2017, Mackay, Queensland

The Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre was the venue for the 43rd. National Championship Show on the fourth weekend in May in 2017. A return to the traditional weekend, that has worked so well for over three decades. The expanded Twenty-Seven Classes again including a demonstration Class of the dark-eyed clears with no points allocated this year to them.

We were short one Zone as Western Australia chose not to enter a team because logistics getting there and back just became too hard. It was also over thirty years that we have not had the seven zones competing. Some great result were achieved including B.S.N.S.W. wresting the Shield from the B.C.V. with a resounding win. Congratulations to B.S.N.S.W. and all their exhibitors and volunteers for presenting a great team of Budgerigars.

It was another outstanding weekend of exhibition Budgerigars put together by a very small team of dedicated workers. Congratulations to all. Friday night meet and great was in the Mackay Grand Suites hotel the chosen hotel for accommodation, and also the Saturday night dinner which was well supported and seems to be making a comeback. The large areas in the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre made for pleasant viewing of the Judging on Saturday and Sunday while allowing a lovely large separate area for the Sunday presentation dinner. All within walking distance in a very agreeable climate.

2017 Judging

There was no changing to the Judging format as per previously trialed over the last two years as it is a host Zones call whether they switch Judges or not. Saturday morning, we had nine classes including the demonstration class. After a break for lunch the remaining odd number classes plus three of the even numbered classes, leaving nine classes for Sunday. There is a lot more work for the team carers between changeover, but they are coping. Afternoon Judging session was completed a little late but acceptable, although a big day. Sunday morning Judging off to a flyer and completed in good time. This change to the format again was warmly accepted and worked quite well. Congratulations to all the team carers who accepted the changes and worked extremely hard to make the Show the success it was.
Most teams chose to arrive on Thursday, again. Some things like airline timetables cannot be controlled and we just have to work around. The birds do well with a full day of recovery after their long haul. There was no reports of off colour birds.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday Events

Friday night Official opening, meet and mingle, was opened a Mackay Councilor who was very supportive and pleased to have a large group of people visit his warm city and State. There was a great number of people supporting this event and everyone had a good time. As is now the custom the Officiating Judges were presented to the Exhibitors and guests. The Judges were introduced by Russell Ogden their current President, and the M.C. for the weekend Dave Ganzer from Sth.Qld. Everyone either offered or just pitched in which is a great budgie family attitude. Backing up again were Maureen & Andrew Bourne (ACT) on the computers with Rod Turnbull & James Bader (VIC) photographers, Carol & Keith Gough (STH. QLD) collating and transferring the Judge’s comments along with the photo’s to Luke Fletcher (TAS) for his improved live streaming to the world. Also all the North Queensland members who contributed to the weekend.

The Judging teams were introduced being Alan Rowe (B.C.V.) with Neale Love (S.Q.B.B.A.) while Jim Fletcher (TAS.) partnered Errol Miller (S.Q.B.B.A). Odd numbered classes by eight and exhibition class. About a two hour break for lunch then the final six uneven classes and three even numbered classes rounding out the day. There saw no judges changed around. After 17 classes N.S.W. held a slender lead. Viewing and bird change overs from morning to afternoon went smoothly. The in house video and scoring put up quickly worked beautifully. The 18th. class does not score.

Sunday morning and away we go again with N.S.W. holding onto a good lead. With nine classes to go N.S.W. moved away on the morning and eventually ran out convincing winners by 29 points followed by VIC.
J. Leong (Vic) was successful in winning, two sections which elevated him into the Hall of Fame with seven wins including four in the Lutino class. Congratulations to all the winners.

Congratulations to all the N.S.W. exhibitors, with eleven Logie winners. Their team carers for presenting their team in immaculate condition. In fact all the team carers from every zone. They all managed to handle the different show structure well and in a positive manner making the show a great spectacle for all to enjoy. The now firmly entrenched Auction was held on the Sunday afternoon and the quality of birds were good and so was the prices.

2017 Final Results

N.S.W. 442.
VIC. 413.
STH.QLD. 389.
NTH. Qld. 286.
S.A. 284.
TASSIE. 208.

Again 27 Classes. Point scoring for 26 classes and the Demo class (Not eligible for hall of fame scoring.) ( Dark eyed clears.)
Multiple winners were again present but the show was dominated by New South Wales with 11 first places. Three dual first place winners. Leaving 21 Individual winners giving exhibitors a wide spread of Logie distribution.

Congratulations to the Judges Alan Rowe (Vic), Jim Fletcher (Tassie), Neale Love (Sth. Qld), and Errol Miller ( Sth Qld.)
The live streaming of results, photos, and comments was greatly received as far away as the U.K. and thousands of hits on the sight were recorded again.

Sunday night’s Presentation Dinner in the Mackay Entertainment & Convention centre was impressively set up for a great evening. A very nice table served meal. The Official program sponsors acknowledged Logies presented all in a timely manner. The A.N.B.C. Secretary Leigh Downey had the pleasure of awarding the presiding judges on the weekend with their commemorative plaques for their work in Judging the weekends competition. Also awarding the Hall of Fame certificate, for exhibitor excellence to Jeffrey Leong.

Everything went exceptionally well for the Queensland North & Central Zone Budgerigar. The Colour & Standards business was decided at their meeting on Sunday afternoon and approved by the Delegates on Monday. A new provisional standard for the Australian White Cap was also adjusted and accepted.

The Judges meeting I believe it was positive and a good outcome being received.

The A.N.B.C. Delegates met on the Monday as is the requirement and quite a few notices of business were dealt with. Russell Ogden Presided, same secretary. The ring point of ordering last year worked extremely well.

There is to be an electronic move into the management of the A.N.B.C. in the ensuing year so positives can be achieved quicker and more efficiently. All business was handled in a very satisfactory time frame and everyone left happy. There were some nice tours on offer around Mackay along with plenty of attractions in the region. A very well planned, great weekend in Mackay. Again congratulations to the Queensland North & Central Zone Budgerigar Council. Especially Scott Eriksen , Russell Ogden for a hugely successful event. Penrith N.S.W. is the location for 2018 and everyone is looking forward to challenging B.S.N.S.W. for bragging rights. Hopefully with a positive return of W.A.B.C.

Leigh A. Downey, 2017
ANBC Historian