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Welcome to your Monthly Edition of the ANBC Gazette

Dear Fanciers,

Since the last May Gazette, the emotions and excitement surrounding the 50th SQBBA Trill Expert National on the Gold Coast had certainly started to build. From the ANBC point of view, the process of slowly organizing a National event continues to evolve, with the eventual WABC event becoming largely an ANBC Committee organized event.

Even with that in mind, the ANBC Working Group is continually fine tuning what is needed to deliver a successful event into the future. The reality will always be that after every National we say, “we can do that better” or “we missed that small piece of the jigsaw”. However, with the assistance and cooperation of all Zones when it comes time for them to stage a National in partnership with the ANBC, we are confident the system will continue to improve and the bugs will eventually be well and truly ironed out.

Moving onto the Trill Expert National on the Gold Coast, all I can say is well done and congratulations to the organisers of this historic 50th National. It was an outstandingly organised and professionally run event from start to finish. From the Thursday setup right through to the closing of the container doors on Monday morning, the entire operation was a credit to all involved.

Congratulations must go to the SQBBA National Committee and all the helpers — not only from the home Zone, but also the many volunteers from other Zones who came together to assist and support a fellow Zone in staging this prestigious event.

One very important achievement from the 50th ANBC National was the induction of Catherine Charlesworth into the ANBC Hall of Fame Service Division.

This honour recognises Catherine’s many years of outstanding service and dedication to the BCT, the ANBC, and the budgerigar hobby throughout Australia. Catherine has always had the ANBC and the future of the National Show at heart, constantly looking for ways to improve, progress, and strengthen our premier event.

No job is ever too big or too small. Catherine simply gets on with the task at hand and consistently achieves outstanding results. If you need a helping hand, a different perspective, or practical advice on any matter relating to the National Show and its organisation, Catherine is often the first person people turn to.

Garry Hibberd can certainly attest to that, particularly this year. Whenever answers were needed, problems required solving, or organisational skills were called upon, Catherine was there to assist both Garry and the SQBBA National Organising Committee. Her willingness to help, attention to detail, and ability to get things done were invaluable.

It was my privilege and pleasure to present Catherine with her plaque and certificate at the Presentation Dinner, surrounded by a room full of people who greatly admire her work ethic, dedication, and straightforward ability to make things happen.

This recognition is thoroughly deserved and reflects the respect Catherine has earned throughout the Australian budgerigar community.

Congratulations Catherine, from the entire ANBC fraternity, on your induction into the ANBC Hall of Fame Service Division. It is an outstanding achievement and a fitting reward for your many years of service to our hobby.

Congratulations also to BCV on winning the new ANBC Competition Shield, and to the many breeders who were successful in securing Logie wins — some first-time winners and some seasoned campaigners once again reaching the top.

To the Judges, from the many compliments and feedback received, it appeared they conducted a smooth, professional and well-oiled display of exhibition judging throughout the weekend. The AV crew again delivered a highly professional presentation of our hobby and this special event to the wider world. The commentary team did a fantastic job keeping everyone informed and entertained throughout the judging process.

To the stewards, rosette team, security personnel, carers, preparers, and in general every person who committed their time and effort towards the National event — thank you. Without your help, commitment and willingness to contribute, the success of the National simply would not have been possible.

A sincere thank you must also go to all our sponsors. Whether you were a Gold Sponsor, Platinum Sponsor, or a Logie and Rosette Sponsor, you were all an important part of the team behind this event and should be congratulated for your support and contribution. While I could individually list many people, I believe this achievement was about the collective effort of the entire team.

Well done to everyone involved and thank you once again for helping make the Trill Expert 50th Annual ANBC National such a memorable and successful occasion.

Now, with the event successfully completed, it is slowly back to normality within the ANBC calendar. I hereby give notice that the 2026 ANBC AGM Meeting will be held on the 15th June 2026. All nominations from interested persons seeking positions within the ANBC structure must be submitted by the end of May in accordance with the required timeframes.

Warm Regards,
Neale R Love
ANBC Secretary

Usually, when I finish off the Gazette, I tend to wear either my Editor’s hat or my Secretary’s hat. However, I thought this was a good opportunity to sincerely thank the SQBBA for the invitation to be part of the judging panel at this year’s National.

I certainly do not say this as self-praise in any way, but rather to acknowledge and thank my fellow judges for the professional manner in which they approached such an important responsibility. I have been fortunate to know most of the judging team for many years — perhaps not Rob as long, although I certainly knew his father well — along with Kevie, which made it easy for the team to work together professionally while still enjoying the experience and camaraderie that comes with events like these.

I would also like to congratulate every breeder who filled a position on the bench over the National weekend. You should all be extremely proud of your achievements. As competitive as we all are, and as much as we strive to do our very best, when it comes to exhibiting live animals there is always an element beyond our control. At some point we hand things over to the “Budgie Gods” and hope for the best possible outcome.

To everyone who had birds selected for their club, their Zone,  congratulations. That in itself is a wonderful achievement.

Now it is time to select those pairs for the upcoming breeding season, give them every possible chance to succeed, cross the fingers, and look forward with optimism. More importantly, continue to enjoy this wonderful hobby and the friendships and people that come with it.

Cheers for now,

Warm Regards,
Neale R Love
ANBC Secretary