BCSA Jan 2026

December in South Australia has felt like that familiar end-of-year exhale on the budgie scene. There are fewer formal events on the calendar. However, there are plenty of meaningful moments that remind us why the hobby is as much about people as it is about birds. With Christmas approaching, clubs have shifted into social mode. They are celebrating the friendships that hold everything together while still quietly setting the foundations for a strong 2026.

BSSA

The Budgerigar Society of South Australia (BSSA) set the tone with its annual Christmas party at the Goodwood Hotel. It was a cracking turnout and a fitting way to wrap up what has been a very successful year for the club. Members, families and friends shared a meal and swapped stories. They enjoyed the kind of relaxed banter you only get when everyone speaks the same “budgie language”. The night also doubled as a celebration for Life Member Sue Adam’s birthday. It was a special moment and a reminder of the long-term dedication that keeps clubs thriving. In true BSSA style, Santa made an appearance to oversee the Kris Kringle. He left everyone with a small gift and a big smile. The party was a clear snapshot of club culture at its best: warm, welcoming, and proudly community-minded.

NEBS

NEBS mirrored that spirit with their own Christmas function at the Windsor Hotel. They drew a strong crowd of members and guests. A real highlight was the “giving back to members” approach, with the club covering meals and leaning into the joy of Kris Kringle. BCSA delegate Nigel Tonkin’s reflections captured the feel of the night perfectly. Good company, lively conversation, and plenty of laughs filled the evening. Interestingly, the talk drifted from budgies to broader birdlife and the pleasures of nest boxes in the Adelaide Hills. Rosellas and rainbow lorikeets made their way into the discussion. It was also a chance to reconnect with long-time identities and welcome newer faces. This is exactly how a club stays healthy.

Around The State

Beyond the dinners and social catch-ups, South Australia has continued to tick along behind the scenes. The monthly TribeFM interview in Willunga, with Trev Garard chatting to BCSA President Troy Holmes, showcased how much has been happening across clubs. This is true even as the show calendar eases. They touched on Port Pirie’s Christmas lunch at the Port Broughton Hotel, recapped the BSSA presentation on the 18-day incubation cycle, and highlighted NEBS’s Come & Try, Buy, Swap and Sell event. This is a great entry point for people who first discovered budgies at Budgie Fest and have since found their way into club life.

Operationally, December has also been about preparation. 2026 rings are landing, close-coded rings have been posted out, and many breeders are already thinking about early youngsters and what that means for development ahead of Canberra 2027 eligibility. It’s also the time of year when committees tidy up loose ends and set the first half of the new year in motion — like NEBS finalising upcoming meeting plans via an electronic meeting, and Port Pirie adjusting their AGM date to 18 January while actively looking for a new Show Manager.

All up, December has been quieter on paper, but rich in connection, planning, and momentum. It is the kind of month that keeps the hobby steady. This momentum sets everyone up for a strong start when show season swings back around.

Looking Ahead