BCSA Presidents Report Feb 2026

Budgerigars in South Australia: January 2026 Summary

January 2026 delivered a strong start to the South Australian budgerigar calendar. It combined major club updates, and a powerful reminder of how supportive the budgerigar community can be when it matters most.

NEBS aviary tour rescheduled with a big day planned

The North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) confirmed its January aviary tour has been moved to Sunday 15 February. It’s shaping up as a standout event. A lamb spit will be on, with meat generously supported by John Farrugia-Gay. The lamb will be cooked up by the self-proclaimed “Greek Master Chef” Con Orfanos. With birds, good company, and great food, all that’s needed now is fine weather. Beau will also have birds to give away to Novice NEBS exhibitors. Therefore, prospective members are encouraged to join.

BCSA recognises 2025 Exhibitors of the Year

The Budgerigar Council of South Australia (BCSA) announced its 2025 Exhibitors of the Year, highlighting exceptional results across the season:

• Open Division – Champion Exhibitors (400 points): Holmes Family
  A memorable year featuring Grand Champion wins at the 50th Anniversary North East and Ron Norman BSSA shows, 16 class wins at the Logan Shield Interbranch, 43 birds benched in Team SA, and four National titles in Cairns.

• Intermediate – Breeder of the Year (45 points): Michael Smith
  Two class wins at the Interbranch, nine birds selected for Team SA at Cairns, and enough points over three years to earn promotion from Intermediate to Open for 2026.

• Novice – Exhibitor of the Year (20 points): Longbottom Family
  Highlights included Best Novice at Port Pirie, plus 1st and 2nd in Clearbodies at the Interbranch, flowing through to State Team selection. Their results also earned promotion from Novice to Intermediate.

Congratulations were also extended to Tony & Angela Van Den Brink on their promotion to Open for 2026. Andrew Swift has reached the required points to progress to Intermediate. He needs points in 2026 with a third bird to finalise the promotion.

Club planning and key diary dates locked in

January also saw multiple clubs pushing forward with planning. Port Pirie rescheduled its AGM to Sunday 8 February at the Port Broughton Hotel to improve attendance. RSVPs go to Peter Glassenbury. The club is also seeking a Show Manager for 2026. This is a timely reminder that volunteering keeps community clubs running.

The BCSA released its 2026 Calendar of Events, bringing together major South Australian meetings, shows, tours, and key dates in one central place—ideal for fanciers who like to plan ahead and avoid missing important events.

Fundraising, auctions, and the strength of the budgerigar community

The month carried a heavy note with the passing of Lee Brooks over the Christmas period. In response, the South Australian budgerigar community rallied to support Tony & Angela Van Den Brink through the Lee Brooks Fundraising Auction. The result was extraordinary: $10,741 raised. This amount helps ease memorial costs and sets aside support for Lee’s son, Greyson.

Beyond the total, the week highlighted what the fancy does best—people standing together when one of our own needs help most.

Education and events: BSSA AGM and Spangle session

The Budgerigar Society of South Australia (BSSA) committee met during January to finalise its 2026 calendar and progress judge appointments. Looking ahead, the February BSSA meeting will combine the AGM with an educational presentation from Kelwyn Kakoschke on Spangles and Spangle AOSVs. It will include practical identification tips—especially the difference between Spangle Opaline and Spangle Normal. Members are encouraged to bring Spangles for hands-on discussion.

 

January set the tone for the year: strong club activity, meaningful recognition for top exhibitors, valuable education opportunities, and a community that continues to show up for its people.