BCSA March 2026 Report

BCSA President’s Report March 2026

February has delivered a strong and energised start to 2026 across the South Australian budgerigar community. With club AGMs completed, educational sessions underway and show preparation firmly in motion, momentum is clearly building toward the 2026 show season and the Trill™ Expert ANBC Nationals on the Gold Coast in May.

BSSA Launches 2026 with Strong Momentum

On Tuesday 3 February, the Budgerigar Society of South Australia (BSSA) officially opened its 2026 calendar with an outstanding first meeting of the year. The evening commenced with the Annual General Meeting, where members elected the 2026 committee. The newly elected team includes Troy Holmes (Vice President), Steve Wharton (Secretary), Ian Jenke (Ring Officer), Janet Harris (Social Representative), Sue Adams (Publicity Officer), with Ken Harris and Jane Kelb elected as committee members.

Volunteers are the engine room of every South Australian budgerigar club. Without the time, effort and leadership of committee members, the hobby simply does not function at the level we all expect. A sincere thank you goes to everyone who continues to step forward.

The evening also saw Ian Jenke awarded Life Membership after 20 years of continuous service to BSSA. Ian’s ongoing role as Ring Coordinator remains vital to club operations, and the recognition was both fitting and well deserved.

Following the formalities, members were treated to an exceptional presentation from Kelwyn Kakoschke on Spangles. With a strong line-up of Melanistic Spangles, Normal Spangles, Spangle Cinnamonwings, Spangle Opalines and Double Factors on display, the session moved beyond identification into practical breeding strategy — particularly the challenge of maintaining strong wing markings over generations. It was educational, practical and directly relevant to breeders preparing for the 2026 South Australian show season.

The meeting concluded with presentation of the BSSA Club Champions Awards, calculated across BSSA shows and interclub competition. Congratulations to J & W Weidenhofer, Jane Kelb, Paul Wilton, and Darcie & Jensen on their achievements. Recognition of consistent participation strengthens our clubs and encourages competitive spirit throughout the year.

BCSA on Air – Promoting the Hobby

On 6 February, BCSA joined Trevor Garand on Tribe FM’s The Generation Gap. The interview provided an opportunity to highlight key South Australian budgerigar events, including upcoming club shows, educational nights and preparations for the ANBC Nationals. Promoting the hobby publicly remains an important part of ensuring continued growth and community engagement.

PPBS AGM – Community and Commitment

On Sunday 8 February, the Port Pirie Budgerigar Society (PPBS) held its AGM in Port Broughton. With strong attendance and a relaxed coastal setting, the club confirmed Doug Lange as President, Jason Longbottom as Secretary, and Ruth Lange as Treasurer.

Tony Van Den Brink stepped into the Show Manager role, while Doug and Ruth will share Ring Officer duties. Peter Glassenbury stepped away from formal committee responsibilities after many years of service and received well-earned applause.

As always, once the formalities were complete, conversation turned to birds, 2025-bred prospects and the build-up toward the 2026 South Australian team for the ANBC Nationals. The excitement is quietly building.

NEBS – 12 Week Roadmap to the State Championships

On 11 February, the North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) delivered one of the most practical sessions of the month. With the South Australian State Championships in May firmly in view, John Mulley presented a structured 12-week preparation timeline for show birds.

Beginning with early tail management strategies, moving through moult control in March, feather conditioning in April and concluding with detailed show cage training advice, the session provided members with a clear, actionable roadmap. Show success in May begins with disciplined preparation in February, and meetings like this reinforce that winning birds are built through steady, week-by-week management.

Aviary Visit – Schutz Family, Cherry Gardens

Sunday 15 February saw close to 50 members gather at Beau & Kate Schutz’s property in Cherry Gardens. With quality birds on display and a BBQ keeping everyone fuelled, the day delivered exactly what makes South Australian budgerigar aviary visits so valuable — shared learning, breeding discussions and genuine community connection.

Events like these strengthen both knowledge and friendships across the BCSA network. A sincere thank you to Beau & Kate for opening their aviary.

Looking Ahead – March & April 2026

Tuesday 3 March – BSSA
Member on the Couch – Avian Gastric Yeast
Unley Community Centre

Wednesday 11 March – NEBS
Inbreeding vs Line Breeding – Understanding the Difference
Hectorville Community Centre

Sunday 22 March – PPBS
Aviary Tour – Longbottom Family, Spalding

Sunday 29 March – BSSA Murphy Classic
Ascot Park Scout Hall
A highlight event for Juniors, Novices and Intermediates.

Tuesday 7 April – BSSA Varieties Night
White Cap, Yellow Faced & Golden Faced
Presented by Wayne & Kelwyn

Wednesday 8 April – NEBS
Blast From The Past – Budgie Bill Davis

Sunday 12 April – BCSA Judges Meeting
Enfield Community Centre

Saturday 18 April – BCSA 30th Anniversary Celebrations
Athelstone Football Club – Max Amber Community Hall

Closing Thoughts

February has demonstrated exactly what makes the South Australian budgerigar scene so strong — active clubs, educational depth, committed volunteers and breeders already focused on the 2026 State Championships and ANBC Nationals.

The foundations for success are being laid now. And the most encouraging part is that it’s happening collectively — across BSSA, NEBS, PPBS and the broader BCSA network.

Plenty happening. Plenty to look forward to. And most importantly, it’s being built together.