Australian National Budgerigar Council
BCT March 2026
BCT Report March 2026
Northern Tasmanian Budgerigar Society – 90th Anniversary Show
Saturday, 7 February dawned bright and beautiful across northern Tasmania. It was the sort of day that tempts you outdoors. Yet for the budgerigar fancy, there was only one place to be: inside at the Northern Tasmanian Budgerigar Society’s 90th Anniversary Show. What a day it proved to be.
Exhibitors from around the State had been preparing feverishly for the occasion. Weekly preparation tips from Tasmanian and National Judge Jim Fletcher, shared via the Budgerigar Council of Tasmania’s Facebook page, helped ensure birds were presented in peak condition. Adding further incentive was the opportunity to win one of Con Herouvim’s magnificent trophies, awarded to the best bird in each colour or variety class regardless of age (Classes 1 – 29 plus UBC). Our sincere thanks go to Con for crafting these outstanding trophies over Christmas and the New Year.
Presiding over the judging were newly appointed National Judge Heath Chasemore (Vic) and Local Probationary Judge Peter Kross. Peter took on the Novice and Intermediate sections, while Heath judged the Open, Any Age and Specials. Once all birds were eventually benched, judging commenced and continued through to the lunch break at 12:00pm.
The quality and quantity of entries ensured both judges had a genuine workout. A total of 313 entries made this one of the largest shows seen in Tasmania for quite some time. Some classes were particularly strong — with an impressive 34 Normal Grey Greens entered in total. The depth of quality across all sections reflected the effort exhibitors had invested in preparation.
During the lunch break, members were treated to a reading of the History of the Northern Tasmanian Budgerigar Society, written by Roy Blair Esq. The piece traced the Society’s origins as the Northern Tasmania Cage Bird Society, its eventual separation from the canary side of the club, and the growth in membership as other regional clubs folded or restructured.
In the early years, classes were limited to Normal Green, Normal Blue, Black Eyed Self, Greywings, several Clearwing classes, Lutino, Albino and Any Other Variety — with Opaline and Cinnamonwing once included under that broad AOV category. The Northern Tasmanian Budgerigar Society was the first to allocate dedicated classes to Opaline and Cinnamonwing, and within a few short years the Cinnamonwing class had become one of the largest. It was a fitting reminder of how the fancy evolves.
The lunch break was also an opportunity for celebration. All exhibitors received a commemorative 90th Anniversary Show medallion as a memento of the milestone occasion. Proceedings culminated with the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake by our Patron, Mr. Rex Warren, generously donated by the Shepherd Family.
A genuine highlight of the day was the attendance of several past members including Craig Burrows, Richard Poke and Iryna Bohlshied, along with visitors from clubs across Tasmania. It was particularly special to welcome Graeme and Marlene Tuthill, Tasmania’s only ANBC Hall of Famer for Breeders Excellence, and TBS’s Judy Fletcher. Given recent health challenges faced by both ladies, their presence made the occasion all the more meaningful.
The competition itself was fierce. Grand Champion of the Show was awarded to Derek Poole, capping off an outstanding display. Colour Award trophies were spread among exhibitors from across the State, although a few exhibitors may have felt they could have been distributed even more widely! In a personal twist, one exhibitor hoped for a single trophy and ended up taking home five, while Derek Poole departed with six, a testament to the high calibre of his birds.
Presentations commenced with thank-you gifts and 90th Anniversary Judges medallions presented to Heath Chasemore and Peter Kross. Patron Rex Warren then presented the Section Winners’ prizes he had generously donated, along with their ribbons. He also awarded the Patron’s Trophy to this year’s recipient, Michael Jones. The Patron’s Trophy alternates annually between the most successful Intermediate exhibitor (even years) and Novice exhibitor (odd years) from the club.
The success of such a milestone event rests on many shoulders. Congratulations and heartfelt thanks go to the organising committee, in particular Julie and Michael Jones for catering and social media promotion; Show Secretary Ken Bassett for the meticulous presentation schedule and behind-the-scenes work; and Show Manager Derek Poole for ensuring the day ran smoothly. Appreciation also extends to the stewards, those who assisted with set-up and clean-up, and to Deb, Julie and Tammy J for preparing and cleaning up lunch.
Further thanks are extended to:
- Our Patron, Rex Warren, for the Section Winners’ prizes and Patron’s Trophy
- Con Herouvim for making our trophies over Christmas and the New Year and donating their transport
- The Shepherd Family for donating our “Birthday” cake
- BRASEA for their continued support (Award for Best Australian Golden Faced)
If anyone has been inadvertently omitted, please accept our apologies and our sincere thanks.
And of course — thank you to all the exhibitors without whom there wouldn’t be a show, and to Heath for making the trip down to judge for us.
A wonderful day of competition, camaraderie and celebration — and a fitting tribute to ninety years of budgerigars in Northern Tasmania.
Show Results – Northern Tasmanian Budgerigar Society
Date: 7th February 2026
Judges: Heath Chasemore (Panel) & Peter Kross (Probationary)
Bench Numbers
- Young Birds Benched: 207
- Adult Birds Benched: 94
- Unbroken Caps: 9
- Heritage Birds: 3
- Total Birds Benched: 313
Major Results
- Champion Bird of Show: Derek Poole – Normal Grey – Hen
- Champion Opposite Sex of Show: Charlesworth Family – Opaline Normal – Cock
- Reserve Champion of Show: Charlesworth Family – Opaline Normal – Cock
- Champion Any Age Bird: Charlesworth Family – Opaline Normal – Cock
- Champion Any Age Opposite Sex: Peter Kross – Normal Blue – Hen
- Reserve Champion Any Age: J & J Fletcher – Normal Grey Green – Cock
- Champion Young Bird: Derek Poole – Normal Grey – Hen
- Champion Young Opposite Sex: Derek Poole – Aust White Cap – Cock
- Reserve Champion Young Bird: Peter Kross – Normal Grey Green – Hen
Open Young Bird
- Champion Young Bird: Derek Poole – Normal Grey – Hen
- Champion Young Bird Opposite Sex: Derek Poole – Aust White Cap – Cock
- Reserve Champion Young Bird: Peter Kross – Normal Grey Green – Hen
Total No. of Open Exhibitors: 8
Total Open Birds Benched: 73
Intermediate Young Bird
- Champion Intermediate: Michael Jones – Spangle ASC – Cock
- Champion Intermediate Opposite Sex: Andrew Johnson – Normal Grey – Hen
- Reserve Champion Young Bird: Craig Foster – Cinnamonwing – Cock
Total No. of Intermediate Exhibitors: 8
Total Intermediate Birds Benched: 85
Novice Young Bird
- Champion Young Bird: Buckingham Family – Grey Normal – Cock
- Champion Young Bird Opposite Sex: Ken Bassett – Normal Yellow Faced – Hen
- Reserve Champion Young Bird: Ken Bassett – Normal Yellow Faced – Hen
Total No. of Novice Exhibitors: 5
Total Novice Birds Benched: 50
Special Awards
- Best Unbroken Cap: Andrew Johnson – Normal Grey Green
- Best Heritage: Ian Murfett – Clearwing
- Patron’s Trophy (NTBS Exhibitors Only) – Most Successful NTBS Exhibitor (Intermediate Even Year): Michael Jones – Spangle ASC – Cock
- Kerry Rushton Memorial Trophy – Best Dominant Pied: Charlesworth Family
- Budgie Richard Memorial Trophy – Best Lacewing: Trevor Johnson
- Brasea Award – Best Aust Golden Face: Ian Murfett
Class Awards – Young Birds
| Variety | Exhibitor | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Green | Dale Ward | Open |
| Grey Green | Peter Kross | Open |
| Blue | Derek Poole | Open |
| Violet | Peter Kross | Open |
| Grey | Derek Poole | Open |
| Yellow Faced | Ken Bassett | Novice |
| Aust Golden Faced | Ian Murfett | Novice |
| Black Eyed Self | Derek Poole | Open |
| Dilute | Tammara Edwards | Novice |
| Lutino | Ian Murfett | Novice |
| Albino | INO Lodge | Intermediate |
| Dark Eyed Clear | Shepherd Family | Novice |
| Clearwing | Charlesworth Family | Open |
| Cinnamonwing | Derek Poole | Open |
| Spangle Double Factor | Ian Murfett | Novice |
| Opaline Normal Wing | INO Lodge | Intermediate |
| Opaline AOSV | Craig Foster | Intermediate |
| Clearbody | Shepherd Family | Novice |
| Lacewing | Trevor Johnson | Open |
| Fallow | Dale Ward | Open |
| Spangle Normal Wing | Michael Jones | Intermediate |
| Spangle AOSV | Michael Jones | Intermediate |
| Dominant Pied | Craig Foster | Intermediate |
| Recessive Pied | S & D Walker | Intermediate |
| Aust White Cap | Derek Poole | Open |
| Crested | Peter Kross | Open |
| Aust White Cap D/F | Shepherd Family | Novice |
| AOSV | Ross Crack | Intermediate |
Class Awards – Any Age Birds
| Variety | Exhibitor |
|---|---|
| Green | Michael Jones |
| Grey Green | J & J Fletcher |
| Blue | Peter Kross |
| Violet | Ian Murfett |
| Grey | Derek Poole |
| Yellow Faced | Peter Kross |
| Aust Golden Faced | Ian Murfett |
| Black Eyed Self | Derek Poole |
| Dilute | Tammara Edwards |
| Lutino | Michael Jones |
| Albino | Charlesworth Family |
| Dark Eyed Clear | Charlesworth Family |
| Clearwing | Peter Kross |
| Cinnamonwing | Charlesworth Family |
Class Awards – Any Age Birds (Feature Varieties)
| Variety | Exhibitor |
|---|---|
| Spangle Double Factor | Derek Poole |
| Opaline Normal Wing | Charlesworth Family |
| Opaline AOSV | NO AWARD |
| Clearbody | Ross Crack |
| Lacewing | Trevor Johnson |
| Fallow | NO AWARD |
| Spangle Normal Wing | J & J Fletcher |
| Spangle AOSV | Derek Poole |
| Dominant Pied | Charlesworth Family |
| Recessive Pied | NO AWARD |
| Aust White Cap | NO AWARD |
| Crested | Peter Kross |
| Aust White Cap D/F | Shepherd Family |
| AOSV | NO AWARD |
| AONSV | NO AWARD |
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COASTAL BUDGERIGAR SOCIETY
Coastal Budgerigar Society held its annual show on Saturday the 14th of February at the DON Hall in Devonport.
The show was supported and attended by members from across the three clubs of Tasmania, with Young Birds, Any Age Birds and UBC’s exhibited.
Judges for the day: ANBC Judges Derek Poole and Jim Fletcher.
Major Award Winners
- Champion Young Bird in Show: Dale Ward – Normal Grey
- Champion Opposite Sex in Show: Andrew Johnson – Normal Grey Green
- Reserve Champion: Charlesworth Family – Spangle Cinnamonwing
- Champion Any Age Bird: Peter Kross – Normal Blue
- Champion Any Age Opposite Sex: Michael Jones – Spangle AOSV
- Reserve Champion Any Age: Charlesworth Family – Opaline N/Wing
- Champion Young Bird: Dale Ward – Normal Grey
- Champion Young Bird Opposite Sex: Andrew Johnson – Normal Grey Green
- Reserve Champion Young Bird: Charlesworth Family – Spangle AOSV
SHOW RESULTS 2026 – COASTAL BUDGERIGAR SOCIETY
Date Held: Saturday 14th February 2026
Judges: Jim Fletcher (Tas) and Derek Poole (Tas)
Major Results
- Champion Bird of Show: Dale Ward – Normal Grey – Cock
- Champion Opposite Sex of Show: Andrew Johnson – Normal Grey Green – Hen
- Reserve Champion: Charlesworth Family – Spangle AOSV – Cock
- Champion Any Age Bird: Peter Kross – Normal Blue – Cock
- Champion Any Age Opposite Sex: Michael Jones – Spangle AOSV – Hen
- Reserve Champion Any Age: Charlesworth Family – Opaline Normal Wing – Cock
- Champion Young Bird: Dale Ward – Normal Grey – Cock
- Champion Young Opposite Sex: Andrew Johnson – Normal Grey Green – Hen
- Reserve Champion Young Bird: Charlesworth Family – Spangle AOSV – Cock
Open Status
- Champion Young Bird: Dale Ward – Normal Grey – Cock
- Champion Young Bird Opposite Sex: Charlesworth Family – Fallow – Hen
- Reserve Champion Young Bird: Charlesworth Family – Spangle ASC – Cock
Intermediate Status
- Champion Intermediate: Andrew Johnson – Normal Grey Green – Hen
- Champion Intermediate Opposite Sex: Michael Jones – Spangle ASC – Cock
- Reserve Champion Intermediate: Michael Jones – Spangle ASC – Cock
Novice Status
- Champion Young Bird: Brett Dean – Spangle ASC – Cock
- Champion Young Bird Opposite Sex: Buckingham Family – Greywing – Hen
- Reserve Champion Young Bird: Buckingham Family – Normal Grey – Cock
Any Age
- Champion Any Age: Peter Kross – Normal Blue – Cock
- Champion Any Age Opposite Sex: Michael Jones – Spangle AOSV – Hen
- Reserve Champion Any Age: Charlesworth Family – Opaline Normal Wing – Cock
Special Awards
- Brasea Award (Dark Eyed Clear): Charlesworth Family
- Best Unbroken Cap: Charlesworth Family
Coastal Perpetual Awards
- Society Perpetual Trophy – Grand Champion: Dale Ward – Normal Grey
- Ray Bonney Perpetual Trophy – Champion Young Bird: Dale Ward – Normal Grey
- Roberts Best Young Bird – 2024 Variety: Michael Jones – Opaline Normal Wing
- Dale & Lois Gardam – Best Normal in Show (Young Bird): Dale Ward – Normal Grey
- G & M Tuthill – Best Red Eye in Show (Young Bird – Lutino or Albino): Ross Crack – Lutino
- B & F Colbeck – Best Young Pied in Show (Dominant or Recessive Pied): Dominant Pied – Charlesworth Family
BCT President
Dale Ward