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Welcome to your Monthly Edition of the ANBC Gazette
Dear Fanciers,
The Christmas and New Year period is traditionally a quieter time across our Zones, before clubs and committees regroup and preparations resume for the year ahead.
With January now behind us, preparations continue to gather momentum for the 50th ANBC Trill Expert National Championship Show to be held on the Gold Coast. I am pleased to report that, thanks to the continued support of Mars Birdcare, the ANBC and SQBBA have successfully negotiated sponsorship for the ANBC Scoreboard and all three judging sessions. This sponsorship also includes advertising across the four judges’ shirts. Congratulations to the four invited judges selected to officiate at the Gold Coast National.
The ANBC Working Group and the SQBBA National Committee have been particularly active over the holiday period, finalising the audiovisual programme and event requirements in conjunction with Mantra at Sharks Southport. In addition, initial discussions have commenced with the Budgerigar Society of New South Wales National Coordinator as they begin preparations for the 2027 National Championship Show in Canberra.
Included with this Gazette is Attachment 6 to ANBC By-Law 1(a). This document contains important requirements that all Zones should be fully familiar with prior to conducting their Zone Selection Shows.
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Preparations for the Hall of Fame – Service Division pull-up displays are also underway. The ANBC is seeking assistance in sourcing high-quality photographs of recipients, many of whom have sadly passed away. In many cases, our only references come from historical records. Special thanks go to Ron Hunt for his recollections of those early Service Division recipients. If you are able to assist with information or suitable photographs (preferably of high resolution for reproduction), your help would be greatly appreciated.
Sadly, we have lost several valued members of our community since Christmas. We extend our sincere condolences to their families and loved ones and wish them peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Zone Supporters Polo Shirts are once again available at the same cost as last year: $60 per shirt, plus $10 postage (preferred delivery method). To guarantee delivery, all orders must be received by the end of March.
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Warm Regards,
Neale R Love
ANBC Secretary
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Old National’s Photos Wanted!
ANBC President Garry Hibberd shares a heartfelt update—new breeding-season hope, tough losses in our community, and support for members facing Victorian bushfires and northern flooding. One more thing… he’s still chasing those past Nationals photos!
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From ICU to ANBC Glory: Michael Pace’s Journey
He started with a dusty 1960s cage… then a freak ceiling-fan accident changed everything. Now Michael Pace breeds 200+ birds a year, leads the Mackay club, and has sent 50 birds to the ANBC Nationals. His biggest win came one week after ICU—wait until you hear how it happened.
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Judges Reveal Show Secrets
Want your birds to peak on the bench this season? ANBC Judges Co-Ordinator James Bader shares the practical do’s and don’ts that can make or break your show day. From cage training timelines to feather prep, mask spotting, and stress management, this checklist is the edge exhibitors forget until it’s too late.
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An Insiders Perspective
Forget the usual “founding fathers” list—this insider account rewrites the ANBC origin story. From dusty sheds and backroom meetings to the first National competition, Ron Hunt reveals who really made it happen: Dr Harold Cooper, Frank Gardiner, and Charlie Clark. Plus, the unsung Hall of Fame workers who built the backbone.
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Fixing Spangles
Think Spangles are “easy”? Think again. This behind-the-scenes guide reveals why Single Factor wing pattern can fall apart fast, why Double Factors can show unwanted colour suffusion, and the exact pairing strategy that produces sharper markings. If your Spangles keep washing out on the bench, this is the fix you’ve been missing.
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Phoenix Rising In Victoria
A brand-new club… and already dominating Victoria’s biggest young bird contest. Phoenix Budgerigar Society went from a surprise 3rd place debut to back-to-back BCV Young Bird Shield wins—then sent 48 birds to the Trill™ Expert ANBC Championship Shows with multiple class placings over 3 years. How did this Club become a powerhouse so fast?
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Budgie Bacteria Warning Signs
Think your aviary is “clean enough”? Bacterial disease can strike fast, often starting with the smallest slip in hygiene, crowding, or nutrition. From messy droppings to tail bobbing and sudden deaths, these red flags matter. Learn how Salmonella, E. coli, chlamydiosis and mycoplasma spread and how to protect your show team.
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Are Your Birds Ready?
The NQ Zone Selection Show is closing in—and the blue ribbon won’t wait. With huge rain up north and “nasties” lurking in damp weather, fanciers are watching aviaries like hawks and sizing up their best prospects. Hall secured, carers chosen, catering locked in… now it’s game on.
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Trevor Earns Life
He joined in 1998 and never stopped showing up. From building cages for the 2016 Hobart Nationals to rebuilding after the Dunalley bushfires, Trevor Johnson has been the quiet powerhouse behind the Tasmanian Budgerigar Society. Add Champion wins across Summer and Winter shows, and this Life Membership couldn’t be more deserved.
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What’s On In SA?
South Australia’s budgie scene exploded in January— status movement was announced, a massive fundraising auction raising $10,741, and big dates locked in for 2026. NEBS has rescheduled its aviary tour and is adding a lamb spit plus free birds for novices. Add a Budgies in the Bool trip for the BSSA and a Spangle masterclass… and you’ve got a month you can’t ignore.
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AGM Changes & 2028 Nationals Momentum
Western Australia’s budgie season is firing up fast. New committee changes, a packed February show calendar, and serious planning already underway for the 2028 Nationals. Plus—did you hear what happened in the Lucky Numbers fundraiser draw when the first number wasn’t even selected? Here’s the full WA update.
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SQBBA Kicks Off 2026
SQBBA’s 2026 season is already moving fast—an auction success, a can’t-miss Moreton show, and a special presentation from South Australian breeder Wayne Weidenhofer. But the biggest news? All 12 member clubs just voted through a brand-new constitution built for modern times.
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Shows Are Back In NSW
NSW budgie shows are coming in hot! From Bexley to Wallsend, North Rocks to Maitland, the 2026 show season is stacked with can’t-miss events. Want to know where the top birds will appear next—and who to contact to get involved? Lock these dates in now before you miss out!
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Victorian Show Season Kicks Off
Victoria’s budgie calendar is firing up with Budgies in the Bool—pet budgie comps, a Diploma Show judged by Gary Gazzard and Greg Rowe, and an elite auction already turning heads. Add a mental health charity partnership, then February brings Melton, Geelong, and the massive Adult Shield with around 800 entries. Don’t blink—you’ll miss it!
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NZ’s Dave Ingoe
Dave Ingoe’s budgie journey started with one light green bird at age 11… and it never stopped. From a homemade box cage to a massive aviary with 50 breeding cages, Dave went from curious kid to one of NZ’s most respected budgerigar breeders and judges. Wait until you hear his biggest worry for the hobby…
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Warm Regards,
Neale R Love
ANBC Secretary
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