SQBBA Report

By Garry Hibberd

Done and dusted! What a remarkable 10-day period it has been, from Zone Selection right through to clean-up on Monday morning following the ANBC National Show.

Firstly, congratulations must go to all breeders who had birds selected to represent SQBBA at the Nationals. To simply gain selection is an achievement in itself, but special congratulations go to those exhibitors who managed to place in the Top 10 classes. And for those who finished second — a fantastic effort, even if at times it can feel like missing Lotto by one number!

Special mention must go to our Logie winners of the weekend — the Boal Family, Glen and Lynn Ryan, Phillip Bosci and Helen Hibberd — truly outstanding performances and a credit to South Queensland breeding.

South Queensland also owes a tremendous thank you to our team carers.

Gary Menzies, who for many years has generously supplied the holding room facilities for the Zone team, has completed his final year as a carer. Gary’s contribution to SQBBA stretches back long before I became involved in the role, and his dedication and reliability over many years have made him a tremendous asset to the Zone. On behalf of everyone involved with SQBBA, thank you Gary for your years of service and commitment.

With Neale Love judging at the Nationals this year, and knowing it would also be Gary’s final year as a carer, Neale and I made the decision in Cairns to introduce Mitchell Boal and Dale Keevers into the carers room as probationary carers. This year they stepped into the role fully, and both handled the responsibility exceptionally well.

Dale will continue to grow into the role and develop into a very capable carer, but I genuinely believe SQBBA may have uncovered a truly passionate long-term team carer in Mitchell Boal. His attention to detail, willingness to learn from anyone in the carers room — regardless of Zone affiliation — and his calm and steady approach will benefit SQBBA for many years to come.

Together, Mitchell, Dale and Gary allowed me the freedom to focus more heavily on venue setup and organisation without constantly worrying about the team itself. A terrific effort by all involved.

In my ANBC report I acknowledged many people, but I would also like to make special mention of those who stayed behind on Monday morning to help with the clean-up operation.

Several members assisted with cleaning the bird holding room, and their help was greatly appreciated. Bill Boal and his two dependable helpers, Dave and Keith, once again seemed to always be there whenever something needed doing. Geoff and Jenni Smith were also tremendous support right through until the container doors were finally closed.

Now that this chapter for SQBBA has closed, attention naturally turns to the future and what the next version of SQBBA may look like moving forward. The challenge now is to take the very best elements from the past, combine them with fresh ideas and new approaches, and continue building a strong and progressive future for South Queensland budgerigar breeding.

Of course, there was one disappointment from the Nationals.

South Australia managed to pip us for third placing overall.

I can assure you that does not sit comfortably with me. South Australia will undoubtedly work hard to maintain that position, and now it falls to SQBBA breeders to ensure we reclaim what I believe is our rightful place.

Do not allow them to become comfortable there.

The challenge now begins for every breeder in South Queensland — start planning your pairings carefully and begin preparing now so that next year the proper order can be restored.

— Garry Hibberd