ANBC Presidents Report June 2026

A Weekend of Thanks

By Garry Hibberd – President, ANBC

As the dust settles on the 2026 ANBC National Show, I wanted to take a moment, not so much to present a report, but simply to say thank each and every one of you.

Events like our National Show do not happen on their own. They are built on the efforts of volunteers, supporters, organisers and passionate members who quietly give their time to make the weekend something special for everyone involved.

Firstly, to my committee, Carol, Heather, Helen, Errol and Lynne, Keith, Dave, Garry, Kaitlyn. Angela, who have had to put up with me over the past two years — particularly Heather and Kaitlyn — thank you for your patience, support and dedication throughout the journey. Thanks, to our local sponsors -SCBA, Bill Boal and his team. Ron and Fran Woodhead, Geoff and Jenni Smith, Moreton BS, Toowoomba BS and Brisbane Northern Suburbs Club.

To Brad Demarti and all of the stewards — Geoff, Steve, Darryl, Geoff, Scott, Grant, Howard, Rod, Glen and Brett — your work over the weekend was greatly appreciated and did not go unnoticed.

To Rohan and the rosette ladies Tammy, Tiani and Jill, thank you for helping present the show so professionally. Peter and Brian handled room security tirelessly, while Dave did a wonderful job with the judging introductions.

Rod Turnbull once again captured the event through his photography, while the smooth voice of Brad Hargreaves kept proceedings flowing throughout the weekend. Jenni Smith’s work recording placements was invaluable.

To the voices behind the livestream — James, Heath and Gary — thank you for helping bring the National Show to members and enthusiasts who could not attend in person.

Luke and Glen continue, year after year, to produce the scoreboard and so much more behind the scenes. Their contribution is enormous and deeply appreciated.

Stephen Thompson added something very special to the Saturday night by arranging for Ali to attend and allowing many of us the opportunity to meet the man behind the budgerigar. Con for his chaperone duties with Ali…

Nic Hayes also deserves recognition for his involvement in bringing the more personal side of the budgerigar fancy to the public, including highlighting some of our own well-known identities such as Mal and Rob Randall.

To the ANBC Committee, thank you for the encouragement, support and advice provided over the years. This committee combines experience and knowledge that will continue helping improve the National Show well into the future.

A special mention must also go to Neale Love, ANBC Secretary, who has been a steadying influence over the past 12 months.

To Troy Holmes — thank you for the education. Troy will understand exactly what I mean by that.

And finally, Catherine Charlesworth. After 18 months of organising, I contacted Catherine and asked for her assistance. She agreed, although she initially said she did not want to take over. Within two weeks of working together, however, I realised just how much we needed her involvement.

Catherine has an incredible passion for the National Show and possesses a remarkable organisational skill set. In many ways, her approach should become a blueprint for future National Shows — do the groundwork, bring Catherine in a couple of months before the event, then stand back and watch an exceptional person bring everything together and see it through to fruition.

Being the Zone President hosting the National Show carries a responsibility — once every seven years — to provide a weekend that budgerigar enthusiasts will genuinely enjoy.

To everyone who attended in person, and to those who watched via the livestream, I sincerely hope that the efforts of all those who volunteered their time helped make this the best budgerigar show in the world… admittedly through slightly one-eyed glasses.

And finally, if I have missed anyone, my sincere apologies — it has been a very long few days.

— Garry Hibberd
President, ANBC