ANBC Founding Fathers

I will do my best to highlight the achievements of the ANBC Hall of Fame – Service Section members. I was most active in the 1960s and the early 2000s, so some later contributions may not be captured in my notes.

ANBC Founding Fathers: A Personal Perspective

I would like to offer a personal clarification regarding the commonly listed “founding fathers” of the Australian National Budgerigar Council (ANBC). In my view, most of the names often credited rose to prominence around five years after the first National shows began. It is true that, five years in, they formed the first ANBC committee—making them, in a sense, the “founding grandchildren”. That said, all five went on to earn their place in the ANBC Hall of Fame and deserve full recognition.

From where I stood, Dr Harold Cooper was the driving force who turned the idea of an Australian National competition into a reality. Harold introduced me to Frank Gardiner in Melbourne, and that meeting set the wheels in motion. I began travelling around Melbourne, speaking with fanciers and encouraging support for the concept of a National. I then travelled to Tasmania and South East Queensland to do the same.

Queensland proved difficult at the time. When I spoke to members of the Australian Budgerigar Society, I drew a blank. I believe around two years passed, during which my friendship with Frank Gardiner grew. Frank then paved the way for me to meet Charlie Clark. For many reasons, Charlie became a real friend to me during the push to establish a National competition.

Frank told me that the B.C.V. would do whatever Charlie Clark said—and that proved true. The very next year, Harry Eady had a venue booked and invitations sent to the possible teams for the first-ever National competition.

In my view, Dr Harold Cooper, Frank Gardiner, and Charlie Clark were the true founding fathers of the ANBC—and I was their persuader. The five names often listed are the people who took the ball and ran with it. They certainly deserve recognition, and they put the icing on the cake.

Other Hall of Fame Service Memories

What follows are my personal memories of several other ANBC Hall of Fame members whose service helped shape the National movement.

Bruce Bradford

Bruce Bradford, as ANBC Secretary, was known as the man who kept all member bodies informed of ANBC meetings and the work of the various sub-committees. He was an exceptionally hard worker for the ANBC.

George Duffield

George Duffield kept South Australia competing at ANBC shows, was a valuable member of the first judges’ panel, and was a very sound decision maker.

Harry Eady

Much of what I’ve said about George Duffield also applies to Harry Eady, particularly from a Victorian perspective. When asked to do so, Harry was instrumental in getting the ANBC show “on the road”.

Stan Watson

Stan Watson was of great assistance to George Duffield in the early days of the ANBC.

Brian West

Brian West became involved in the ANBC as the first ever elected Secretary. He was always available to sit in on sub-committees and record minutes, and he was held in high regard for his service.

Ron Hunt

Ron Hunt acted as the go-between for Harold Cooper and Frank Gardiner on the group formed to establish the judges’ panel. He was elected to the first judges’ examining panel, served as the NSW representative on Colour Standards once established, and represented NSW at management meetings. Ron also served as a historian—recording and preserving the early story of the ANBC over many years.

Colin Morgan

Colin Morgan was responsible for starting the National Colour & Standards work. He was reliable in keeping member bodies informed and up to date with progress.

Robert Hugo

Robert Hugo contributed heavily to Colour & Standards and played a key role in keeping Western Australia participating in the ANBC.

Peter Glassenbury

Peter Glassenbury also worked extensively on Colour & Standards and conducted many meetings for this sub-committee.

Robert Bourke

Robert Bourke was another Colour & Standards stalwart, constantly checking with member bodies regarding proposed changes raised through the committee.

James & Judy Fletcher

James and Judy Fletcher became the Tasmanian delegates across ANBC sub-committees, providing consistent representation and service.

Alistair Home

Alistair Home, as ANBC Secretary, maintained the high standard set by those before him and was a strong contributor at management meetings.

Neale Love

Neale Love—you probably know him better than I do.

Ron Hunt