SQBBA April Report 2026

National Championships Update – 8 Weeks to Go

With just eight weeks to go, time is certainly slipping away. We hope everyone has now registered for what is shaping up to be a memorable Trill Expert National Championships hosted by the SQBBA Zone. Preparations continue to move forward, with the checklist steadily being ticked off as we work towards the big event.

I was in contact this week with our special international guest, Ali Bouresli, who has advised that he is safe at present despite the situation unfolding in his region. We remain hopeful that in the coming weeks he will be able to travel to Australia; however, far more importantly, we wish Ali and his family continued safety and well-being. There are more important things than a budgerigar show.

South Queensland has once again conducted a successful 32 Auction, with birds generously donated by local breeders. This has proven to be another excellent result, with two auctions now contributing valuable funds towards the National event.

A further and unexpected boost came from the Sunshine Coast Budgerigar Club. The club recently conducted a raffle featuring a pair of birds—a cock bird donated by Peter Thurn and a hen donated by Holmes Family.

The first act of generosity came from the Holmes Family in donating the hen to the club. The second came from the Sunshine Coast club itself, which then passed on the funds originally allocated for the purchase of the hen to the SQBBA in support of the 2026 Trill Expert National Championships. This is a tremendous gesture, and both parties are to be applauded for their generosity—an outstanding outcome for SQBBA.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge Birdkeeper Magazine. Their most recent edition featured an article on the Nationals, and they have also kindly donated magazines to be included in the registration bags for all attendees.

Garry Hibberd
SQBBA President

Fraser Coast Budgerigar Society Inc. Annual Show – Sunday 1 March 2026

The Fraser Coast Budgerigar Society Inc. Annual Show was held on Sunday 1 March 2026, attracting 261 entries and showcasing strong competition across Open, Intermediate and Novice sections. Judging duties were carried out by Garry Menzies and Dave Ganzer, with the major awards headed by a standout Spangle Normal cock exhibited by K. Fagg.

Judges: Garry Menzies and Dave Ganzer
Entries: 261

Major Awards

Grand Champion – Spangle Normal Cock – K. Fagg
Champion Old Bird – Spangle Normal Cock – K. Fagg
Champion Young Bird – Spangle Normal Cock – T&M Benbow
Champion Nestfeather – Spangle Normal – Peter & Dawn

Section Winners

Open

Old Cock – G&L Ryan
Old Hen – G&L Ryan
Young Cock – T&M Benbow
Young Hen – B. Prange
Nestfeather – G. Neumann

Intermediate

Old Cock – K. Fagg
Old Hen – M&J Dick
Young Cock – G&J Smith
Young Hen – G&J Smith
Nestfeather – Peter and Dawn

Novice

Old Cock – N&J Purkis
Old Hen – N&J Purkis
Young Cock – N&J Purkis
Young Hen – N&J Purkis
Nestfeather – T. Humphrey

Best of Series

Combined Open, Intermediate & Novice – Young Bird Only

Normal Green – B&J Budgerigars
Normal Blue – Peter and Dawn
Yellow Faced Blue – K. Fagg
Golden Faced Blue – T&M Benbow
Lutino – B&J Budgerigars
Albino – N. Donaldson
Cinnamonwing – G&J Smith
Lacewing – B&J Budgerigars
Opaline – B&J Budgerigars
Clearbody – B. Prange
Dominant Pied – B&J Budgerigars
Spangle – T&M Benbow
Australian White Cap – K. Fagg
Greywing – B. Prange
Clearwing – Nil
Fallow – T&M Benbow
Black Eyed Self – N. Donaldson
Dilute – G&J Smith
Danish Recessive Pied – G&L Ryan
Dark Eyed Clear – Nil
Crested – Nil
Other Variety – Nil

The Fraser Coast annual fixture once again delivered a strong entry and a wide spread of winners across the major sections and Best of Series awards. Congratulations go to all exhibitors, major winners, and placegetters on an excellent day of competition for the Fancy.

WRBS Annual Showcase Auction 2026

On Saturday the 21st March, WRBS held its annual Showcase auction. After not holding a live auction last year, the aim was to ensure we made this year’s event exceptional. We sourced as many interstate vendors as possible, mixed with local successful breeders. The catalogue was filled with 214 lots with nearly every variety being available.

With 113 registered bidders on the books, the stage was set for an amazingly successful day. A clearance rate of 97% was achieved with an average of $498.

A huge thank you to all the vendors and bidders.

It was great to see our club members join together to ensure the day ran smoothly. Thank you must also go to members from other clubs who continually assist at our events.