Welcome to your Monthly Edition of the ANBC Gazette

Dear Fanciers,

As we wrap up our last Gazette edition for 2024, it’s time to reflect on the year’s accomplishments, both for the ANBC and for our hobby as a whole. Across Australia, we come from diverse regions with varying climates and seasons, each influencing our breeding practices and reasons for showing. Our collective aim is first to achieve a successful breeding season, producing healthy chicks, and then, if we’re fortunate enough, to breed birds that shine in shows and possibly earn places on our Zone National Teams. We expect a lot from our birds in terms of breeding and show results, so it’s essential we provide them with quality food, supplements, and maintain high standards of hygiene in our aviaries and breeding setups.

The diversity across zones was highlighted in my recent judging experience in Mackay, North Queensland. While southern states enjoy mild, spring temperatures, I was greeted with 32-degree heat and hot winds in Mackay. Local breeders there informed me that their breeding season would pause until around March due to the extreme heat—conditions unsuitable for breeding. In contrast, southern breeders are in full swing, aiming for peak results in 2025/26.

Looking ahead, the 2025 ANBC Black Rings will be released by Zone Ring Registrars starting on December 15th, either through club registrars or directly to breeders, depending on the zone’s practice. Let’s avoid any early posts on media about receiving rings before the official release date. And as December 15th is a Sunday, please apply common sense.

For this edition, I’ve invited the Zone Presidents to share reflections on their 2024 achievements and insights for 2025. This year brought notable successes—from BCV winners in Tasmania and new exhibitors winning Logies, to the Sponsorship agreement with Mars Birdcare and the launch of the Gazette. Special thanks and congratulations go out to all who contributed to making 2024 such a success: the ANBC Team, the ANBC Working Group, the new ANBC Logo design, the ANBC Website, and the Tassie team’s achievements at Nationals in Launceston with the innovative “On the Perch” meet-and-greet event. It’s been an exceptional year!

I’d also like to extend my gratitude to the incredible team behind the Gazette. You’ve all been brilliant in making this happen.

To everyone in our amazing hobby, I wish you a joyful and safe Christmas. Reach out to fellow hobbyists with a call or an email to brighten their holiday season, as not everyone has family to celebrate with. Here’s to 2025—a year of fulfilling achievements, both in our hobby and as individuals.

Warm regards,
Neale R Love
ANBC Secretary

Dear Budgie Enthusiasts,

Over the past few months, I have had the pleasure of engaging with members from across Australia, asking for their thoughts on how we can continue improving and strengthening our wonderful hobby. While I was heartened to hear that many of you are satisfied with the work we are doing, I was also struck by a certain level of apathy among some members. Comments such as, “I don’t care what happens as long as I can go to shows,” or “The cost of shows is too high,” were common themes.

These conversations also gave me the chance to highlight some of the great initiatives we have been working on, including the ANBC Gazette, our updated website, and our exciting partnership with Mars Birdcare. I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Neale Love and Troy Holmes, who played key roles in these achievements.

Sponsorships and partnerships do not just fall into place. The ANBC must proactively approach organisations, present a compelling proposal, negotiate terms, draft a legal agreement, and secure signatures from all parties involved. These efforts take time, planning, and commitment to ensure the continued success of our hobby.

On another note, the ANBC recently asked all States and Zones for suggestions on how to improve the future direction of our hobby. We still seek that feedback, given that, I urge all members to reflect on what they would like to see for the future of the ANBC and share their ideas with their delegates. Your input is vital as we work together to grow our membership, support the wellbeing of States and Zones, and manage costs effectively. This is a team effort, and your contributions can make a real difference.
Don’t forget to support the upcoming 2025 National Show in Cairns, hosted by the North Queensland Budgerigar Zone (NQBZ). Tickets are available for their raffle of a fantastic pair of birds from Craig Barnett, with details on the ANBC website and various Facebook pages. A special thank you to Mick and Ann Cookson, who have generously donated the freight for any interstate winners of the raffle, which will be drawn on 15th January 2025.

As the festive season approaches, myself, the ANBC executive, and all delegates wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please stay safe during this time, enjoy the company of family and friends, and we look forward to catching up with everyone in the New Year.

Warm regards,
Russell Ogden
President – ANBC

ANBC Judges Coordinator

As we reflect on the past 12 months in the world of budgerigar shows and judging, it’s heartening to see how far we’ve come since the upheaval of recent years. The 2024 ANBC National Show, hosted in Tasmania, was a standout success—not just for the exceptional birds on display but for the people who came together to celebrate our shared passion. Post-COVID, these gatherings hold a renewed sense of importance, providing an opportunity to reconnect, share stories, and reinvigorate the vibrant community spirit that defines our hobby.

Over the past year, it’s been equally exciting to see the resurgence of local shows across states and zones. The ability for these smaller, yet crucial, events to thrive again has been a cornerstone in rebuilding our community. The overwhelming positive feedback from exhibitors and attendees reinforces the importance of these local gatherings. They serve not only as steppingstones for birds and breeders on their way to larger competitions but also as vital social hubs that keep our passion alive. States and zones deserve recognition for their hard work and creativity in making these events possible.

A particular highlight in my role as Judges’ Coordinator has been witnessing the success of states and zones in nurturing new talent for the ANBC judges’ exam. In the past two years, four candidates have successfully passed this rigorous process, marking a significant achievement for our community. These results are a credit to the mentorship and encouragement provided at the grassroots level. The process of becoming a judge is no small feat, and the dedication shown by these candidates is commendable.

Looking ahead, we’re keen to maintain this momentum. I’ll be reaching out to all states and zones, encouraging them to identify potential candidates for the 2025 ANBC judges’ exam. This initiative ensures that we continue to cultivate a pipeline of skilled, passionate judges who will sustain the quality and integrity of our competitions for years to come. If you know someone with the potential and commitment to contribute as a judge, now is the time to support their journey.

One of the ongoing challenges we face as a judging community is steering away from fault-focused judging and embracing a more constructive, positive approach. Positive judging should lead to positive results and experiences—for exhibitors, judges, and the broader audience. It’s about acknowledging a fault, applying the appropriate penalty, and moving forward to evaluate the overall quality of the bird. This approach not only encourages breeders to refine their birds with optimism but also enhances the educational aspect of judging, allowing exhibitors to walk away with clear insights for the future.

In closing, the past year has been a period of growth and rejuvenation for the ANBC community. The Nationals in Tasmania set a high bar for future events, reminding us of the importance of both birds and people in our journey. Local shows are thriving, and we’re seeing the benefits of states and zones actively promoting the development of new judges. With ongoing efforts to promote positive judging practices, the future looks bright for our community.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the successes of the past 12 months—whether as an exhibitor, organiser, mentor, or supporter. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected, and more vibrant future for the budgerigar community. Let’s keep the momentum going as we look toward 2025 and beyond.

Regards
James Bader
ANBC Judges Co-Ordinator

Colours & Standards

When the current Standard was written and finally issued in 1990 this final issuance represented a long and thought-provoking process in having a document that was of a high quality and easily understood by all. The resultant overall document was simplistic and concise and in a much more readable form than any other Standard throughout the world, yet all information was included.

One key feature that deserves further explanation is the matrix that was developed initially by Gordon Lowe of South Australia. Gordon, as well as being a prominent budgerigar breeder and judge, had had a long involvement in the chicken industry and his knowledge of chicken varieties was a key to the matrix and how it evolved.

When the matrix is studied it gives a complete and accurate placement level of all varietal combinations that can be recognized in the primary varieties that currently exist. By reading the matrix in an ascending order the primary varieties are displayed for placement of birds in shows and thus Australians have a consistent approach in class placement.

The matrix truly covers all varietal combinations for the varieties in a concise and accurate format and the concept I believe is one of brilliance and a great asset to the overall document. It covers these combinations quickly and is easily understood by all given its simplicity. These accepted combinations also determine the placement of the variety in the matrix.

There are colour combinations that are not allowed and possible color combinations that are left blank in the content and these all have a reason for non-inclusion or omission. As examples, why is there not combinations of Dominant Pied Clearwings or Lacewing Cinnamonwings or Fallow Cinnamonwings in the matrix? The answer lies in the visual combinations. These suggested non acceptable combinations are alike to others that are accepted or are undistinguishable. How could a judge or in fact a breeder correctly determine these combinations without accurate genetic material?

The matrix is in short, a page of brilliant conceptual thought put on paper that we should all acknowledge as being unique and Australian owned.

Peter Glassenbury
Colour and Standards Co-Ordinator

Overseas – The World Budgerigar Organisation
By Ghalib Al Nasser, WBO Secretary

Also, since 2013 the WBO created their own WBO World Championship Show to be running in conjunction with the WBO meeting. My task as WBO Secretary is to invite the judges for the show with the agreement of my WBO Executive Committee and the host society. The judge must also attend the WBO meeting representing his country. For the first WBO show in 2013 in Italy Jim Fletcher was the guest judge from Australia. This was followed by Henry George in 2016 (Portugal), Alan Rowe in 2017 (Hungary), Jim Fletcher again in 2018 (South Africa), Neale Love in 2019 (Germany), Peter Thurn in 2023 (Belgium) and this year was the turn of Stephen Mow in Austria.

The WBO meeting is usually staged on the Friday before judging on the Saturday and usually attended by representatives from 15 to 20 societies. This year we had delegates from 17 societies representing 15 countries. Part of the agenda is dedicated to reports from the delegates about happenings in their country over the past 12 months. Then there are reports from the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer then proposals sent by societies for discussion and voting. Some of the proposals discussed and passed were:

• Research Update
• Gould Award – nomination received and voted on and the winner was Carlos Ramôa
• Constitution – to create a new position on the Executive Committee for a second Vice Chairman to look after the affairs of the Colour Budgerigar (passed) and to include the immediate Past Secretary on the Executive Committee (passed)
• Judges Criteria (proposal from Belgium) – to reduce the qualification from 5 to 3 years for a newly qualified judge to be added to the WBO International Judges Panel (passed)
• Show Cage Door (proposal from Denmark) – to increase the show cage door for easy access to be between 100 to 125 mm high and 90 to 105 mm wide (passed)
• Colour Standards and the proposed Pictorial Ideal – this was a sensitive issue as although the circulated Ideal was passed by 56 votes for to 36 votes against and adopted by the WBO the subject will be revisited again.

The Colour Budgerigar (similar to the Bush Budgie of Australia but with a style) is getting very popular with the entry is nearly the same as that of the exhibition budgerigar at many shows.
The next WBO meeting will be in England on 6^th – 8^th June 2025 to celebrate the Budgerigar Society 100^th Anniversary. United Arab Emirates will host the 2026 meeting in Dubai in November while Portugal will host the 2027 meeting in July.

The Saturday was the show and the entry was 482 exhibition budgies and 337 colour budgies (total 819) from 45 exhibitors representing 9 countries including Egypt. The judges invited were Armin Giger (Switzerland), Stephen Mow (Australia), Richard Miller (U.K.) for the exhibition birds and Dino Pocecco (Italy), Rolf Schindelmeiser (Germany) for the colour budgerigar.

As expected with such a quality show there will be top quality birds benched and after selecting the colour awards the 3 judges turned their attention towards selecting the major awards. Their final decisions were:

• Best in Show & Best Any Age – Light Green cock – Daniel Lütolf (Switzerland)
• Best Any Age Opp Sex – Dominant Pied Skyblue hen – Daniel Lütolf (Switzerland)
• Best Young Bird in Show – Yellowface Cinnamon Grey cock – Wilhelm Kohout (Switzerland)
• Best Young Bird Opp Sex – Cinnamon Grey hen – Wilhelm Kohout (Switzerland)
• Best Colour Budgerigar Any Age – Suffused Yellow cock – Günter Donnerbauer (Switzerland)
• Best Colour Budgerigar Young Bird – Opaline Cinnamon Light Green hen – Günter Donnerbauer (Switzerland)

The Saturday evening was the buffet dinner attended by all and it was an enjoyable evening and I was able to meet with 2 fanciers from Iraq (my birth country).

The Sunday morning was the award presentations, donated bird raffle and other ceremonial procedures then lifting time by early afternoon for fanciers to travel back to their countries with their birds.

All in all, it was an enjoyable weekend meeting many old friends and making new friends from around the world. Our sincere thanks goes to our hosts, the Austrian society OWV, and my special host my friend Leopold Geppl who picked me up from the airport on Thursday and back to the airport on Sunday with 3 hours trip each way.

Please visit the WBO website (www.world-budgerigar.org) for more information.

Avian Parasites in Budgerigars: Identification, Prevention, & Management
By Dr Hamish Baron BVSc (Hons), MVS (Avian Medicine),  PhD, FANZCVS (Avian Medicine and Surgery)

Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), popular among aviculturists for their vibrant colours and engaging personalities, are susceptible to various parasitic infections. Effective parasite management is crucial for maintaining flock health, productivity, and longevity. This article reviews the common internal and external parasites affecting budgerigars, their clinical impacts, and strategies for prevention and treatment.

Internal Parasites
1. Gastrointestinal Parasites

• Giardia spp.
  • Impact: Causes giardiasis, characterised by diarrhoea, weight loss, and poor feather quality.
  • Transmission: Contaminated water, food, or faeces.
  • Diagnosis: Microscopic examination or PCR testing of faecal samples.
• Ascaridia spp. (Roundworms)
  • Impact: Heavy infestations lead to intestinal obstruction, malnutrition, and lethargy.
  • Transmission: Ingestion of worm eggs from contaminated surfaces.
  • Diagnosis: Faecal flotation.

• Coccidia (e.g., Eimeria spp.)
  • Impact: Causes coccidiosis, loose stool, leading to bloody diarrhoea and dehydration.
  • Transmission: Ingestion of oocysts from contaminated surfaces.
  • Diagnosis: Faecal wet mount examination.

• Trichomonas spp
  • Impact: Causes trichomoniasis (canker), affecting the upper digestive and respiratory tracts, leading to vomiting, nasal discharge, weight loss, and respiratory distress.
  • Transmission: Direct contact, especially in shared water sources.
  • Diagnosis: Swabbing the oropharynx and microscopic examination.

External Parasites
1. Mites

• Cnemidocoptes pilae (Scaly Face Mite)
  • Impact: Causes scaly face and leg disease, characterised by crusty lesions on the beak, cere, and legs.
  • Transmission: Direct contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces.
  • Diagnosis: Visual examination, skin scraping.

• Ornithonyssus spp. (Bird Red Mites)
  • Impact: Causes anaemia, restlessness, and feather damage due to blood-feeding.
  • Transmission: Contact with infested birds or environments – commonly associated with wild bird contact or poultry.
  • Diagnosis: Examination of feathers and skin.

2. Lice

• Mallophaga spp. (Chewing Lice)
  • Impact: Causes feather damage and irritation.
  • Transmission: Direct bird-to-bird contact.
  • Diagnosis: Feather inspection for lice or eggs, especially evaluating the feathers around the cloaca and the primary flight feathers. Lice are visible with the naked eye sitting next to the feather shaft.

Prevention Strategies

1. Quarantine New Birds: Isolate new arrivals for at least 30 days and conduct health checks with prophylactic treatment if necessary.
2. Maintain Hygiene: Regularly clean and disinfect cages, perches, and feeding areas.
3. Monitor Flock Health: Have your veterinarian perform regular faecal examinations and physical checks.
4. Control Environment: Prevent overcrowding and reduce stressors that can lower immunity. Special attention should be paid to cleanliness of the aviary floor to prevent transmission.
5. Safe Water and Feed Practices: Ensure clean water sources and avoid contaminated feed. Ideally feed off the ground using hanging water sources.

Treatment Considerations

• Veterinary Consultation: Always consult an avian veterinarian for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment – many of these treatments are off label for budgies and so the dose rate, range and route is important to ensure safety.
• Avoid Over-Medication: Prevent resistance by using antiparasitic and antibiotic therapy, only when necessary and following veterinary advice to ensure the dose is effective and safe.

The Boal Family (SQ)

A Family’s Best Bird
Reflecting on their top bird, Bill highlights their Yellow Face national winner at Victor Harbor. “He was a standout in the class and a testament to our dedication to the variety.”

Advice for Beginners
For those starting out, Bill recommends finding mentors within their club. “Many senior breeders are willing to share their knowledge and even provide birds to help beginners get started. Auctions are also a great resource, provided you stay within your budget and do your research.”

Looking Ahead
The Boal Family’s ultimate goal is to earn a place in the Hall of Fame. “It’s a recognition of the hard work and dedication required to achieve excellence in the hobby,” Bill concluded.
With their passion, experience, and commitment, the Boal Family continues to inspire the budgerigar community, paving the way for future generations.

History of Some of the Oldest Clubs

The Bundaberg Canary & Caged Bird Society

Although present records go back to 1952, it is understood from old members that the Society was actually founded in approx. 1937.  The convener was the late Jack Dodd, a noted canary and finch breeder in Bundaberg. Years ago, the late Des Macfarlane told us that, as a very young boy, he attended the early meeting along with six other canary breeders.

Early meetings were conducted at Mr. Jack Dodd’s residence in Crofton St, West and this continued until the 1960’s when the venue was changed to the Showgrounds Administration Block Office.  Initially shows catered only for Canaries, with Finches added in the ensuring years and Budgerigars added during the period 1947 – 1950.

For their services to the Society, early members such as the late Jack Dodd, late Wally and Mrs. Pollock and the late Vern Parker were awarded Life Memberships. Another member was the late Cliff Smith, who passed away at the age of 92 but was active in the Society until his death.

Records show that in 1963 the late Gorden Stehbens was elected President and Vern Parker Secretary. Membership stood at the time at between 7 to 10 members. This steadily increased with C. Templeton taking the Secretary position in 1972 and Greg Sauer in 1973.

In 1972-1974 new members included Brian Crosbie, John Tadgell and Rob Halloran. This resulted In Brian Crosbie taking Presidency in 1975 with John Tadgell as Secretary.  John Tadgell stayed as Secretary until 1979 when he was elected President. Another longtime member, Rob Halloran was elected Treasurer/Ring Steward in 1976 and maintained the position until 1986. Rob Halloran and John Tadgell were awarded Life Memberships in 1982.

In the 1970’s the budgerigar section was particularly strong with members such as the late Gordon Stehbens, Alf Angove, Len Golightly, Cliff Smith, Brian Crosbie, Rob Halloran, Alf Gough and Sid Silcox all maintaining top quality studs and budgerigar entries would total between 300-400 at most Shows. With the numbers in the Canary, Finch, Lovebird, and Parrot sections were added, it was a wonderful sight to see so many birds on the Show Bench.   Indeed, at the 1980 Annual Show, a total of 807 birds were benched, the highest number on Society records. That year also listed the highest ever membership with 82 Life and Financial members.

Records from 1952 show the Society had the following Presidents: 1952-1961 Jack Dodd, 1962 – C. Huth, 1963-1973 G. Stehbens, 1974 J. Gott, 1975-1976 B. Crosbie, 1977-1978 L. Golightly, 1979-1985 J. Tadgell, 1986 V. Eastment,

1987 A. Holzheimer, 1988 N. Domaile, 1989-1993 I. Burgess, 1994-1995 M. Vanderwolf, 1996-1998 B. Potts, 1999 – 2010 I. Burgess, 2011 M. Hallam, 2012-2018 I. Burgess, 2019 – 2024+ B. Glidden.
Current Life Members are Rob Halloran, Ian Burgess, Val Bryan (Eastment), Keith Stirrat, John Tadgell, Kim & Colleen Charteris, John & Pauline White.

Over the years, many of the members of the Society have scored excellent results on the Show Bench. In the Budgerigar section some of the members at the time to excel included Len Golightly, Glen Ryan, Brian Crosbie, Rob Halloran, Cliff Smith, Ian Burgess and John Tadgell.

Another past member, Kev McCracken managed a placing at the National titles. In more recent times, Ian Burgess secured a second at the Nationals and Brian Crosbie won an Australian Title with a Cinnamonwing Blue. In modern times, Rob secured third at the National in 2020 with a Yellowface Blue. Brett and Danny Card have won with a Cinnamonwing Grey in 2010 and in 2015 with a Dilute and other placings.

In the Canary section, Ray & Ruby Ormsby, Mark Story, Val Bryan (Eastment), Charlie Pratt and Graham Brischke have annexed many Champion and Grand Champion awards with their excellent variety of Canaries.

We also have members with experience who have, over the years, received invitations to judge at many shows in Queensland. A couple of members have judged at places such as Longreach, Blackall, Barcaldine, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton, Mt. Larcom, Finch Hatton, Gympie, Maryborough, Gold Coast and even the Brisbane Exhibition.

1978 saw the formation of a specialist Budgerigar Society in Bundaberg, with many members joining the new Club. This resulted in a decline in the number of budgerigars shown at our Shows for some years. This was further emphasised when the English budgerigar was imported in the 1980’s. The original high cost of the birds needed to win on the show bench resulted in the novice and beginner breeders and even the hobby breeder leaving the fancy. With so many of the English type birds available now, and the resultant lower prices, we have seen in upsurge in budgerigar members and we are trying to nurture this interest as much as possible,

Our Annual Show, held on the 3rd Sunday of June each year, catering for Exhibition Budgerigars, Canaries, Finches, Lovebirds, Parrots, Quail, Doves and Heritage Budgerigars is a ‘money’ show with cash prizes to all the sections. This is financed by our five nightly Ham Wheels each November-December and the Bunnings Sausage Sizzles. No Society can operate successfully without the support of the member’s wives, partners and families and we have a small band who support the Society at every opportunity,

Membership is set at $10 per year (July to June). We are affiliated with the South Queensland Budgerigar Breeders Assn and Queensland Avicultural & Canary Improvement Society Inc.

Participation was the big story for 2024 in Victoria and it was across the board! A number of clubs have added social events to their show and auction calendars and these events have been well supported. We are finding that people are looking for more than just a show or an auction and these social functions are adding a new dimension to our hobby and allow people to make important connections with other breeders.

Show participation was up across the board. Increases of 16% for the Adult Shield, 6% for the Young Bird Shield and 28% for the UBC Shield made 2024 a fantastic year for exhibitors. The Young Bird Shield saw a staggering 1149 birds exhibited! The Young Bird Shield was the precursor to the ANBC National Show and it was another dominant display from Victoria with 11 class wins and the ANBC trophy returning to Victoria.

It was great to see some of our Victorian members achieving personal milestones. Congratulations to Ray Slade on admission to the ANBC Hall of Fame for Breeder Excellence and to Heath Chasemore and Rob Randall (who joins his father Malcolm), who are now ANBC judges. Great work to all involved. In conclusion, I want to mention the passing of one of the hobbies greatest breeders, Mr Bruce Sheppard. Not only was Bruce a Hall of Fame member (with his budgie partner Colin Flanagan) but a fantastic judge and committed administrator. He is sadly missed.

Peter Thurn
BCV President

In the last year all clubs that held an annual show that was not impacted by floods or the heat policy, were well attended by exhibitors and birds on the bench.
In May we held our state team challenge and ANBC selection show with 16 clubs participating, with the schedule being the same as the ANBC show. Hunter Valley Budgerigar Society was successful for the second year in a row. A well supported and strong club.
Our team went to the national show with lots of promise but we were beaten by the very strong Victorian team although we improved by many points on the 2023 show.
We have 6 trainee judges going through the program at present and performing well with some upgrades due shortly.
At present all BSNSW affiliated clubs are preparing for the coming show season.
Wishing all states and zones a great festive season and look forward to seeing all in Cairns.

Steve Wackwitz
BSNSW President

Here’s an overview of 2024 for SQBBA.

Breeding Season Challenges:
The 2024 breeding season for South Queensland Budgerigar Breeders saw a steady, but somewhat difficult year. Weather conditions were cited as affecting breeding success, with breeders reporting a variety of problems, likely related to fluctuating temperatures or other environmental factors. This is a common issue in aviculture, where external conditions can impact breeding cycles, health, and overall success.

Show Season and Club Challenges:
The show season appears to have been mixed, with some clubs struggling with lower participation and fewer attendees, while other events were well-supported. The reasons for this discrepancy are not entirely clear, but this pattern highlights the challenges faced by local clubs in maintaining engagement and increasing participation.

Membership numbers are a continued concern, with a noticeable decline observed across various zones. This is a significant issue, particularly as the hobby’s core demographic of breeders and enthusiasts is aging. The lack of new, younger members coming into the fold is one of the biggest obstacles SQBBA faces.

Declining Membership:
The issue of declining membership is one of the greatest challenges, and it’s something many other bird clubs and avicultural organisations are grappling with as well. Older members may be retiring or scaling back their involvement, while fewer newcomers are joining due to competing interests, lack of awareness, or the demands of the hobby.

To address this, SQBBA will likely need to focus on outreach, education, and community-building to engage new participants and revitalize interest in budgerigar breeding and showing.

Nationals and Competitions:
The Nationals in 2024 was a steady year for SQBBA, holding onto 3rd place—albeit by a narrow margin from South Australia. While this is still a strong position, it suggests there is room for improvement, particularly if the organization hopes to reclaim a higher ranking in future years.

Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond:
The 2025 season is expected to present further challenges, especially in terms of membership retention and awareness. After attending the Budgie Fest in Adelaide, it seems SQBBA is considering how to better communicate and promote the hobby, possibly by looking at new ways to engage the public and potential new breeders.

50th Nationals in 2026:
The 50th Nationals in 2026 is a major milestone for the organization, and it will require careful planning and organization to ensure the event is successful. There will likely be a focus on attracting sponsorship, which will help offset the costs of the event and bring more attention to the hobby. The collaboration with the Australian National Budgerigar Council (ANBC) will likely be crucial in securing additional support.

Challenges for 2025 and Beyond

Membership Decline: As mentioned, attracting younger members and reversing the trend of declining membership will be a key challenge. Strategies to address this could include youth programs, social media engagement, and public outreach to increase awareness of budgerigar breeding and showing.

Visibility and Promotion: SQBBA will need to find creative ways to promote budgerigar breeding to the wider public. Events like Budgie Fest in Adelaide provide a great opportunity to introduce the hobby to a broader audience, and similar initiatives may be necessary moving forward.

Sponsorship for Major Events: The 50th Nationals in 2026 is a significant opportunity to celebrate the history and success of the organization. To make it a standout event, securing sponsorships from businesses in the aviculture and pet industries, as well as local sponsors, will be crucial.

Conclusion
The SQBBA’s 2024 review highlights both the challenges and steady successes of the year. While the breeding season was affected by weather and some clubs struggled with lower attendance, the organization remains committed to improving and increasing awareness of budgerigar breeding. The key to future success will lie in addressing the membership decline, engaging younger people, and finding innovative ways to bring attention to the hobby. With a major milestone approaching in 2026, SQBBA has the opportunity to reinvigorate its community and strengthen its position within the avicultural world.

Garry Hibberd
SQBBA President

Ipswich and District Budgerigar Society President

It’s been a very busy year for our zone, especially for the 2025 National Show organising committee. The National organizing committee has most of the organizational side of things well in hand with mostly small details still to be done. Fund raising is the big item at the moment and we are running some bird raffles in support of this venture. Our first raffle featured a very nice bird kindly donated by Mark and Rebecca Fellows, which was won by Bill Schultz. A pair of birds from Craig Barnett feature for our next raffle with tickets on sale now. Details of this raffle as well as all the National Show details are on the ANBC web-site.

Each club within our zone has been able to hold very successful shows. The 2024 zone selection show held in Townsville was another outstanding success with all clubs in the zone sharing the workload in it’s running. We almost got a full team selected for the National Show in Launceston, with many high placings and one Logie going to Bill Schultz with his lovely Opaline Cinnamonwing Green Hen. Congratulations Bill.

Our Zone extends an invitation to all Budgie enthusiasts to visit the fair city of Cairns for the 2025 National Show and enjoy the fabulous sights and tours in this tropical wonderland.

Warm Regards,
Russell Ogden
NQBZ President

Members of the Capricornia Budgerigar Society Inc enjoyed a delicious Christmas lunch and end of year breakup at the Railway Hotel Calliope on the 24th November. Great conversations and great camaraderie were enjoyed by all. Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year.

TRILL™ Expert 49th Annual ANBC National Titles

The North Queensland Budgerigar Zone extends a warm invitation to all budgerigar enthusiasts, their families, and friends to join us in Cairns, North Queensland, for the 2025 Australian National Budgerigar Council (ANBC) Championship Show.

This exciting event takes place at the Brothers Leagues Club, a premier venue perfect for our championship. For your convenience, accommodation is available at the Cairns Colonial Club Resort, just 600 meters from the venue, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all attendees.

Join us for the 2025 ANBC Nationals in Cairns for a spectacular showcase of the finest budgerigars, engaging activities, and the chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts in the beautiful setting of Cairns. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be part of a memorable event!

Saturday 24th May Evening
Saturday Night you can relax for Dinner on the Spirit of Cairns Inlet Cruise boarding at 6.30 pm for 2.5 hours – min numbers are required.

Monday 26th May Day Tour
Full day tour leaving the Cairns Colonial Club @9.00 am – Kuranda Sky rail and Cableway. Firstly, travel on the Kuranda Scenic rail from Freshwater to Kuranda. To that end, explore Kuranda and the markets, transferring to the Skyrail rainforest cableway to Smithfield. Finally, leave the Skyrail terminal and return back to Cairns Colonial Club at approximately 5 pm.

The North Queensland Budgerigar Zone Inc. is thrilled to announce an incredible opportunity for all bird enthusiasts!  On offer are a pair of quality budgerigars from Craig Barnett’s Aviary.

Cinnamonwing Grey Green Cock, 23-BAR-099
Good top end, spot and cap release only 11 months old, one of 12 siblings.

Cinnamonwing Grey Green Hen, 22-BAR-073
Very nice top end, proven producer.  Father was 6th placed Green class at 2022 National.

Tickets $20.00 each
Expected close off date 15th January, 2025.

For ticket purchases or more information, please contact:
Bruce Schuster: 0426 731 339
Michelle Vidler: 0457 088 108

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From the President

The Western Australian Budgerigar Council (WABC) has been working hard over the last 12 months to locate a suitable venue to host the ANBC 2028 national in Western Australia, currently we have not been able to source a suitable venue within a reasonable budget. The WABC continue to investigate venues within a reasonable budget and will hopefully be able to secure a suitable venue early in the new year.  We have also been undertaking fundraising that has been successful to date, the monies raised will assist WA to send a national’s team each year as well as ultimately raising funds to host the nationals in 2028.

The WABC’s primary focus for the next twelve months is to secure a suitable venue and continue to raise funds for WA to be able to host the nationals in 2028. We are also looking to promote the hobby and assist clubs in increasing memberships, encourage breeders to take on the rarer varieties to ensure WA can compete with a full nationals team each year, develop and embed a social media presence for the WABC, increase the number of judges in WA and continue to promote the need for a nationals level judge within our current panel of judges.

Cheers
Les Trumper
WABC President

2024 has been a busy year for Budgerigars in South Australia. The Council has worked strategically with each of the Clubs to support growth in the hobby here, and we’re proud to say that we’ve achieved our goal of 20% growth year on year – in fact, we’ve just tipped over 30% in 2024, to back up the 20% from 2023. These numbers are a testament to the tireless efforts of our members, driven by representation in the Media, a lot of social posts, and also presence at a lot of Aviculture and Pet Expos, to spread the word about how wonderful this hobby is. Breeding and exhibiting budgies are a particularly great hobby from a mental health perspective, allowing fanciers to go and “be present” in their bird room. Its also a great family activity for many, where generations can come together and share the love for these animated little creatures. Budgies as pets are particularly relevant in a cost-of-living crisis, with the cost to feed and house them significantly less than some comparable pets. They’re also relevant in loneliness epidemic, where there is a growing sense of social isolation and disconnection experienced by many in younger generations, despite living in an era of unparalleled connectivity through technology. It’s a paradox: while young people are often “connected” through social media and other digital platforms, these interactions frequently lack depth, leaving many feeling emotionally isolated. Budgies offer companionship and purpose, filling the emotional void for many.

On the exhibition front, the BCSA is committed to revitalizing budgerigar displays at Agricultural Shows throughout the state. Regional centres are a key focus for growth, and we are actively working to promote the hobby in these areas by developing region-specific Facebook groups to connect local fanciers, representing budgerigars at regional events, and exploring opportunities for small expos in regional communities in the coming years. Our friends at Media Stable liken the promotion of budgerigars to hatching an egg: it’s a constant “tap, tap, tap” approach, where consistent efforts and visibility are essential to keep the hobby front of mind.

It is not lost on the BCSA that as of this report, 63% of our members are Novice or Junior breeders, highlighting the importance of investing in their development. These members represent the future of our hobby—the Open Breeders and National Judges of tomorrow. The Council is focused on providing the resources, mentorship, and encouragement they need to thrive and advance within the budgerigar fancy.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, who have entrusted the BCSA with their brands and partnered with us in 2024. Your support has been instrumental in making events like Budgie Fest a reality. To Mars Bird Care, Tummyrite, Cruise Advisors, Automated Solutions Australia, MGA Insurance, Worrell Co, AOT Skip Bins, Greenstar Modular, Media Stable, Hentley Farm, and the Shell Motorsport Park, we deeply appreciate your commitment and generosity. To the committees, volunteers and members who have contributed to making 2024 a standout year, thank you. Know that your support of budgerigars, and their growth in this great state, does not go unnoticed, and you are valued members of the budgerigar community. Let’s work to carry this momentum forward as we strengthen our hobby and support the next generation of fanciers.

Regards,
Troy Holmes
BCSA President

November has been a busy month, following on from Budgie Fest that rounded out October. The highlight of the month was the BSSA Versus NEBS Interclub Challenge, which for the first time was held for young (current year rung) birds, versus unbroken caps. With over 230 birds entered and nearly 20 exhibitors presenting a remarkable selection of 2024 rung birds, it was truly a day to remember. Congratulations to Sue Adams on winning Grand Champion.

The month also saw several meetings, with the BSSA coming together for a virtual aviary tour, the North East for a Come & Try, Buy Swap Sell, and Port Pirie rounding out the month with their Annual Christmas party at Port Broughton.

December sees two more Christmas parties to round out 2024.

I am writing as Past President of the BCT.

This year has obviously been a very busy one which culminated with the running of the very successful ANBC Golden Cob National show at the Country Club in Launceston.

Prior to that, our three clubs had kept themselves busy with their monthly club meetings, money raising events, and of course holding their Annual Shows. All clubs reported successful Summer shows with entries similar to previous years numbers with their major awards being shared around. TBS also held their Presentation Show in June where all the National Show rosettes were awarded to the breeders. A well attended BCT AGM was held a little late this year where I handed over the presidency to Dale Ward.

Roy Blair
Past President – BCT

The Tasmanian Budgerigar Society (TBS) hosted its much-anticipated Ray Ryder Unbroken Cap Show and Family Day on Saturday, 23rd November 2024. This annual event, though small in scale, brought together enthusiastic club members who showcased their unbroken cap birds in a friendly and competitive atmosphere.

To boost participation, the event also featured a special section for current-year young birds, ensuring a greater number of entries and adding to the day’s excitement.

Judging Highlights
The judging commenced at 12:00 PM, with esteemed ANBC judge and TBS member Jim Fletcher presiding over the proceedings. A diverse array of high-quality birds with excellent style and type were on display, impressing both the judge and attendees.
The standout winners of the day were as follows:

Major Awards

• Champion Unbroken Cap in Show:
  Dominant Pied Grey Green bred by Geoff Voss (Novice Breeder)
• Reserve Unbroken Cap in Show:
  Yellowface Blue bred by Peter Howard (Novice Breeder)
• Champion Young Bird in Show:
  Normal Blue bred by Peter Howard (Novice Breeder)

Category Awards

• Best Novice Young Bird:
  Normal Blue bred by Peter Howard
• Best Intermediate Young Bird:
  Dominant Pied bred by Angelo Sacco
• Best Open Young Bird:
  Opaline N/Wing bred by Dale Ward

A Day of Camaraderie
Once the judging concluded, attendees gathered for a delicious BBQ lunch. The meal provided a perfect opportunity for members to relax, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company in the warm spirit of the club’s family-oriented values.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants for making the Ray Ryder Unbroken Cap Show and Family Day a memorable event. The TBS looks forward to seeing even more members and entries in next year’s edition!

• The colours and varieties of budgerigars,
• The art of showing budgerigars,
• Proper housing and care for pet budgies, and
• Insights into breeding practices for these beloved birds.

The event served as an excellent opportunity to showcase the diversity and charm of budgerigars, sparking interest and inspiring many visitors to consider joining the hobby.

Promising Discussions and Future Prospects
While the foot traffic was not as high as anticipated, the quality of conversations more than made up for it. Several promising discussions with potential new members took place, leaving the team optimistic about growing the club’s membership base in the near future.

Looking Ahead
The TBS remains committed to spreading awareness of the budgerigar fancy and encouraging more people to join this rewarding hobby. Events like the Pets Domain display play a crucial role in achieving these goals.
Thank you to all members and supporters who contributed to the success of this display. The TBS looks forward to continuing its outreach and welcoming new members into the fold.

We’re always aiming to make our vet check articles engaging and relevant, so if there’s a specific topic or question you’d like us to cover, please let us know! Your feedback helps us shape the newsletter to better serve fancier’s interests, and we’ll make sure to pass your suggestions on to Dr. Hamish Baron and the team.

In closing, thank you for being a part of our community and for sharing our passion for budgerigars. Together, we can keep these articles valuable and enjoyable for everyone. Don’t forget to make sure you enjoy the Christmas break.

P.S. Don’t forget to keep checking the new ANBC website at https://anbc.org.au for updates.

Neale R Love
Editor, ANBC Gazette
[email protected]
Mob 0421 471 781