BCV Feb 2026

Victorian Budgerigar Show Season Update: Budgies in the Bool, February Diploma Shows & the Adult Shield

The Victorian budgerigar show season is officially underway, with Budgies in the Bool marking the first major event of the year. The Bool weekend combines competition, community, and charity. Moreover, it delivers something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor, a new breeder, or a supporter of the wider budgerigar community.

Budgies in the Bool: show, auction, and community spirit

The weekend begins with a community morning featuring a pet budgie competition. This competition welcomes families and newcomers into the hobby. From there, attention shifts to the show bench. The annual Diploma Show is held on Saturday afternoon, judged by Gary Gazzard and Greg Rowe.

Saturday evening is a highlight in its own right. It gives local and interstate breeders the chance to connect over a meal—one of the best parts of the social side of the fancy.

Sunday morning then brings the Budgies in the Bool elite auction. This auction is already generating strong interest and shaping as a key early-season buying opportunity.

Partnering with “Let’s Talk” to support mental health

In 2026, Budgies in the Bool is proudly partnering with the mental health charity “Let’s Talk”. It’s a meaningful initiative, particularly given the positive role budgerigar breeding can play in supporting wellbeing through routine, purpose, connection, and community.

February highlights: Melton, Geelong, and the Adult Shield

Looking ahead, February will feature two strong diploma events: the Melton Diploma Show and the Geelong Diploma Show. Both clubs consistently deliver high-quality shows, and all exhibitors and fanciers are encouraged to attend and support them.

Rounding out the month is one of Victoria’s premier fixtures: the Adult Shield. This high-quality event regularly attracts around 800 entries. These often include past ANBC winners and other top-placed birds. While individual awards are always keenly contested, the club competition continues to tighten each year. This makes the Adult Shield one of the most competitive and exciting shows on the Victorian calendar.

Club Championship Results (Diploma) 2026

Society	Southwest Victoria Budgerigar Society
Date Held	31 January 2025
Number of Young birds benched	203
Number of Adult birds benched	72
Judges	Greg Rowe & Garry Gazzard

Major Results

Award	Exhibitor	Variety	Sex
Grand Champion Budgerigar	Peter Thurn	Cinnamon	Cock
Opp Sex To Grand Champion Budgerigar	Peter Thurn	Cinnamon	Hen
Champion Young Budgerigar (Diploma)	Terry Anderson	Cinnamon	Cock
Opp Sex To Champion Young Budgerigar	G&P Dickson	Cinnamon	Hen
Champion Adult Budgerigar	Peter Thurn	Cinnamon	Cock
Opp Sex To Champion Adult Budgerigar	Peter Thurn	Cinnamon	Hen
Best Pair In Show	Peter Thurn	Grey Green

Sectional Results

Section	Exhibitor	Variety	Sex
Champion Status
Best Young Budgerigar	Hedra Kamel	Cinnamon	Cock
Opp Sex To Best Young Budgerigar	G&P Dickson	Cinnamon	Hen
Best Adult Budgerigar	Peter Thurn	Cinnamon	Cock
Opp Sex To Best Adult Budgerigar	Peter Thurn	Cinnamon	Hen
Open Status
Best Young Budgerigar	Terry Anderson	Cinnamon	Cock
Opp Sex To Best Young Budgerigar	Terry Anderson	Grey Green	Hen
Best Adult Budgerigar	Heath Chasemore	Cinnamon	Cock
Opp Sex To Best Adult Budgerigar	Stephen Thompson	Clearbody	Hen
Intermediate Status
Best Young Budgerigar	Stephen Carroll	Light Green	Cock
Opp Sex To Best Young Budgerigar	Alistair Bennallack	Clearbody	Hen
Best Adult Budgerigar	Alistair Bennallack	Cinnamon	Cock
Opp Sex To Best Adult Budgerigar	Rob McIntosh	Cinnamon	Hen
Beginner Status
Best Young Budgerigar	Tim Boult	Spangle	Cock
Opp Sex To Best Young Budgerigar	Tim Boult	Cinnamon	Hen
Best Adult Budgerigar	Kane Smolenaars	Spangle	Cock
Opp Sex To Best Adult Budgerigar	Tim Boult	Grey	Hen

Awards – Young Birds Only

Variety	Exhibitor	Status	Variety	Exhibitor	Status
Green	G&P Dickson	Champ	Opaline	Peter Thurn	Champ
Grey Green	Terry Anderson	Open	Opaline AOSV	James Bader	Open
Blue	G&P Dickson	Champ	Clearbody	Alistair Bennallack	Inter
Violet	M&R Randall	Champ	Lacewing	John Ennis	Champ
Grey	Hedra Kamel	Champ	Fallow	Peter Thurn	Champ
English Yellowface	John Ennis	Champ	Spangle	G&P Dickson	Champ
Australian Golden Face	Rod Morris	Inter	Spangle AOSV	Rob McIntosh	Inter
Black Eye	Ray Slade	Champ	Dominant Pied	Peter Thurn	Champ
Dilute	Mike Huth	Champ	Recessive Pied	M&R Randall	Champ
Lutino	Ray Slade	Champ	AOSV	Ray Slade	Champ
Albino	Alistair Bennallack	Inter	Australian White Cap	Stephen Thompson	Open
Dark Eyed Clear	N/A		Rainbow	Mitch Parr	Inter
Clearwing	Ray Slade	Champ	Coloured / Bush	N/A
Greywing	Ray Slade	Champ	Crest	N/A
Cinnamon	Terry Anderson	Open	AOV	M&R Randall	Champ
Spangle DF	Rod Morris	Inter	Pair Class	Peter Thurn	Champ