinnamonwing markings, the bird with the Cinnamonwing markings have proven to be compatible when mated together in my set up – I would sum up by saying the Cinnamonwing is the best outcross I have used and have always bred Cinnamonwings for this purpose.

During recent years other mutations have appeared on the scene to challenge the Black Eyed Yellow and our standards have had to be reworded to define the differences and to ensure judges are able to detect usurper and wrong class it. The most recent of these is the Spangle Double Factor, a very pretty bird, but not a true Black Eyed Self. This bird can be detected even when completely yellow and not showing the green collar when looking at the wings, neck, back and head and cheeks. These areas should still display the melanin sites as sort of ghost markings in the best of Yellows and the Spangle wings should be completely clear or very faint Spangles. The standard has now been written in such a way as to allow for this fact and not penalise the bird. It should be pointed out though, the lighter the better is the order of the day and a bird with very heavy markings would still carry heavy penalties in this area.

Our other challenge came from the Dark Eyed Clear, a pied combination breeders using Danish and Continental Pied’s discovered when mating to Dominant Continental Pied split for Danish together, where an all-yellow bird was produced. This bird gives itself away with no iris on his eye and his cere being like the fleshy colour of the Lutino. This gives rise to the name Black Eyed Lutino I have heard used. The newcomer armed with these facts should never be fooled into buying birds that are of no use in producing Yellows. The reason they are of no use is a simple matter of knowing how the Yellow comes about. Our Black Eyed Yellow is a result of having no blue pigment in its feathers.

The green budgerigar has actually no green pigment in its feathers, the green colour appears as a green because the light passing through the blue and yellow pigments mixes and it appears as green. However, the other self-coloured yellow is a result of a yellow wash masking all colours including the melanin sites in the wing etc. I do hope this explanation gives potential breeders a better insight into the make-up of the Black Eyed Yellow.

Bad show faults outside of the obvious type are, too light in colour, too much green suffusion and the wings are lighter shade of yellow to the body colour. All of these are easily rectified by careful selection of mates that do not share the same faults and can be done within the variety itself.

I must point out though, the challenge to improve the type is a much harder line to pursue and the breeder must proceed with caution or lose the variety characteristics and finish with a bird looking nothing like a self-coloured. The use of Cinnamonwing is an advantage but they must be good quality to be of any use.

My personal favourite is the Olive Yellow, when produced without green suffusion, this is a beautiful mustard yellow and in bright sunlight is a sight to behold. There is no doubt in my mind that the colour of the exhibition yellow can be lifted by careful use of these dark factors, a point that should be looked at before we finish up with very Light Yellows.

To sum up these notes I should mention that as with all varieties the serious breeder should have a clear understanding of the written word in the current Standard. Points such as the previously mentioned melanin, the mention of flights only approaching the body colour, tail feather neutral with ground suffusion, tail quill neutral, must all be firmly in one’s mind when judging these birds. What a tragedy it would be to have a judge penalise ones exhibit for having correct features.

I do sincerely hope these notes encourage breeders to take on Black Eyed Yellows, but a word of warning, one must really love them, to want to create a stud of Yellows.

It’s been a busy month in Victoria, with several auctions offering fanciers the chance to secure valuable breeding stock — and, just as importantly, catch up with friends. While the occasional “crazy price” made an appearance, the last couple of auctions could only be described as a good day for the buyers, with plenty of bargains on offer. Well done to all the clubs who’ve hosted auctions this year; they take a huge amount of planning and effort, and they play a vital role in both advancing and showcasing the hobby.

Looking ahead, next month is one of the quieter patches on our calendar. For most of us, breeding is now in full swing, so it’s the perfect time to concentrate on the birdroom. It’s also a great month for an aviary visit or two — grab a couple of mates, pile into the car, and make a road trip of it!

October marks the start of the spring show season, with the spotlight on UBC’s and Young Birds. It’s a terrific opportunity to pick up a Diploma with that late-bred stormer from last year, or to showcase the potential of next year’s National contender.

Meanwhile, the BCV is continuing to develop strategies to enhance the exhibitor and spectator experience at the three State Championship (Shield) shows. A few new ideas will be trialled at the UBC Shield this October, and we’re keen to see how they’re received.

Wishing you every success with your birds — and all the best in your budgie endeavours!

Regards,

Peter Thurn
President – BCV

Newcastle Budgerigar Club ran their legendry budgerigar auction on 9th August, with 155 lots of super budgerigars going under the hammer. Feedback from the event included words like “one of the best Auctions I’ve ever been to.” Well done to the hard-working members of Newcastle who made the event such a success.

• Represented Australia at the 1960 Rome Olympics and 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth in 100 and 200 metres, as well as relays.
• Won State and Australian sprinting titles.
• Played for Eastern Suburbs Rugby League team (now Sydney Roosters) during the 1960s in the era of the great St George team.
• Represented in both baseball and cricket.
• In later years played golf off a 4 handicap.

In talking to him I think some of his great memories training with the great Marjorie Jackson (“the Lithgow Flash”). Denis spent much of his teenage and early adult years in Lithgow. In 1960, he was awarded “Lithgow sportsman of the year”, which was a great honour for him. He also has fond memories of being a 2000 Olympic torch bearer – walking alongside the Shoalhaven River.

Denis says that the world has changed immensely since he was winning sprint championships. Now it is all professional. In his day, because of the lack of finances and transport, sport had a local and community focus and was not international, let alone Australia wide. This is what makes his award for Lithgow sportsman of the year special to him. Every sportsman, who we would say now is “elite”, had a job. Indeed, there were locality qualifications he had to meet to enable him to play for Eastern Suburbs (although he lived in Lithgow) and his pay was $56 for a win, $48 a draw and $36 per loss.

People have such interesting lives, and I could spend a lot of time writing about Denis’ life, but this article is about the hobby. However, something that came up in our discussion, and which I found interesting, was that during WW2, Denis’ father was stationed in Cowra and both Denis and his mother lived in Cowra with two big red setter dogs. For those of you who may not know, Cowra was the main camp for Japanese POWs and in 1944 they broke out of their compound in what became known as “the Cowra breakout”. Denis said some of the prisoners ended up in his back yard but were frightened off by the dogs. Denis said to me; “Poor sods (referring to the Japanese POWs) thought they could walk all the way back to Japan”.

Denis strikes me as a dedicated family man with a large family of children and grandchildren. In talking budgerigars with him he loves that his daughter Natalie shares his love of the hobby. Natalie known as “the Show Manager” helps him sort his birds and selection for show events. Denis was quick to point out that a 2023 Spangle Double Factor Cock was chosen by Natalie, which went onto to come fourth in the 2023 Ballarat Nationals – the stud’s best result. Denis had not even considered it. Denis says, “Natalie has a bloody good eye for budgerigars”. Natalie and Denis refer to him as “the Stud Manager”.
A reason I wanted to write this article was because Denis’ stud is known for its’ fertility.

Question & Answer with Denis
What sparked your interest in budgerigars and the hobby?
Like a lot of us, Denis kept budgerigars in his youth. About 20 years ago, on a golf trip to Dubbo, Denis met a fellow by the name of Ian Williams – who owned a well-known pet shop in Dubbo known as “Bob’s Pets”. In speaking to Ian, Denis’ love for birds and particularly the budgerigar was reignited. Ian knew John Scoble (some would say a pioneer of the modern hobby) and after a bit of cloak and dagger, John let Denis see his birds. Denis was struck by the size and colour of John’s Light Greens. John was not prepared to sell Denis birds but referred him to other breeders in Dubbo who had acquired John’s birds.
Denis was able to acquire a batch of old birds from Terry O’Brien and two pair from Steve Draper. These birds had Scoble blood lines. From those birds Denis bred some nice Light Greens and Spangles – and his journey in the hobby had begun. The Scoble blood line remains in his birds today.

How have you developed blood lines?
Denis is good friends with some well-known exhibitors, John Boss, Johnny Barden and Bob Gibson. He swaps and acquires birds from those persons. Although each of them has developed their studs, the basis of their studs were birds that were acquired from the mythical Bob Smith (I say mythical because Mr Smith has such a reputation, but I have not met anyone who has met him). His out crosses have been limited to those breeders. The Smith line has had a big influence on Denis’ stud. He has also been mentored and swapped information and ideas with those three exhibitors, which has improved his stud. When pairing Denis tells me he breeds “best to best’ of that which is available. He then may check pedigrees to ensure he is not mating siblings. I think his stud maybe closely related so in some ways he may in fact be line breeding without it being the primary intention.

How long have you been in the birdkeeping hobby?
20 years as an exhibition budgerigar breeder. Denis began to exhibit almost immediately he had bred birds. In his first year as a novice exhibitor, he won Grand Champion at Illawarra Show with a Spangle Grey Green Cock. That bird still has descendants in his aviary today. He has represented at the Nationals on several occasions with his best result being in 2023, when his Spangle Double Factor Cock came fourth.

How many breeding cages do you have and how many long do you breed each year?
I have been Denis’ home on two occasions. The second occasion was to conduct this interview, and he had a few trailing pairs from the 2024 season. I visited his aviary earlier this year when his breeding season was in full swing. He had 20 breeding cabinets. Most breeding boxes were full of chicks. This season just gone; he bred way more than 200 birds. He uses box in a box type breeding box, which are bigger than normal, particularly deep. Some of his cabinets are held in shelving and others are all wire. He prefers all wire breeding cages for cleanliness reasons. Each breeding box has saw dust in the bottom. His bird room is full of noise, which is always a good sign, I think. Denis breeds all year round with a short break around Christmas.

What club do you represent and what do you like about the club?
Shoalhaven. The close-knit friendships he has formed, and the help members of the club give each other.

What is your current status and what are your recommendations for anyone wanting to progress in the hobby?
Denis was one of the inaugural exhibitors admitted to the championship (platinum) class. Denis has achieved this because of his representation at the Nationals and his continued success at annual shows around NSW. Denis’ advice: “Get birds from reputable breeders. Hopefully initially from someone who is prepared to mentor you in the hobby.” “Keep it simple”. I will talk about this later in this article.

What varieties do you keep, what is your favourite variety?
Denis has mostly dominant varieties. Normal, Opalines and Spangles are prevalent. He has several dark factor birds which are striking, in Normal and Opaline and in green and blue series birds, and which came from the Steve Draper pairs he purchased at the beginning of his journey. There is general quality across his stud. For me the outstanding birds in his aviary now are his red rung Yellow Faced – Opalines and Normals, some dark factor and some a composite with Spangle. The width of head, the dense feather and strong structure on those birds make them very attractive. This is interesting because one of my observations over the last few years is that the Yellow Faced class has deteriorated, but if Denis gets some of those birds to show cages, then the quality in that class will have been improved and it will take a quality bird to displace his birds at any show. There were also two Spangle Double Factor Cocks in the red rung flight, which were lovely looking birds.

What is your favourite moment in the hobby?
Denis has three moments: Firstly, the Spangle Grey Green Cock that gave him his first Grand Champion. Secondly the Spangle Double Factor, which came fourth at the nationals. His third moment was at last year’s Hills auction. I was at that auction and had some interest in acquiring some Light Greens from Denis. Adrian Corner approached me and said, “come and look at this”. I went over with him to where Denis had his birds from the auction and Denis had replaced a bird with an Opaline Yellow Faced Sky cock. From the moment we saw that bird we knew firstly it was out of our price range and secondly it was going to fetch good money – the bird had that stud quality look about him. Denis had put the bird into the auction over the protest of Natalie but said there were many similar birds at his aviary. The bird eventually sold for $5,000. Denis said it was thrilling that one of his birds was recognised in that way. I remember that bird and I can tell you there are several Yellow Faced birds in his aviary of equal or better quality and without the flecking of that bird.

Which bird room would you most like to visit?
He wants to continue visiting the aviaries of his friends, Messrs Boss, Barden and Gibson.

What bird do you feel was your best bird and why?
Spangle Opaline Grey Green hen (photograph) bred in 2021. Still in his aviary. She won Mid State and Shoalhaven shows as a young bird but never got a chance at National representation because of COVID.

What other hobbies do you have?
Denis loved his golf, but a recent cancer operation put an end to that. Now a days, Denis focuses on his family and his birds. He has a dog, which is older than Denis in dog years and Denis and that dog are great mates.

What is your aviary set up and how did you evolve it over the years?
Denis lives in the Shoalhaven.  He has been at his home for 40 years. He had two blocks, and he initially kept his birds on the vacant block. Once that block was sold some time ago, he constructed his current aviary. The best way to describe the current aviary is that from the outside it looks like a triple garage with flights coming off the side. The way the aviary is constructed I think has a lot to do with the great fertility of his stud. Firstly, the flight is both outside and inside dual flights where the birds can be locked inside at night. The outdoor flights are wholly roofed but filtered light still gets into those flights, Secondly, the breeding area is light and bright and near one of the flights, so the birds are not separated from the flock. Thirdly, there is plenty of room even for the 300 odd birds Denis keeps. Fourthly, his seed, his equipment and all the stuff that comes with keeping birds is stored in a separate part of the aviary and Denis does all his bird caring tasks in that part of the aviary where he does not disturb the birds. Denis is always looking for ways to improve his set up. For instance, in between my two visits to his aviary, he had laid concrete around the outdoor aviaries so he could manage and prevent water getting into the aviary. The birds are healthy and vibrant.

What do you feed your birds?
Denis sources his seed from rural growers. He feeds in separate dishes – budgie mix, canary, french millet and rape seeds and small parrot mix. He keeps the seed in 120 kilo drums. On checking the seed – it had minimal dust. He provides no additives apart from Breeder D soluble powder in water. He does not use soft food. The birds have bottle brush leaves and wood provided which they love. He also grows millet, which is fed to the birds whilst still green. Denis does not trust the public water supply and the birds are provided with spring water which he gets from Aldi or Coles. This is a simple method.  In a time where we all seem to be using additives, the birdman, who has the best fertility that I know of, keeps those additives to a minimum.

How do you treat sick birds?
Isolate. Hospital cage – heat and no stress. Sulphur D. Hope for the best. Again – keep it simple. Denis has a low mortality rate in his aviary and he thinks the reason for this is the same reasons he has good fertility (see below).

What issue in the hobby most concerns you?
Denis’ pet peeve is people talking to judges during shows. Whoever it may be show managers, other judges or worst of all exhibitors. He understands there must be some communication (except with exhibitors) but it should be kept to a minimum and explained where necessary. It is about perception.

Who are the people you most respect in the hobby and why?
The two people whose knowledge of the hobby he most respects is John Boss and Bob Gibson.

Your favourite movies?
The John Wick series

Favourite food and restaurant?
His granddaughter’s spaghetti bolognaises. Not a restaurant kind of guy.

Favourite sports team?
Sydney Roosters, rugby league.

Who would you most like to have dinner with?
A pub meal with his sons or his budgie breeder mates.

Fertility?
My view is that the fertility of Denis’ stud is due to the following factors:

• Keep it simple.
• See section on aviary set up
• He lives in a perfect part of the world for budgerigar breeding – moderate temperatures, not overly humid, mostly dry
• See section on feeding – I think the water he uses maybe significant and certainly Breeder D helps.
• A noticeable thing about his aviary is the hygiene factor – minimal dust and on both of visits the aviary was in a clean condition.
• Denis is retired and spends a lot of time with his birds – this is helpful because he can deal with problems that arise in real time and just observing the birds helps.

Three things you would love to do in life?
Recently, Denis had to deal with a cancer scare caused by melanoma. That experience has made him think differently about life – he now wants to enjoy the things he already has in his life – his children, grandchildren, dog and of course his birds.

Mark Williams 01/01/25

PHOTOGRAPHS
•    Qantas Olympic bag
•    Australian sprint championship medal
•    Newspaper cutting
•    Sprint finish
•    Visitors in aviary inc. of Denis.
•    2 x Aviary (one with millet growing outside)
•    Birds on perch in aviary – 2024 birds
•    Double factor spangle on perch

As we gear up for the 50th National Show, the SQBBA National Show Committee is excited to share some major developments that will make the 2026 Nationals a truly unmissable weekend for all budgerigar enthusiasts!

📅 What’s Happening Next?
The committee will be meeting on Monday, 1st September to finalise key details for next year’s show. After this meeting, we’ll be ready to share:
•    ✅ Registration costs
•    ✅ Meet & Greet event details
•    ✅ Sunday Presentation Dinner pricing
Stay tuned – full information will be released shortly after the meeting.

🌍 International Guest Confirmed: Ali Bouresli!
We’re thrilled to announce that Ali Bouresli from Kuwait has been invited to attend the 2026 Nationals! This is a huge milestone for the Australian budgerigar community and will bring a wealth of international experience and knowledge to our event. Coupled with the previously announced appointment of Richard Miller as a judge, the Nationals will now host two of the world’s leading budgerigar figures.

🎤 Unmissable Events
Saturday Night Presentations

• Ali Bouresli will give a keynote talk, similar to the one he presented at the World Budgerigar Organisation Show earlier this year.
• Richard Miller will also take the stage, making Saturday evening a true highlight of the weekend.
• Friday Night – On the Perch Special

We’re switching things up! This year’s On the Perch will feature Ali Bouresli and Richard Miller – a change from our usual TV personalities to budgerigar royalty.

Livestream Commentary
Ali will also join the judging livestream, offering expert insights during the event.
You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to chat birds with Ali and Richard throughout the weekend – a rare chance to learn from global leaders in the hobby!

🖼️ Be Part of the 50-Year Celebration
To mark this incredible 50-year milestone, we’re compiling a Wall of Photos & Memorabilia. This display will take patrons on a visual journey through the history of the Nationals.
If you have old photos, stories, or budgie-related memorabilia, we’d love to hear from you. We’ll begin collecting items in the New Year, so keep an eye out for our call for contributions!

🐦 Let’s Make the 2026 Nationals Unforgettable
The SQBBA is working hard to ensure the 50th National Show is not only a celebration of where we’ve come from but also a launchpad into the future of our beloved hobby. With international guests, engaging events, and a weekend full of learning and connection, this is shaping up to be a Nationals like no other.
Stay tuned for more details soon!

Garry Hibberd
SQBBA President

Wynnum Redlands Budgerigar Society and Brisbane Northern Suburbs Budgerigar Society
Combined Show 2025
Saturday, 12th July

Due to hall unavailability, BNSBS joined WRBS for an amazing, combined show on the 12^th of July at the Cleveland State School Hall. With 460+ entries and many amazing prizes on offer the stage was set for a simply amazing day of strong competition. We were fortunate enough to have 3 national judges (Neale Love, Lyn Miller and Errol Miller) and an excellent up and coming judge (Brad Hargreaves) officiate the large numbers on hand.

Both clubs appreciated the support from fanciers across the southeast region for entering quality birds. This year we initiated wild card awards. 4 different varieties (Albino, Clearbody, Crested and Grey Green) were pre-selected and the best of each of these varieties in young birds was selected as the wild card winners where a cash prize of $100 was up for grabs for each variety.

In memory of long-time budgerigar breeder, Mal Lawn, a new perpetual trophy was introduced for the best Dominant Pied of the Show. It was great to have Dot Lawn on hand to present this special award. Thank you to all those who donated towards the perpetual and yearly trophies for this award.

Keep an eye out for more exciting initiatives for next year’s WRBS show.

CHAMPION YOUNG COCK OF SHOW: Cedric D’Costa
CHAMPION YOUNG HEN OF SHOW: Garry and Helen Hibbard
CHAMPION OLD COCK OF SHOW: Garry and Helen Hibbard
CHAMPION OLD HEN OF SHOW: Howard Morton
CHAMPION JUVENILE COCK OF SHOW: Boal Family
CHAMPION JUVENILE HEN OF SHOW: Trevor Broadbent
CHAMPION NEST FEATHER OF SHOW: Darryl Piper
‘MAL LAWN’ BEST DOMINANT PIED OF SHOW: Garry Jones

WILD CARDS
ALBINO: Howard Morton
CLEARBODY: Russel and Michelle Sweeper
CRESTED: Dale Keevers and Tiani Hoskinson
GREY GREEN: Boal Family

What a great day we had for The Australian Budgerigar Society for our annual Clubhouse Show last weekend. Congratulations to everyone for your support of our event, especially to ANBC judge Lynne Miller for judging at our show.

Some highlights included Barbara Kelly taking out the Champion Young Bird of Show and Reserve, Darryl Piper winning the Champion Nestfeather, and Taleah Bryson and Imogen Meiers sharing all the junior awards. A special mention goes to Taleah, as this was her first show.

Some of our members travelled to Melton for their auction as did others to the Moreton and Newcastle auctions. With the influx of new stock obtained at these auctions it should bode well for our members breeding programs.

The breeding has been reasonably successful for most of our zone’s members with a fairly mild winter although we did experience some very cold days on a couple of occasions. With spring approaching the birds are really fired up and everyone is making the most of it before the dreaded heat and humidity arrives and our breeding room troubles begin. This problematic period normally runs from November through to the end of February sometimes even the end of March when it becomes almost impossible to breed unless one can afford a completely climate-controlled breeding room. No wonder the Budgies home habitat is central Australia and not the coastal regions.

October sees the Capricornia club hold their Breeders Show and also the Mackay club with their Budgie Bash. Townsville recently held a show with the results of that show appearing below.

Warm regards,
Bill Schultz
NQBZ President

On August 17th the Townsville and District Budgerigar Club Inc held there Any age and Young bird show.
Open. Champion any age went to Jo Towler with a Normal Violet Cock.
Opposite Sex Any Age also went to Jo Towler with an Opaline Sky Blue Hen
Champion young bird went to Jo Towler again with the same Normal Violet Cock.
Amateur Opposite Sex Young Bird went to Matt Hart with a Normal Green Hen
Champion Amateur went to Bruce Sutcliffe with a Spangle Yellow Faced Cock.

Thanks to Sue Brooks for putting on an awesome homemade feed for smoko and lunch. Also, a big thank you to Bruce Shuster for travelling down from Carins to judge the show.

To honour these contributions, Mick Gearing generously crafted and donated an Honour Board. This month, the WABC was proud to present the board to some very deserving members. At the South West Budgerigar Club of WA show, the Honour Board was presented to Jan McMahon, while at the Metropolitan Budgerigar Club of WA, it was awarded to Cec and Brenda Gearing, with the honour accepted on their behalf by Mick Gearing. The WABC once again extends its heartfelt thanks for their many years of dedication and tireless support of both the Council and the wider hobby.

August Shows in WA

It was a busy month in Western Australia, with three table shows well supported across August. The Rare Budgerigar Club of WA kicked things off on Sunday, 3rd August, with a strong entry and plenty of enthusiasm. On 17th August, the South West Budgerigar Club of WA attracted over 100 birds, making for a terrific turnout. Rounding out the month, the Metropolitan Budgerigar Club of WA held their table show on 23rd August, again with more than 100 birds benched. Although the weather was chilly, the atmosphere was warm, and the event was another great success.

The WABC has also launched a new fundraising raffle, with five show cages kindly donated as first prize and a bag of seed donated by Jandakot Stock and Pet Supplies as second prize. Looking ahead, the Council is planning further fundraising initiatives to support preparations for hosting the 2028 Nationals.

Show Results

Rare Budgerigar Club of WA (RBC)

• Best in Show – Chris Thomas
• Reserve Best in Show – Georgia Cutrali
• Best Non-Rare – Chris Thomas
• Reserve Best Non-Rare – Chris Thomas
• Best Rare – Georgia Cutrali
• Reserve Non-Rare – Brian Bell

South West Budgerigar Club of WA (SWBC)

• Best in Show – Les Trumper
• Best Opposite Sex – Les Trumper
• Best Open – Les Trumper
• Best Intermediate – Ian Cullan
• Best Novice – Mike Hodgson

Metropolitan Budgerigar Club of WA (MBC)

• Best in Show – Les Trumper
• Reserve Best in Show – Les Trumper
• Best Opposite Sex – Maitland-Smith Family
• Best Young – M & D Gearing
• Best Open – Les Trumper
• Reserve Best Open – Les Trumper
• Best Intermediate – Ben Bathols
• Reserve Best Intermediate – Ben Bathols
• Best Novice – Les Woodcock
• Reserve Best Novice – Alison Bishop

Regards,

Les Woodcock
Secretary
Western Australian Budgerigar Council (Inc)
Email: WABCSecretary1@gmail.com
Phone: 0407476955

August was a month full of energy, connection, and learning for the South Australian fancy, with the BCSA calendar brimming with activity. From dinners and auctions to aviary visits, presentations, and the beginnings of something big for 2025, the month reflected both the strength of our community and the passion driving the hobby forward.

It all began with a wonderful evening of fellowship at the BCSA Pre-Auction Dinner. Held in a relaxed atmosphere, the dinner gave members, interstate visitors, and local fanciers the opportunity to connect before the big sale day. As always, it was more than just a meal — it was a chance to share stories, strengthen friendships, and enjoy the camaraderie that has always been at the heart of the fancy. Conversations buzzed around breeding plans, show successes, and the birds coming under the hammer at the BCSA Auction. Members valued the opportunity to converse with the interstate visitors.

The following day saw one of the year’s most anticipated events: the BCSA Auction. With a strong catalogue of birds, the auction drew keen interest from across South Australia and beyond. As always, it was a chance to secure valuable breeding stock, and many fanciers took advantage of the opportunity to add birds with proven bloodlines to their studs. While bidding was spirited, there was a good balance between high-profile sales and genuine bargains. More importantly, the auction once again demonstrated the role these events play in supporting the hobby, generating funds for the Council, and giving fanciers of all levels access to top-quality birds. Congratulations go to the vendors, buyers, and especially to the BCSA team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the day a success.

• Crop feeding techniques for stronger, healthier chicks
• Nest box design that works in practice
• Feeding strategies for success at every stage
• Pairing and pair bonding to enhance fertility
• Egg management to maximise outcomes

This is a unique chance to learn from some of the most knowledgeable breeders in the fancy, with practical advice you can apply straight to your own birdroom.

👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your skills and take your breeding results to the next level.

The Budgerigar Council of Tasmania brought fanciers together on the 23rd of August for their annual Budgerigar Enthusiasts Day, held at the Campbell Town Guide Hall. The event was well supported by members from across the state’s three clubs — the Coastal Budgerigar Society, Northern Tasmanian Budgerigar Society, and Tasmanian Budgerigar Society — and it provided a rare opportunity for everyone to socialise, share knowledge, and simply talk budgies with those they don’t often get the chance to catch up with.

This year’s feature guest was ANBC Judge Derek Poole, who gave an insightful talk and demonstration on flecking. Derek brought along birds to illustrate the differences between disqualification-level flecking and examples of heavy, medium, and light flecking, giving members a clear visual reference. He also demonstrated how to crop feed chicks — a valuable lesson for those who had never seen it done before.

Alongside the educational element, members brought birds to sell, and the Council had also sourced a small draft of birds from Victorian breeders. These were carefully chosen to assist both beginners and experienced fanciers alike. Birds were offered at set prices, and to keep it fair, names were drawn for each sale so everyone had the same chance of securing one. The excitement built as the first cards were handed out and members eagerly waited to see who would be successful. By the end, many went home thrilled with their new purchases, while those who missed out turned their attention to birds brought along by fellow members.

After lunch the program shifted to a special guest appearance via Zoom. Garry Hibberd joined virtually to share his expertise and provide an update on the upcoming 2026 ANBC National Show on the Gold Coast. Although internet connections were a little patchy at times, Garry still managed to engage the room and left attendees with plenty to think about.

For the first time, the Enthusiasts Day was also advertised to the public, inviting anyone interested to come along and even purchase birds. The response was encouraging, with a good turnout from the community. Membership forms and information sheets were handed out, and many members took the time to chat, answer questions, and offer advice. Visitors were enthusiastic and some left with new birds in tow, cages quickly filling and even spare boxes being pressed into service for extra purchases.

The day had all the hallmarks of a successful gathering: members learning from experts, the thrill of acquiring fresh stock, and the simple joy of spending time with others who share the same passion. The buzz in the room was undeniable, with both seasoned breeders and the public caught up in the enthusiasm. For Tasmania’s clubs, it was another reminder of the strength of coming together, and a positive sign that interest in the hobby continues to grow.

Warm Regards,

Dale Ward
BCT President

Congratulations to the ANBC Gazette, which celebrates its first birthday this September! With our 13th edition now complete, it’s been a joy to watch the Gazette grow into a space that reflects the passion and dedication of our fancy. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who continues to contribute, share stories, and spread your enthusiasm for this wonderful hobby. Your support and energy are what bring these pages to life. Until next month, keep enjoying your birds and the friendships that make our community so special.

Neale R Love
Editor, ANBC Gazette
secretary@anbc.org.au
Mob 0421 471 781