Welcome to your Monthly Edition of the ANBC Gazette

Dear Fanciers,

Over the past month, the ANBC Executive, with valuable input from the Zones, has undertaken a full reconstruction of By-Law 1 – Show Rules. The goal has been to create a more detailed and practical document that reflects the true workings of our National Show in a clear, logical, and enforceable way.

This revised by-law not only outlines how the show is to be conducted but also establishes clear procedures and consequences for any fraudulent or unethical behaviour. For example, in cases involving feather or ring tampering, the ANBC will now have the authority to act firmly and consistently in accordance with the by-law, ensuring that those found engaging in such conduct face penalties appropriate to the severity of their actions not that we envisage that this will ever be needed. In short, per chance it did, we’ve added some real “grunt” to the Show Rules — particularly within the disqualification and disciplinary clauses. Once the final draft is completed and all Zones confirm that the document meets the intended objectives, it will be added to the ANBC By-Laws on the website and circulated to all Zones.

As Zones begin their team selections and ring checks, it is important that those performing these checks carefully verify ownership, bird age, and compliance with all relevant sections of the new by-law. Any breaches should be recorded and acted upon strictly in accordance with the document.

Sponsorship Update
Good news and a big thank you to all our Logie and Rosette Sponsors for their ongoing support. We now have all 28 Logies fully sponsored for the 2026 Trill™ Expert ANBC National Championships on the Gold Coast — a fantastic result! Start talking to me now about 2027 before you miss out!

Recent ANBC General Meeting
The recent ANBC General Meeting covered a full agenda, including two motions received from the BCV:
Motion 1: That the ANBC create pull-up banners for those inducted into the Hall of Fame Honour Roll Division, similar to those for the Breeder Excellence Division.
Outcome: Carried unanimously.
Motion 2: That the State/Zone hosting the next ANBC Championship Show announce their four judges during their presentation at the Sunday Night Dinner, rather than in January of the show year.
Outcome: Not carried.

The WBO requested the ANBC to vote on the WBO Pictorial that was submitted at the recent WBO Meeting at Blackpool UK. Please understand and the WBO understands that the ANBC has its own pictorial and standard for that matter, and as a member and affiliated member of the WBO we are entitled to vote on all matters and agendas submitted to the WBO. The ANBC voted for the WBO to accept the pictorial submitted to the WBO meeting 6 to 1 abstention.  With the matter of the ANBC Pictorial, the subcommittee tasked to develop the new ANBC pictorial are in the early stages of its development and will regularly report back to the ANBC during the process.

Additionally, the ANBC Executive has approved a special Logie to commemorate the 50th ANBC Trill National in 2026. SQBBA requested this special Logie, which will mark this milestone event on the Gold Coast. So, make sure you’re preparing your best birds for what promises to be a very special National!

Warm Regards,
Neale R Love
ANBC Secretary

Dear Budgie Enthusiasts,

I often wonder how many people think about their time in the hobby and the number of people they’ve met along the way. I was writing an article recently about my own journey — I started in 1992 — and as I looked back, I realised that the past eight years have been the most rewarding.

Since I began attending Nationals and travelling to interstate auctions, I’ve met so many new people in the hobby. Many of them have become good friends, people I look forward to seeing at various events and sharing good conversation with. I doubt I’ve finished meeting interesting new faces who share our common passion.

As much as breeding budgerigars is a fantastic pastime in itself, it’s the people I’ve met that have made it truly special. So take a moment to think about the people you’ve met over the years — and if you haven’t spoken to someone for a while, maybe it’s time to give them a call.

Recently, I attended another great presentation by Troy Holmes at the Wynnum Redlands club. I’d never seen a budgie breeder measure a bird’s head with a set of calipers before! But as I was driving home, I thought about how, when I was selecting breeding stock at a large commercial piggery, we would measure everything — average daily gain, fat depth, and so on — then feed that data into a matrix to create a score. It reminded me of Peter Thurn’s detailed records with his dairy herd, where the amount of information gathered about each cow or bull probably exceeds what your doctor knows about you!

Coming back to Troy’s approach, I’m reminded of something a thoroughbred breeder once told me — that the English became the world’s greatest livestock breeders because they recorded everything and left nothing to memory. Sadly, it seems that particular habit didn’t make it through my English genes!

While some might smile at these practices, history shows that the greatest breeders were the ones who documented every detail. Troy’s presentation also demonstrated how valuable Zoom meetings can be — the Jetsons might be to blame for that — by allowing people who can’t travel long distances to still join in and learn from others. Speakers like Col Flanagan, James Smith, and Stephen Thompson have shared insights from their overseas experiences, and clubs are really making the most of this technology to keep meetings engaging and educational.

On the ANBC front, it’s great to see that all the rosettes for the National classes have now been sponsored. Even with the increase in sponsorship prices, the support has been outstanding — with many individuals and clubs eager to sponsor one or more classes. Thank you to everyone who continues to support the ANBC.

At the last ANBC Delegates Meeting, a motion from Victoria proposed that pull-up banners, similar to those used for the Hall of Fame inductees, be introduced to recognise the people who have given so much to the hobby over the years. Without their dedication and passion, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

Take care until next time,
Garry Hibberd
President – ANBC

ANBC Judges Coordinator

Hi All,

October was an incredibly busy and rewarding month from a Judging perspective.  I had the privilege of judging at four major events: the Clyde Diploma Show, Geelong Agriculture Show, Budgie Fest in South Australia, and the BCV UBC Shield.

🐦 Clyde Diploma Show
The Clyde Show was very well attended, showcasing an impressive array of Young & Adult Birds as well as UBC exhibits. The quality on display was outstanding, and the enthusiasm from exhibitors was fantastic.

🛡️ BCV UBC Shield
This event featured approximately 800 exhibits, drawing members from across Victoria. The excitement around UBC and the potential for next year’s 2026 Trill™ Expert ANBC National Championships was nothing short of infectious.  All BCV Judges participated in judging these classes, joined by three interstate Judges, making it a valuable experience for everyone involved. Judging such large classes is a fantastic opportunity for both our birds and our Judges.

🚜 Geelong Agriculture Show
With around 190 birds on show—90 UBC and over 100 Any Age Birds—this event was a standout for public engagement. Over the two-day show, an estimated 2,000 visitors viewed the birds. Parents and children alike were curious and excited to learn about our hobby.  It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase budgerigars to the general public and spark interest in future members.

🎉 Budgie Fest – South Australia
I attended my first Budgie Fest and was absolutely blown away. This event truly pushes boundaries in promoting our hobby to the wider community. The two-day format began with a Friday night dinner, followed by Saturday morning Judging and a public open day featuring:

• Colouring activities for kids
• Face painting
• Bird viewing
• Pet Budgie Judging

In just a three-hour window, over 1,000 people attended—families, children, and hobby enthusiasts. The event was supported by prominent media personalities:

• Nic Hayes served as MC and is a strong advocate for Budgie Fest and the ANBC Nationals.
• Graeme Goodings from FiveAA conducted insightful interviews, highlighting the human stories behind the Budgie journey.
• Will McDonald (9 News) and Gertie Spurling (7 News) joined Gary Gazzard and myself to Judge the Best Pet Budgie category. We took this role seriously, as many entries came with heartfelt stories.

The event also received support from local government, with Mayor Jill Whittaker of Campbelltown in attendance—an incredible endorsement for our community.

🙌 Acknowledgements
Events like the Geelong Agriculture Show and Budgie Fest require immense effort. I want to sincerely acknowledge the members and volunteers who make these events possible. Their dedication is instrumental in promoting our passion and message to the public and attracting potential new members. Let’s continue to celebrate and support the incredible work being done to grow and share our hobby.

🎙️ Reflections on Our Role as Judges
These shows and events are not just about the birds—they’re about the exhibitors who dedicate themselves to breeding and showing, and the general public whose curiosity and enthusiasm breathe new life into our hobby. As judges, we are ambassadors of this passion. We carry the responsibility of representing the values, standards, and spirit of the Budgerigar community. We must never lose sight of the privilege bestowed upon us to officiate at these events. Each Judging opportunity is a chance to educate, inspire, and elevate the experience for everyone involved. Our presence and professionalism help shape how the hobby is perceived, both within our circles and by the broader public. Let us continue to honour this role with integrity, enthusiasm, and a deep respect for the birds and the people who make this hobby so vibrant.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the ANBC.

Regards
James Bader
ANBC Judges Co-Ordinator

Colours & Standards

Work on the new ANBC pictorial has continued steadily through October. The committee of André Ozoux, Peter Glassenbury, Peter Thurn and myself has progressed key items. We remain in a mild state of flux with Peter Thurn returning from overseas. A short hook-up is planned for November to consolidate decisions and set the drafting timetable.

To avoid doubt, the committee reiterates the following non-negotiables:

• Overall length: 240 mm.
• Shoulder: strength and definition are essential.
• Balance with wing carriage: wings neatly carried and integrated into the outline.
• Proportion: the bird must present as a balanced whole, not an exaggeration of parts.

Active areas of review from the current pictorial include the neck (clean transition and appropriate strength), feather on the face (direction, angles), and the presentation angles for the Standard—mandating a minimum of three views (front, side, and an additional oblique) rather than the traditional two. Additionally, the committee is examining the position of the spot relative to the mask, with specific regard to feather length.

Transparency remains a priority. Following the November hook-up, the committee will publish a succinct progress brief outlining any finalised wording and diagrams approved for illustrator drafting. We thank fanciers for their constructive feedback and patience – we won’t rush this, but we will continue to keep you updated. We also respect and thank the input via Colours & Standards Zone Representatives while the drafting pen stays in hand.

WBO Noticeboard

It is with great sadness that I report the death at the age of 89 of the legend Jo Mannes of Freiburg, Germany, on  Saturday 13th September peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife Linda and son Jo.

Jo’s record on the show bench has not been surpassed by anyone in mainland Europe, as he won the European Championship show in Karlsruhe no less than 20 times; a record only surpassed by Harry Bryan who won the Budgerigar Society Club Show 22 times.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jo for the first time in August 1994 in Karlsruhe when the World Budgerigar Organisation (WBO) had its inaugural meeting on the weekend of the show and I was invited to judge the show. I voted for his Dominant Pied Light Green cock for Best in Show and on a vote of 3:2 Jo won. I was honoured to be invited two years later to judge the AZ club show in Kassel with my friend Grant Findlay and again Jo won with a young grey cock.

Jo’s popularity grew with his winnings and the traffic of budgerigar fanciers changed course from every fancier from around the world coming to England to buy birds, to fanciers going to Frieburg instead.

Jo was a well sought-after judge where he judged in many countries. He was invited to judge the B.S. Millenium Club Show, also the first WBO World Championship Show in Forli, Italy in 2013. I had the pleasure to chair the session when Jo was the guest speaker at the 1995 B.S. Convention in Scarborough.

He was the first recipient of the WBO Gould Award in 2012 and I, with Gerd Bleicher (WBO chairman of the day), presented him with the award at a show function in Germany. The Budgerigar Society also recognised all his past efforts and inducted him in its Hall of Fame in 2024.

Jo was a lovely person and on the few visits that Janice and I had to his place we were always made very welcome by him, his lovely wife Linda and young Jo. He would spend hours with us in the birdroom discussing various families and breeding patterns; Jo really knew his birds. He also visited us at our home in Chislehurst in April 2000 where he suggested several pairings.

At his funeral on 25th September Tony Askew, Grant Findlay, Phil Reaney and myself were invited to attend but sadly two days before, Phil had to pull out due to his wife being taken to hospital. We also were asked by Linda to say a few words which we did led by Grant. Rest in Peace Jo.

Many of his close friends have also contributed to this obituary.

Gerd Bleicher – on behalf of the German Society DSV
I received the news of the passing of our long-serving judge and worldwide well-known budgerigar breeder and successful exhibitor Josef Mannes. From all of us he was simply known as “Jo”. He passed away on 13th September 2025 at the age of 89 years in the arms of his family in Freiburg/Germany. Jo joined the DSV in 1986 and was a member for 39 years.

The DSV has lost a longtime member. Jo’s special strength was to breed the nearly perfect budgerigar. He was very special as a breeder as well as an exhibitor, a person we can find very rarely, with the ability to breed the exhibition budgerigar with all the wanted characteristics and to fix these in a stud.

Great and almost uncountable show successes were his results at the European Championship shows in Karlsruhe and the AZ/DWV shows in Kassel. When he entered birds at these shows it was hard for other exhibitors, even if they were respectable breeders. Nearly almost all judging ended up with the announcement: The winner is from Jo Mannes.

I liked very much to see him, as many others too, in his bird room in Freiburg.  I enjoyed very much his and his wife Linda’s hospitality.

Jo liked the contacts of others. If I called him for an appointment, I had to plan plenty of time. Such phone calls could be up to three hours, a one-hour-call was a short one.

In 2012 the WBO presented the first time the Gould Award for special achievements in the field of the budgerigar fancy. German DSV nominated Jo for this. I, with my friend Ghalib Al-Nasser, secretary of the WBO, was privileged to present the award to him at the DSV-show in Würzburg.

I like to remember his invitation to his 80th birthday party.

There were health reasons that forced him to slow down. It got harder for him to manage his birds; there were times where he was not able to go to his bird room for several days. Now he has gone forever.

DSV is losing a worthy member, who was so successful and who did so much for our wonderful hobby.

We wish his wife Linda and his son Jo the very best at this hard time and want to express our sympathy. DSV will keep Jo Mannes in honorable commemoration.

In 1985 Ria and I went back for another visit and more Mannes birds were bought for a journey to The Netherlands. From that time we built a super friendship and we visited Linda and Jo sometimes more than once in a year. Our relationship grew even to celebrating our, Jo‘s and Linda‘s birthday together by joining each other with a wonderful meal in the same restaurant every year. Jo had his birthday on the 22nd of June and Ria the 28th. So in that week we were always in the black forest. In August Linda and I had our birthday and we mostly did the same. Then little Jo was born and we saw him growing to the Young man he is now.

Over the years they moved to the Wildtalstrasse and we “moved along”. Once I had the occasion to visit him during a breeding season in which he used all 104 breeding cages he had in his new aviary.

In all those years we talked a lot about birds, koi‘s and business. Jo also was a master in teaching me a lot of his “secrets” about pairing, feather and management. For those who didn’t knew him I can say: YOU MISSED SOMETHING.  I can also remember his “HERCULES’, a tremendous, good light green cock. Actually, we had a wonderful time every time we visited them. In the early nineties Jo and little Joseph even visited Holland and we spent a super time together.

Also the many visits with German, Dutch and even English breeders must be mentioned. Breeders like Brian Byles, Fred Wright, Ron Pearce, Ernie Sigston and many more joined me with the VAN I had in that time. Also, we had some judging engagements together. We lost in Jo a legend and a wonderful person in the hobby. We wish Linda and Joseph all the best for the future and let’s hope Jo will stay in all our memories.

Grant Findlay – Past President, Chairman & Administrator of The Budgerigar Society U.K.
My first memory of Jo was after judging in Switzerland with Jeff Attwood and Ghalib Al-Nasser.  We were taken on a surprise aviary visit to Jo’s in the early 1990’s. I had heard that Jo was the new name on the block and he was winning all the major shows in Germany. What I saw that evening blew my mind with the consistent top-quality birds in Jo’s aviary – well over 500 in number and not a bad bird in sight.

I thought how do I get back to Freiburg to investigate more of how Jo had managed to transform the budgerigar to in his own words “a charming bird”? Well along came Tony Askew and his merry band of men from Middlesbrough and what followed was many a wondrous coach trip from the North East of England all the way to Freiburg in the company of like minded fanciers from all over the UK. These annual trips in May became famous and people were clamouring to join in.

The hospitality of Jo, Linda and “little” Jo was outstanding and many a new outcross was purchased and brought back to improve the UK budgerigar stock. Jo remained dominant at shows all over Europe for many decades.

He was very generous with his time and loved our visits as much as we did and joined in the socialising after the visits in the local restaurants. So much so that many a long standing friendship was formed. Many visited Freiburg for holidays and popped in to see the Mannes family and birds over these years. I took this opportunity a few times and my wife Maggie built up a lovely friendship with Linda.

It was a very sad day when Linda phoned me to break the sad news of Jo’s passing. I was extremely honoured to be invited to attend his funeral and to say a few words of tribute to such a great man. It was a lovely service for such a dedicated budgie breeder and exhibitor and very fitting that all this took place in the company of Tony Askew and Ghalib Al-Nasser.

Phil Reaney – President of The Budgerigar Society U.K.
I had the greatest admiration seeing Jo at work in his aviary selecting pairings and assessing his stock regularly hearing “Not for sale“ in his best English! His knowledge of and the use of his hand on his stock without reference to his records; how he used his hand as a gauge for features on his birds. I and many people learned a lot from Jo and I remember him visiting my aviary casting a critical yet constructive eye on my stock.

His signature in my visitor’s book  is something I am very proud of. When I first visited Jo, I informed him my aim was to produce a chick off his stock he would like back and I am happy I honoured that statement some years ago with a lacewing white hen which he was extremely pleased with. We must not forget also the tremendous support and hospitality given by Erlinda a real hard working couple reaping the well earned awards and accolades from all around the world. RIP Jo.

How important is a balanced diet in preventing breeding problems in budgerigars and which nutrients matter most?

By Dr Hamish Baron BVSc (Hons), MVS (Avian Medicine), PhD, FANZCVS (Avian Medicine and Surgery)

Protein and essential amino acids (including lysine)
Protein provides the building blocks for yolk, albumen, and chick growth. Essential amino acids such as lysine, methionine, threonine and arginine are vital and must come from the diet. Lysine, in particular, supports tissue growth and feather production. Deficiencies can cause poor egg formation, small or infertile eggs, weak chicks, and reduced hatchability. High-quality breeder pellets, sprouted seeds, cooked legumes, and formulated egg-food mixes are excellent sources. Seed-only diets are typically deficient in lysine and most other essential amino acids.

Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3
Calcium is essential for eggshell formation and muscle function; phosphorus supports metabolism; and vitamin D3 enables proper calcium absorption and mobilisation. Deficiencies in any of these nutrients can result in thin or soft-shelled eggs, egg-binding, hypocalcaemia, weakness and increased embryo mortality. Sources include cuttlebone, mineral blocks, calcium-fortified pellets, and dark leafy greens. Indoor birds or those without UV-B exposure need a dietary source of vitamin D3, but caution is needed — excessive vitamin D3 leads to calcification of organs and kidney damage. Over-supplementation with calcium, especially when combined with vitamin D3 products, can cause mineral imbalances and soft tissue mineralisation.

Fat and fat-soluble vitamins (A and E)
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, supports fertility, and helps protect developing embryos. Vitamin A maintains healthy reproductive and respiratory tract linings and promotes immune function. Both are fat-soluble, meaning they are stored in the body rather than excreted. While deficiencies can cause infertility, respiratory infections, and poor chick development, excess supplementation can lead to toxicity. Too much vitamin A causes liver damage and skeletal malformation; too much vitamin E can interfere with the absorption of other vitamins and clotting factors. These nutrients are best provided through a balanced diet including fresh greens, orange and yellow vegetables, and high-quality pellets rather than through multiple liquid or powder supplements.

Essential fatty acids
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play an important role in egg quality, embryo development, and immune function. They work closely with vitamin E to prevent oxidative damage. Supplementation should be done with care — a few drops of flaxseed oil or inclusion of formulated breeder diets are sufficient. Overdoing fats can lead to obesity, fatty liver, and reduced fertility.
B-complex vitamins, folic acid, and choline
These vitamins are central to energy metabolism and neural development in embryos. Deficiency can cause poor hatch rates and developmental deformities. Fresh vegetables, brewer’s yeast (in moderation), and balanced pellets provide adequate levels. Over-supplementation is rare because excess B-vitamins are usually excreted, but chronic overuse of fortified products can still cause digestive upset and unbalanced diets by displacing other foods.

Trace minerals: zinc, manganese, selenium, and iodine
These are required only in tiny amounts but are crucial for enzyme function, shell formation, thyroid activity and antioxidant protection. Both deficiency and excess can cause serious problems. For example, low manganese can lead to weak shells and poor hatch rates, while excessive zinc or selenium can be toxic, damaging the liver and kidneys. Use mineral blocks or balanced pellets rather than adding multiple mineral supplements, and avoid galvanised metal or zinc-based cages and fixtures, which can contribute to heavy metal toxicity.

Over-supplementation — when “helpful” becomes harmful
The dangers of over-supplementing cannot be overstated. Many breeders unknowingly “stack” supplements — for example, providing fortified pellets plus a vitamin powder in the water, a calcium supplement on soft food, and a mineral block in the cage. This can easily exceed safe levels.
Too much vitamin D3 leads to calcification of the kidneys, blood vessels, and soft tissues. Excess vitamin A causes bone deformities and liver damage. High doses of vitamin E can interfere with clotting and immune balance. Chronic calcium excess disrupts phosphorus balance and impairs kidney function. Even trace elements like selenium or zinc are toxic in high doses. Birds have small body reserves and delicate metabolisms, so toxicity can develop quickly and be difficult to reverse.
Over-supplementation can also backfire by reducing dietary diversity — birds that fill up on heavily fortified seed or chop mix may ignore the balanced components of their diet, worsening the imbalance. For most breeders, a high-quality pelleted or formulated breeder diet, supplemented with fresh greens, sprouted seeds, and a mineral block, provides everything needed without the risks of excessive dosing.

Practical feeding strategy
Start with a nutritionally balanced pellet or high quality, Australian-grown breeder seed mix as the base of the diet. Provide daily fresh vegetables — especially leafy greens, carrot, pumpkin, and herbs. During the conditioning and laying period, increase access to sprouted seeds and egg-food to supply extra protein and amino acids. Ensure calcium and mineral blocks are always available, and if birds are kept indoors, provide appropriate UV-B lighting or veterinary-approved vitamin D3 supplementation.

Maintain stable body condition — both obesity and being underweight impair fertility. Record egg quality, fertility rates, and chick growth to detect nutritional trends early.

Avoid routine “blanket” use of multiple supplements unless there is a diagnosed deficiency or specific need confirmed by an avian veterinarian. When supplementation is needed, use a single, measured product and discontinue once the issue resolves. Always introduce any diet change gradually and avoid frequent switching of products.

Fancier In Focus: Ian & Kathy Manton

Kathy and Ian Manton are Platinum / Champion exhibitors and are both Life Members of the BSNSW and joined the Society well over 40 years ago. Kathy is the current President of the BSNSW, is a Senior Panel Judge, and was an integral member of the BSNSW Colour & Standards Committee for about 15 years. They live on a rural 20-acre property with stunningly scenic views of rolling hills and farmland in O’Connell, NSW (midway between Oberon and Bathurst), having moved from acreage property in Sydney 5 years ago.

Ian sold his business in Sydney prior to retiring and moving to O’Connell. Kathy works online from home as a legal accountant for several Sydney-based law firms, and is a NSW Justice of the Peace.

In addition to being involved with budgerigars, Ian and Kathy spend much time with their four horses and both are active in their local community.

What sparked your interest in budgerigars and the hobby?
About 50 years ago a friend asked us to look after their incredibly tame pet budgie, whilst they were away on holidays. I was instantly hooked and put in an order for a budgie that Christmas. We had Billy, a Lutino, for several years, and one budgie turned into an aviary of budgies, and things grew from there.

How long have you been in the bird keeping hobby?
We’ve had budgies for close to 50 years, although when I was a child, our family kept chooks for eggs and eating. We joined the BSA (as the BSNSW was then called) almost 45 years ago. We were members of Western Area Branch, along with the likes of the late Bob & Jean Gorman, and Wayne & Lyn Doull.

How many breeding cages do you have at present and how long is your breeding season each typical year?
We have 33 wire breeding cages (3 rows of 11) that fit perfectly along the back wall of our breeding room. We like to pair up a few pairs around late March, and ramp that up in late May after the Nationals. We then breed through until the end of the year, winding down by Christmas.  We usually breed around 200 birds a year.

My favourite variety is probably Cinnamonwing. An outstanding blue series Cinnamonwing cock bird does it for me! It’s kind of like having a handsome chestnut horse with a couple of white socks and blaze for added bling!

What is your favourite moment in the hobby and why?
In 2002 Ian and I were honoured to be recognised and presented with BSNSW Merit Awards, and then in 2009 we were made Life Members of the BSNSW for our service to the Society (in the same year as Ian Hanington). Those recognitions were pretty special.

I very much enjoy judging and treasure each judging appointment that give you the front row seat to the best birds in the show. I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to judge in New Zealand on two occasions, which was an insightful experience to see their birds in comparison to ours here in Australia. Although we’ve won many Grand Champions over the years, we are yet to win a 1^st place Logie at the ANBC Nationals. We seem to get birds away each year, but the ones we have high hopes for, always seem to manage to drop a tail right before the State Selection.

If you could choose one bird room anywhere in the world to visit and spend a day in, which would it be and why?
I enjoy visiting everyone and anyone’s aviary. Every aviary has at least one thing that captures your interest, or that you can learn from, whether it’s something absolutely terrific, or something cringeworthy that you’ll never ever want to do. I have no desire to travel the world to visit an aviary though.

What bloodlines have you used to influence your stud?
We can pretty much say that all our birds are Manton bloodlines. We might only purchase one or two birds to use as outcrosses each year. We don’t mind picking up a Mick Gearing bird from Western Australia (who regularly makes birds available at Hills Action each year). His birds seem to blend in well with ours. If we do buy a bird, it needs to show a “feature” that we hope will enhance our line.

Who are the top couple of people in the hobby you highly respect and why?
The people I respect the most are the quiet achievers, the ones that jump in and just get things done, not necessarily those with the best birds.  Two amazing people like that are no longer with us hold a fond place in my heart. Peter Dodd from Hills Club was one of those people. Bob Gorman from Western Area was another. Some used to say Bob couldn’t breed a good budgie, but I loved his passion for the hobby. I admire Warren Wilson, and his incredible work over many years in promoting the love of the budgerigar hobby. Jeff Mansfield from Hills Budgie Club is a person that quietly reaches out to help his fellow members. And Troy Holmes is a modern-day hero in advancing and promoting the hobby, and I’m in awe of all he does.

What bird do you feel was your best bird and why?
Way back (I think in the late1980s) Ian and I bred an amazing Spangle Double Factor yellow cock bird. He was a ripper. Yet back in those days there was no recognised class for Spangle Double Factors. He had to be shown as a non-standard bird and thus could not go up for any major awards. He was a deep, clear buttercup yellow throughout and such a great bird! He gave us the inspiration to know that our birds were ok despite him never being eligible to win a major award. We’ve had many NSW National Reps in various varieties, with several making top 3 at the Nationals, but that Spangle Double Factor still sticks in my mind.

What other hobby/s or interests do you have?
Those that know me, know that I’m a crazy horse person. We have four horses; my main man these days is a 17hh bay thoroughbred gelding called Dumbo (and yes, he has big ears and the paddock names suits him to a tee!), Ian rides Westie, a handsome 16hh chestnut TB that raced as “West Elk”, and we have an ex-pacer and an aged brumby cross. Whilst Ian is an accomplished rider, having ridden all his life (rode his horse to school as a child), I only took up riding later in life. I regularly competed successfully in dressage events when we lived in Sydney. I joined Central West Dressage Club in Blayney when we moved here and competed there with my former chestnut TB “Kingy”, Having lost Kingy to a cruel and painful metabolic issue called laminitis, Dumbo and I are yet to win a ribbon, although we have fun trying. Ian and I are both involved in several local Community organisations, and we’ve never felt more “connected” to our community than here in O’Connell.

What is one issue in the hobby you think can be improved and how do you feel this could be improved?
It seems to me that the hobby has become somewhat more elitest than in years gone by, yet I don’t know how to address this? Perhaps auctions including online auctions are a part of this, yet you cannot blame vendors if buyers are prepared to pay the money they do. This elitism is not good for attracting newcomers to the hobby, and it seems crazy to me that a budgie can bring thousands of dollars, when one can buy a really nice horse for that same amount. When you chat to farmers at the local pub about the average prices their sheep or cattle are bringing at the saleyards, it makes me feel guilty with the average we can get for our budgies.

What do you feel is the best piece of advice to provide to any beginner starting out in the hobby or fellow hobbyist?
I like to suggest to beginners that aviary management is just as important as the birds themselves. Then start out with one or two varieties that appeal to them and only buy birds from one or two reputable breeders initially. It is much better to start with the perhaps lesser siblings from good breeders than to buy birds from every man and his dog. Then work on building your own stud of birds from there. I see many newcomers that start out by buying really decent birds, but then don’t know what to do with them, or lose them through poor aviary management.

What do you want to achieve with your budgerigars?
I’d like to continue to build on the success we’ve had with our birds, and achieve a few 1^st place logies at the Nationals, rather than just make it to the top shelf. Ian and I rarely attend the Nationals in person due to work and / or our birds and animals to look after, but getting birds away representing NSW at the Nationals is what we’ve always strived for.

Nationals of Yesteryear – 1983

There was a certain warmth to Melbourne in 1983—not just in the weather, but in the hum of familiar faces gathering again for the National Show. Benches filled, whispers rose, and the old friendships resumed right where they’d left off. It felt like the show had “come home.”

At the National delegates meeting, South Australia arrived prepared: a written Standard and a standard outline, crisp and considered. Member bodies agreed to adopt it for the Australian National Championship Show—though a few held their ground on domestic use. In the ringside talk that only the Nationals can produce, long flights and head flecking drew spirited debate. The verdict was measured and, to many, merciful: penalise rather than disqualify. Another ripple of change followed when Lacewings were approved for National competition from 1986—a quiet decision that would shape benches in years to come.

It was also the year Tasmania stepped onto the national stage for the first time, a debut full of promise that carried them to fifth—no small feat. The judging, handled by a panel of Victorians, covered 14 classes, with the Spangle making its first appearance in competition. Yet, not every lesson came easily. Delegates lamented how difficult it was to observe the judging, and the presentation of prizes and an auction during the Championship judging drew criticism for distracting from the centerpiece event. Even so, the corridors and supper rooms did what they always do—smoothed edges, mended moments—and by evening the show felt whole again.

When the scores were tallied, Melbourne applauded its own:

• Victoria — 313
• South Australia — 244
• New South Wales — 210
• Western Australia — 210
• Tasmania — 190
• South Queensland — 154
• North Queensland — 146

Class winners were O Smith, W Shoeman, Gordon Lowe, Lynch, J Watts, D Trevellion, B Dadd, W Lewis, Keith & Carol Gough, G Smith, Burns, T Daniels, L Lloyd and Kelwyn Kakoschke.

And, as ever, the social events stitched the weekend together—well attended, well loved, and talked about long after the last bird left the hall. 1983 was not a perfect year, but it was a pivotal one: a year of firsts, fine-tuning, and the kind of good sense that only a national gathering can deliver. Looking back now, you can still hear the judges’ murmur, feel the benching-day nerves, and see the future taking shape—one class at a time

Opalines

By Ron Hunt
Former ANBC Historian

The “V” effect, the major or most obvious point, has to be clear to be good i.e. no markings; but it must be remembered that we have only a portion of the 15 points for markings allocated to this point & not dismiss the bird entirely.

Wing markings often variate in Opalines, leaving extremely poor wing pattern & this is usually the worst on birds with good clear “V’s”. It has been considered that birds with clear “V’s” poor wing pattern should be given preference over birds good wing pattern & heavily marked “V’s”.

Remember the body colour merges with the ground colour at the wing butts & any body colour creeping into the back of the head is a show fault & should be penalised. The head is virtually ground colour, with minimal markings giving a grizzled effect & is distinctively different to the head of a Normal.

Wings have black markings the same colour as the bird’s body colour, not yellow or white as is the Normal. The muted colour flush on the primary flights is permitted & is not a fault. The body colour should be full intensity. The tail should be the same as a Normal, but a suffusion of body colour is permitted. Please note: body colour, not ground colour, on cheek colour is considered a fault. When combined with other varieties the mask & tail should correspond with the standards for the second variety. Judges should learn which Opaline compounds are Opalines and which are not, and which class they are to be exhibited in.

All of these features are still in the written Standard, however they are neglected on the show bench to the extent that the bird should be called “Normaline”. More importantly, the Opaline has gone from one of the favourites with the general public & pet buyers to one of neglect. The photos I include in these notes are an artist’s interpretation of our written word in the Standard. The Opalines I have been seeing on the show bench would not tempt a pet buyer at all. The Opaline of the past was very attractive with the wings being the same colour as the body; the wings appealed to many pet buyers. Today’s bird comes over as anti-sale. I might add the big head & fluffy body is not a sales point with the general public; ask why with population growth our membership has declined.

Last weekend saw the last of our big 3 “Shield / State Championship” shows with the running of the UBC Shield. Over 700 UBC’s were benched with some classes having in excess of 40 birds. The Shield was narrowly won by the Eastern Districts club edging out Riverina. Things could have been different but for an unfortunate kangaroo making a mess of Bernie (Julie) Thompson’s car preventing a number of Riverina birds being benched. Taking nothing away from Team Eastern – it was a great effort and their first shield win in a long time. Speaking of great efforts, Barry and Marie Wise took out both best and reserve UBC in show with an Opaline (Champion) and Dominant Pied (Reserve).

In the past few years, our Adult and UBC Shield shows have attracted interest from Interstate judges who relish the opportunity to get their teeth into some big classes. At this show we had the pleasure to host George England (SA), Rob Peffer (NSW) and Brad Hargreaves (QLD) ply their trade. Thanks for your great work gentlemen!

There have been a few Diploma Shows recently with some familiar names taking out the big prizes. The mercurial Tony (and Sylvia) Appleton won The Eastern Districts Diploma with a lovely Cinnamonwing hen. Best UBC was also a Cinnamonwing owned by Ken Pullen. At Clyde, John Ennis picked up the Diploma with another quality Spangle while Ken Pullen struck again in the UBCs this time with a Spangle.

There are 2 Diploma shows left this year with Western Suburbs (Adults, Young Birds and UBCs) and Baw Baw (Adults and Young Birds). Good luck to all exhibitors at these shows.

Regards,

Peter Thurn
President – BCV

October reminded us why this hobby thrives on community, quality birds and shared knowledge here in NSW. Early in the month we celebrated New England Budgerigar Club member Ken Seagrott’s phenomenal season: 604 babies rung by the end of September, with more on the perch. Ken’s results underline the power of disciplined husbandry – fresh garden greens, rotated water supplements (one at a time over two-week blocks), soft seed for non-breeders, targeted protein for pairs, and serious infrastructure with 130+ breeding cabinets. It’s a timely nudge that small, consistent choices compound into big outcomes.

Mid-month, the 67th BSNSW Annual Show (Sunday 19 October) returned to form at the Philip Charley Pavilion. Thirty-eight exhibitors benched 330 exhibits, and our judging team—Gary Gazzard, James Matthews, Steve Wilson and Trent Hill—kept sections moving smoothly. Special thanks to Steve for the unseen heavy lifting, and to the Show Manager crew—Shanthi Jones, Cliff Spare, Jennifer Bell and Ian Manton—who built the schedule from scratch and ran it flawlessly on the day. A highlight was pausing judging to honour service: presenting plaques to former judges Jean Painter, Warren Wilson and Ron Hunt (with Geoff Wood acknowledged in absentia). Grand Champion went to Dave Dunn (D.A.D Budgerigars).

We closed the month with the Canberra Budgerigar Club’s 26 October showcase. Part show, part festival, with 180 exhibits and pet classes, kids’ activities, sales and trade stands. Major honours included Garry Pymont (Grand Champion) and strong results for Eric Whitton, James Matthews, Owen Goldstraw and Josh Gill.

Looking ahead to November, Mid State have their annual show on today at the Orange Show Grounds. Always a strong showing, expect to see some good birds if you’re out that way.

Ken Seagrott, a member of the NEBC, has rung his 604th baby budgie for the year of 2025 at the end of September! With lots more little ones still to come! A big part of Ken’s success is what he feeds his birds.  Ken has an impressive collection of raised garden beds where he grows a variety of fresh greens to feed the budgies. These include mint, celery, beetroot (leaves and roots), carrots (leaves and roots), thyme, rosemary, and rocket. Ken regularly adds edible oil to his seed mix.

For non-breeding birds, mixed grain including wheat, groats, corn, and sorghum is soaked in hot water and fed out as soft seed. High protein dog biscuits are ground to a powder, and small amounts are fed to breeding pairs in finger trays. Supplements added to the budgie’s water by Ken include apple cider vinegar, Soluvite D Breeder, and Multi-vite (vitamins and minerals). These supplements are not used together. Each one is added to the water individually for a 2-week period.

Having over 130 breeding cabinets has also contributed to Ken’s bumper breeding season! Congratulations Ken and thanks for generously sharing your tips to managing budgie breeding.

The 67th BSNSW Annual Show was held on Sunday 19th October in the spacious Philip Charley Pavilion at Hawkesbury Showground. The honour and prestige of this Annual Show event had faded in recent years, so we worked hard to reignite the historical significance of the show and many sponsors chipped in to help make the show the BSNSW’s Premier Annual Show event once again.

330 exhibits were benched by 38 exhibitors.  Judges Gary Gazzard, James Matthews, Steve Wilson and Trent Hill did a great job officiating the many sections.  Special mention and thanks must go to Steve Wilson for towing the staging to the venue, helping to put it up, judging two sections, and to still be right there at the end of the day to help pack and clean up. Behind the scenes, Shanthi Jones and Cliff Spare had spent many hours in the leadup to show day to enter the schedule into the Show Manager computer program from scratch. Assisted by Jennifer Bell, Ian Manton and Cliff Spare, Shanthi worked like a trooper on the keyboard on show day.

What many didn’t know, was that Craig Buckingham, President of the NSW Judges’ Panel, and me as BSNSW President, had secretly invited 4 very special guests to come along to the show, to recognise, honour and thank them for their tireless work, dedication and service to the Society over many years. Even our invitation to these guests was a bit sketchy, so they were not entirely sure what was going to happen!

Right on cue at 11.30am, we stopped the show and put a halt to the judging to present plaques to the three special guests who were able to come along. It was such an honour to have Jean Painter, Warren Wilson and Ron Hunt (three former judges) in attendance, for Craig and I to present them with their service awards. Geoff Wood was not able to make it, but Craig read out Geoff’s achievements to all.
(A separate article on these four distinguished guests will be published in due course).

Huge congratulations to Dave Dunn (D.A.D Budgerigars) on winning Grand Champion, and taking home the perpetual Harley Yardley Trophy, the BSNSW Grand Champion medallion, $200 cash sponsored by Vale Head Residents Association, 10kg of TrillExpert and Trill Products sponsored by Mars BirdCare  / Trill, $50 cash award sponsored by Craig Buckingham, Inca Flight’s donation of Ornithon product, as well as the Normal Blue Best of Variety award sponsored by Jeff Mansfield!

Congratulations must go to the team from Canberra Budgerigar Club for hosting once again, not just a budgerigar show, but for putting on a whole budgerigar experience event that catered for all budgerigar enthusiasts.

The weekend started with a Saturday evening drinks and dinner at Eastlake Football Club – an opportunity to meet fellow exhibitors and catch up socially with budgie friends. The get-together even included lucky door prizes.

Show day itself in the spacious hall was quite a spectacular event. The event attracted approximately 180 exhibits and some truly quality birds, yet the show separately ran a Pet Bird Competition, a Colouring-in Competition for the kids, a “Coloured” Budgerigar Display, a Budgerigar Bird Sale, a Breeders Raffle, and numerous Trade Stands, as well as many budgie-related items for sale, including products from the whole Trill range.

Mario Capasso and Kathy Manton were fortunate to have been able to be the officiating judges for the exhibition budgerigars.

At the time of writing, I am yet to receive a copy of the full results list. The major awards are as below:

• Grand Champion was won by Garry Pymont with a super Cinnamonwing Any Age Grey Cock.
• Reserve Champion in show went to Eric Whitton with a lovely Spangle Grey cock
• Champion Platinum was won by James Matthews with a Spangle Greygreen cock
• Champion Open was won by Diane Pinney with a Lutino Cock bird
• Champion Intermediate bird was a Normal Green cock exhibited by Owen Goldstraw
• Champion Novice bird was a super Opaline Sky Blue cock owned by Josh Gill
• Champion Juvenile and Champion Young Bird in Show was a Normal Grey cock owned by Eric Whitton.

Melanistic Spangles – Yet Another Variable to the Spangle Budgerigar Variety

In Australia we saw there were TWO distinctive Spangle mutations, one colloquially called “the Sydney Spangle” (Type 1) and the other the “Melbourne Spangle” (Type 2). The lack of Melanin in the centres of wing feathers gives a clearly defined edge around all wing feathers, some secondary tail feathers and tails. Target spots is also a result of that melanin reduction and is a key exhibition expression.

The Sydney Spangle (type 1) is the Spangle we all know now, defined in the written ANBC Standard as having large round black marked throat spots with ground-colour centres. In the wing markings, each covert and flight feather is of appropriate ground colour with a fine black marking near the edge.

The Melbourne Spangle (type 2) was somewhat like type 1, but had much blacker markings, ground coloured tail feathers with a black tail quill. Even the throat spots (although black marked outline with ground colour centres), had a little black anchor-like feather shaft.

Melanistic Spangles have an increased amount of melanin pigment in the feather markings of the budgie. In the early 1990s birds showing melanistic markings were produced from conventional Spangle stock. As youngsters they look like Normals in every respect except for the tail which is clearly a Spangle type.

Melanistic Spangles have solid black spots (unlike the standard Spangle), and clearly defined cheek patches that do not have the silvery whiteness of a regular Spangle. The wings and flights have a clearly defined contrast (sometimes said to be like a “Spangle in reverse”. The tail has a distinctive Spangle tail.

Melanistic Spangles as described above and pictures below are often called “clear tails”.

It is my belief that there are TWO VARIANTS of Melanistic Spangles: the “Clear tail” as depicted above, and just like we have variants of normal Spangles, there is another variant of Melanistic that looks like a Type 2 Spangle, but with solid black spots and black through the feather quills and a black tail quill within the Spangle-type tail.

We are all familiar with Spangle Double Factors. In Australia in 1980s and 90s the Spangle Double Factors had to be shown in “non-standard” classes, and thus not eligible for major awards. Thankfully it didn’t take too long for a separate class to be introduced, and being a variation of Spangle, we see many Spangle Double Factors winning Grand Champion of Show.

The ideal Spangle Double Factor is of either full intensity yellow or white ground colour, and a solid even shade throughout. The ideal bird must be absent of markings in all areas, with wings corresponding to the body colour. However, a type 2 Spangle in the Double Factor form, often produces a bird with body colour suffusion (and be heavily penalised).

• There are many variables in Spangles, and just because there is, in my opinion it does not mean there should be exhibition classes for each and every variable!
• Melanistics are shown in Spangle classes currently, and a true Melanistic is heavily penalised as it does not meet the written standard for Spangle.
• In Australia we have 3 separate classes for Spangles: Spangle, Spangle Double Factor and Spangle AOSV (combination of Spangle with any of Greywing, Cinnamonwing, Opaline or Fallow). There are currently no separate classes for Melanistics.
• To the detriment of the Spangle variety, Spangles were widely crossed with many other varieties to improve the modern-type exhibition bird and length of feather. As a result, we lost the beautiful finite black spangle wing pattern we once had when the mutation first appeared. Many of the best Spangle exhibition budgerigars are carrying undesired body colour suffusion in the wing, and only quite feint black markings. Some breeders are reversing that trend and are now focussing on wing pattern.
• I believe that Melanistic Spangles have a place in being prudently used to help improve the Spangle wing pattern in our Spangles. Although I own and am currently breeding and experimenting with the “clear tail” variant of Melanistic Spangles this year, I certainly don’t see a place for them as an exhibition bird at this time.

This month has seen a number of clubs holding shows and social events.

The Wynnum Redlands Club hosted a Zoom meeting with guest speaker Troy Holmes, who gave members a virtual tour of his aviary. Troy shared how he maintains consistent temperature and air quality, along with the many “toys” he uses to achieve success. He also gave an interesting insight into his breeding process (or more accurately — his birds’ process!).

The Fraser Coast Club held another of their shows, with all reports saying it was a great day enjoyed by everyone. Results and details are listed below.

The ABS Club held their Carnival Show, and we’ve included a report from their President below.

The Toowoomba Budgerigar Club enjoyed an aviary visit and barbecue at Garry and Helen Hibberd’s, which was a wonderful social day for the club. It’s always great to see members getting together and enjoying the hobby beyond the show bench.

This month we also farewelled one of South Queensland’s long-term members and judges — Keith Gough. There was a strong turnout from the budgerigar community to support Carol and the Gough family.

I only got to know Keith over the past few years, but it was clear his two great passions were his family and his love of budgerigars. From all accounts, Keith was a real character and a great travelling companion. I always found him to be affable, and I’m sure he will be missed by many.

On the National Show, our registration forms will be available soon. The Southport Sharks are currently finalising their new menu and meal prices, which has delayed us slightly.

We’ve also planned outings on both Saturday and Sunday for partners who would like to do something a little different — not everyone wants to watch budgerigars being judged (though we’re not sure why!). Details about these outings will be included on the registration forms.

Garry Hibberd
SQBBA President

• Grand Champion     D & B Card
• Champion Old Bird    Keith Fagg
• Champion Young Bird  D & B Card
• Champion Juvenile  D & B Card
• Champion Nest feather  B & J Budgerigar

🐦 Australian Budgerigar Society – Presentation Evening & 68th Annual Carnival Show
📅 October 18–19, 2025 | South Brisbane

We were thrilled to host our Presentation Evening on Saturday, October 18th, featuring two outstanding guest speakers:

• Don Burke, renowned horticulturist and broadcaster, shared insights from his latest book and spoke passionately about the importance of Heritage Budgerigars.
• Dr. Hamish R Baron from The Unusual Pet Vets delivered a fascinating and detailed presentation on Macrorhabdus (Megabacteria), a topic of growing interest in avian health.

The following day, we celebrated our 68th Annual Carnival Show, a community-driven event that brought together:

• Over 20 community groups showcasing displays and activities
• A live broadcast by 101FM, adding energy and reach to the day
• Family-friendly fun including face painting and a colouring competition for kids
• A well-attended crowd of 200+ visitors throughout the day

🎖️ The highlight was the Heritage Budgerigar Show, judged by Don Burke himself, featuring stunning birds and proud breeders. 📸 Photos of the major winners and show results are below.

The North Queensland Budgerigar Zone is bouncing along the Bruce Highway with members of their respective clubs traveling to Rockhampton for their annual show and then the following weekend traveling to Mackay for the Mackay Budgie Bash. It’s a four-hour drive between Townsville and Mackay and another four hours between Mackay and Rockhampton on a road that can only be described as a goat track.

From all reports the competitors at these shows had a fantastic time meeting up with friends and fellow budgie enthusiasts with results being spread between all competitors.

On a future note, a number of breeders are looking to close up for the summer while a few are going to keep going and are looking for the new rings to arrive in late December for the start of the 2026 ring year.

Our Zone has a new secretary; Stephanie Fairbank and we wish Stephanie the best keeping a zone as vast as ours informed and up to date.

Warm regards,
Bill Schultz
NQBZ President

The Mackay City Budgerigar Society Inc. held their annual Budgie Bash at the Farleigh/Dumbleton rural fire brigade shed on Sunday the 26th October. It is located in a picturesque setting of sugar cane and cattle fields as you can see from the photos. We had breeders come from Townsville and Rockhampton to join local Mackay breeders for the show which covered Any Age, Young birds (2025 rung) and Nest Feathers. Our Judge was Dail Cameron from Toowoomba.

The weekend started with setting up benching etc on the Saturday morning and we all went to the Shamrock Hotel for a lovely meal to catch up on all sorts of things but of course most chatter centred around our little feathered friends. We had just over 200 birds benched but numbers were down on the previous couple of years, according to breeders, this was due to the condition of many of the young birds missing tails, moulting or struggling with the early onset of hot and humid conditions recently. It has certainly been an early start to our summer. Several breeders also lamented the habit of young birds finding it necessary in the weaning cage to chew each other’s tails. This habit also contributed to many birds not making the show bench. Something to work on for us.

The morning of the show started with breakfast being organised by the ever-reliable Michelle Vidler who expertly caters for all food and beverages throughout the day. Birds were all benched, checked and judging got underway at 8.30am as scheduled.

Judging started with Nest Feathers. Dail’s comments were:

• Very impressed with the quality of birds and how many of them were perching for such young birds.
• Happy with the steadiness on the perch and how the birds presented themselves
• Champion Nest Feather was a Michael Pace Opaline Green. Dail commented on her top end feather and release.
• The 2nd placed Nest Feather was a Michael Pace Spangle Grey Green that had good shoulder and feather which was only slightly ahead of the 3rd place NF which was a Michael Pace Normal Green cock with excellent depth of mask.
• Champion Novice Nest Feather belonged to Bruce Sutcliffe from Townsville. It was a Spangle Sky Blue that impressed Dail and that he thought had good potential as a stock bird.
• Champion Lesser variety was a Peter Drew bird. It was Recessive Pied Spangle Grey Green had good frame and presence in the show cage. The Spangle addition to the variety had Dail working hard as all agreed it did look somewhat like a Dominant Pied.
• Overall, Dail was very happy with the quality of nest feathers.

Judges’ comments on Young Birds:

• Evident that the young birds weren’t very old with several not completely through their first moult, shorter tails and other feather issues but Dail worked his way through them and communicated his decisions to everyone present which breeders were more than happy with.
• Champion Young Bird was a Normal Grey Green hen bred by Michael Pace. Described as a power bird with lovely spot and frame.
• Champion Opposite Sex was a Lutino cock bred by Matt Kennedy. A good size budgie that excelled in variety and colour and showed himself well.
• Champion Lesser variety was an Australian White Cap bred by Matthew Hart from Townsville. (The club failed to transfer our decision in the meeting minutes to remove this variety from our lesser varieties, this will happen for 2026). A lovey bird presented by Matt.
• Champion Novice was the same Lutino cock that was Champion Opposite Sex in this section. This was Matt’s first time showing with us and is a new member, we are excited to have him on board.

Judges’ comments on Any Age Birds:

• Very impressed by the overall quality of the top 3 to 4 birds in each section saying that all birds presented had real presence in the show cage. An absolute pleasure to judge. As this section was last to be judged several birds weren’t keen on perching making our judge work overtime. Special mention was made to the quality of the first 3 place getters in the Normal Green class. Top shelf birds that varied in features but very little between them in terms of show points earned.
• Champion bird was a Michael Pace Normal Grey Green.  He had a real presence in the show cage, was steady and showed himself well, excelled in body length, was clean and had good spot and depth of mask (He may have been challenged if all birds had played their part by perching – Peter Macelroy gave his Normal Green cock a firm talking too after the show – love the passion Peter – keep it coming).
• Champion Opposite Sex was a Michael Pace Spangle Cinnamonwing Grey Green hen that Dail thought was an exceptional hen. A long hen with great deportment and decent top end.
• Champion Lesser variety was a Doug Wales was Crested Normal Green cock. A good sized budgie that showed himself well, steady on the perch, good sized bird that had a presence in the cage. Good variety bird.
• Champion Novice was a Bruce Sutcliffe Spangle Yellow Faced Sky Blue. A lovely all-round bird displaying good show bird features and a good variety bird. He showed himself very well.

Champion Bird of Show:

• Champion bird of show was the Any Age Normal Grey Green bred by Michael Pace. He did everything asked of him during the day and performed well (see comments in any age).

The club office bearers were thrilled with how the day went but agreed there are always room to improve. There is sincere gratitude and respect for the breeders who travelled up to and over 800kms and do so annually to support our Budgie Bash. A massive thanks to Doug Wales for organising numerous aspects of our show, especially the dinner, Michille Vidler for catering, Peter Drew, our Show Manager, for the smooth running of the show with his electronic prowess on record keeping and also for being chief staging coordinator. Thanks also go to Rod Vidler and Matthew Hart for assisting Chief Steward, Michael Pace in benching and de-benching the birds so smoothly.

Finally, a heartfelt thanks to our Judge Dail Cameron. His judging style and comments were well received by all breeders. They were interesting, affirming and encouraging. Dail appeared to be really enjoying himself as he had a wide grin on his face for most of the show. Thanks again Dail, you are welcome any time.

We look forward to everyone, and more, returning next year for our annual Budgie Bash. It is always a relaxed and fun show for all involved. To all the breeders, you are now equipped and up to date with what your next moves might be with your pairing and improving your stock. NQ have made good strides in the depth of our birds without jagging any Logies at ANBC this year but we are on the right track. Maintain the passion, maintain the effort and believe the results will follow.

The Rare Budgerigar Club of WA – BRASEA Show Results
A huge congratulations goes out to Mick & Debbie Gearing taking home both of the major perpetual trophies:

• The Warren Wilson perpetual trophy for excellence in variety – adult.
• The Rob Hugo perpetual trophy for excellence in variety – young.

Mick and Debbie wins also included:

• Best of the Specials of the Year (Rares) with his magnificent Dominant Pied.
• Best of the Non Specials of the Year (Rares) with his beautiful Cobalt.
• Best Young with the same Cobalt.
• Best Adult with his Dominant Pied.
• Best Non-Rare with a stunning Spangle ASC (Any Standard Colour).

South West Budgerigar Club of WA – Table Show Results

• Best in Show – Les Trumper
• Best Opposite Sex – Les Trumper
• Best Open – Les Trumper
• Best Intermediate – Bryan Doust
• Best Novice – Les Woodcock

Regards,

Les Woodcock
Secretary

October is one of our busiest month’s here in South Australia, with lots of great events for members to attend.

The month kicked off with the BSSA Come & Try Night. A feature event of the evening was the exhibition budgerigar giveaway to Novice and Junior members. This is designed to help Novices and Juniors overcome some of the barriers to entry to exhibition budgerigars and is only possible through the generosity of our Open and Intermediate breeders who lean in and donate exhibition quality budgerigars. Congratulations to all who made that give away possible.

Congratulations went to Tony and Angela Van Den Brink, who won Best Current Year Rung Bird with a Spangle Grey, while Malcolm Loveridge took out Best Unbroken Cap with a Cinnamonwing Grey Green.

The day was a wonderful reminder of the camaraderie and passion that defines the Port Pirie club, with many members staying on long after the judging to share advice, stories, and a few laughs among friends.

Congratulations to the BSSA who took home the TriClub Cup and InterClub trophies. Final scores were:

• BSSA 526 points
• NEBS 199 points
• Port Pirie 44 points

Award                         Exhibitor                 Class / Variety
Best In Show               Schutz & Tonkin     Cinnamonwing
Best Open                   Schutz & Tonkin     Cinnamonwing
Best Intermediate      Jane Kelb               Normal Green
Best Novice                 Paul Wilton            Normal Green
Best Junior Bird          D Osobase-Kelb    Yellow Faced Blue

Best of Variety Awards
Class                                        Exhibitor    Club    Status
1    Normal Green                  Dennis Lomman    NEBS    Open
2    Normal Grey Green         Schutz & Tonkin    NEBS    Open
3    Normal Blue                     Dennis Lomman    NEBS    Open
4    Normal Visual Violet        No Entry
5    Normal Grey                     Paul Wilton    BSSA    Novice
6    Yellow Faced Blue            Dave Miller    BSSA    Novice
7    Aust Golden Faced Blue   No Entry
8    Black Eyed Self                John Mulley    NEBS    Open
9    Dilute ASC                        Paul Wilton    BSSA    Novice
10    Lutino                              Schutz & Tonkin    NEBS    Open
11    Albino                              Peter Brumby    BSSA    Novice
12    Dark Eyed Clear             No Entry
13    Clearwing                       John Mulley    NEBS    Open
14    Greywing                        Tony Vandenbrink    PP    Open
15    Cinnamonwing                Schutz & Tonkin    NEBS    Open
16    Spangle Double Factor   Jane Kelb    BSSA    Inter
17    Opaline                           Dave Miller    BSSA    Novice
18    Opaline AOSV                Paul Wilton    BSSA    Novice
19    Clearbody                       Pauline Lampre    BSSA    Novice
20    Lacewing                        Chris Murphy    BSSA    Open
21    Fallow                             John Mulley    NEBS    Open
22    Spangle                          Dave Miller    BSSA    Novice
23    Spangle AOSV               John Mulley    NEBS    Open
24    Dominant Pied               Dave Miller    BSSA    Novice
25    Recessive Pied              Longbottom Fam    PP    Novice
26    Aust White Cap              Patrick O’Rourke    BSSA    BSSA
27    Crested                          Shiralee Reardon    NEBS    Open
28    Hens                              Dave Miller    BSSA    Novice

👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about budgies!

The Budgerigar Council of Tasmania held a future champions show at the Perth community hall on Saturday the 4/10/25. The future champions show was for Intermediate and Novice breeders only and for 2025 rung birds. This year we included a class for 2024 rung birds so any late rung birds from 2024 had an opportunity on the show bench for 2024.

There were 120 birds benched in 2 classes consisting of 2024 rung birds and 2025 rung birds of which were competing for the future champions award for Novice and Intermediate. Judges for the Day were BCT Probationary judges Peter Kross and Peter Howard who were overseen by ANBC Judge Jim Fletcher.

Birds on display were well prepared by the exhibitors giving them every chance to shine.

• Champion Intermediate bird which was a Cinnamonwing Cock was exhibited by Andrew Johnson who is the BCT Intermediate future champion.
• Champion Novice bird which was an Opaline Hen was exhibited by Michael Jones who is the BCT Novice future champion.
• Champion Intermediate 2024 rung bird which was a Cinnamonwing Cock was exhibited by Cameron Crichton.
• Champion novice 2024 rung bird which was a Normal Grey was exhibited by Michael Jones.

Congratulations to all the winners as we look forward to seeing these birds on the show bench early in the new year

Warm Regards,

Dale Ward
BCT President

Although it was around 20 degrees with no rain in typical October fashion here the wind was howling. Unfortunately, with howling winds most chose not to wander around the expansive bush garden where branches from the many large trees were at risk of snapping off in the severe winds. We managed to find an area out of the wind and fired up the BBQ for lunch.

We decided to do something a little different and let the wife’s and partners select their preferred bird in a 3,2,1 vote. The winner was a White Cap Cock, which was exhibited by J & J Fletcher with an Aust Golden Faced Recessive Pied, Opaline Grey and a White Cap Spangle Melanistic the other preferred birds.

These social days are always well attended.

The NTBS held a club show in conjunction with the Longford show on the Saturday the 18^th of October at the Longford show grounds.

There were 90 plus birds benched with a couple stand out young birds on display.

The Longford and surrounding communities turned out in force with a steady flow of people through the doors to check out what was on display with some even offering advice to the judge as judging was underway.

For those members that were in attendance there was a steady flow of engagement with the community and no shortage of questions asked.

The NTBS held 2 raffles on the day one for a Christmas hamper to be drawn later in the year and the other was a bird in a cage where tickets were hot property which was drawn at the end of the day. Congratulations to the winner

• Champion bird of the show was a Normal Grey Green exhibited by the Buckingham family
• Champion young bird was a Normal Green exhibited by Michael Jones
• Opposite sex for the show was an Opaline Light Green Hen bred by Michael Jones
• Best UBC or nest feather was a Normal Sky Blue bred by Michael Jones.

Here in NZ we have a different way of doing things. Our ring issue date is August 1. So on August 1 we got our black 2025 rings. The reason for this is that all of our shows are from May to July. So next year our black 2025 rung birds will be shown in what we call CYCR BBE (Current year closed rung bred by exhibitor).

Word around the country varies greatly. In the deep south, many breeders haven’t paired up yet, its still too cold at night. Unless breeders have air conditioning of course. But the upper sth island have started. Results vary.

In the north island, most breeders are underway. Some saying they’re nearly finished, others only recently started. In the upper north island (where I am) theres been reports of trouble with eggs hatching, despite good fertility. Others have reported poor fertility. Generally I think many breeders are having a difficult season to date, however, with the longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, this should (hopefully) start to improve.

Regards,

Phil Hill
President

As we close this edition, it’s clear the fancy is moving forward with purpose and pride. From the comprehensive rewrite of By-Law 1 to strong sponsorship response, the ANBC and Zones are putting firmer structures in place while celebrating the people who make our hobby special—judges, volunteers, sponsors, and the friends we meet along the way. We’ve honoured giants of the past, welcomed new faces, and shared ideas that lift our standards. The months ahead are rich with opportunity. Keep supporting your local club events, reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, and consider leaning in to help. See you on the Show Bench.

Neale R Love
Editor, ANBC Gazette
secretary@anbc.org.au
Mob 0421 471 781