2025 ANBC National Show – Cairns, North Queensland

The 49th Trill Expert ANBC National was held at the Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns, North Queensland, on the weekend of 24–25 May 2025. Birds from every Zone arrived on Thursday, ready for what proved to be one of the most competitive Nationals in years.

Rumours had been circulating that host zone NQBZ would challenge hard for a top-three finish, with SQBBA and BCSA also expected to press strongly. With so many outstanding teams assembled, the stage was set for an exciting event.

Organisation and Leadership

The 2025 National was hosted by North Queensland Budgerigar Zone Inc., under the leadership of Bruce Schuster and his team of dedicated organisers. Their years of preparation were evident, with the event running at a highly professional level from start to finish.

Cairns 2025 Judges

The National Judges for the 49th ANBC National were:

  • Lynne Miller (SQBBA)
  • Cedric D’Costa (SQBBA)
  • John Mulley (BCSA)
  • Ian Schnieder (NQBZ)

All four judges praised the quality of birds presented and worked together seamlessly across the sessions.

Judges Examination

Friday’s first major event was the ANBC Judges Practical Examination, with three candidates stepping forward: Ray Slade (BCV), Craig Buckingham (NSW), and James Matthews (NSW). Ray and Craig passed successfully, becoming the newest additions to the ANBC Judges Panel – congratulations to both. James Matthews came close but will resit in 2026 at the Gold Coast National, with everyone wishing him the best for next year.

Social and Media Highlights

The Friday night Meet and Greet once again featured the very popular On the Perch segment, hosted by media commentator Nic Hayes, TV personality Jamie Durie, and ANBC’s own Peter Thurn.

On Saturday morning, budgerigars hit the mainstream media, featuring on Weekend Sunrise and WIN Regional TV. Live streaming and YouTube coverage reached audiences worldwide, thanks to coordinated efforts from NQBZ and BCSA.

The Competition

Across the 28 classes, some familiar Hall of Fame names again featured in the results, including Sheppard & Flanagan, J. Leong, Peter Thurn, Boal Family, Geoff Russell, C & E Rogers (2 wins), Rowe Brothers, B & M Wise, Anthony Starcevic, Joel Keune, Craig Barnett, B. Bathols, D & M Vremec, John Carvolth, J. Ennis, Roy Blair, M. Mann, Keevers & Hoskinson, M & D Gearing, J. Orlandi, D. Rayner & DAD Budgerigars, and the Holmes Family (4 wins).

The Holmes Family’s remarkable effort must be highlighted – their birds alone contributed 270 points to BCSA’s tally of 398, surpassing the long-standing individual/family points record of 202 previously held by Henry George.

With their win in the Dark Eyed Clear Class for the Rowe Brothers and the four wins in Normal Grey, Cinnamonwing, Dominant Pied and Australian White Cap Classes for the Holmes Family, we had two new inductees into the Breeders Hall of Fame. They were presented with their certificates for their well-earned achievements.

For the first time, a demonstration AOCV class was introduced, featuring Rainbows, Saddlebacks, and Darkwings. Judges and breeders appreciated the chance to examine and discuss these varieties for the future.

Cairns 2025 Final Results

  1. BCV – 595 pts (9 wins, 15 seconds, 6 thirds)
  2. BSNSW – 529 pts (5 wins, 4 seconds, 6 thirds)
  3. SQBBA – 447 pts (5 wins, 2 seconds, 2 thirds)
  4. BCSA – 398 pts (4 wins, 1 second, 6 thirds)
  5. NQBZ – 361 pts (0 wins, 4 seconds, 3 thirds)
  6. WABC – 348 pts (3 wins, 2 seconds, 3 thirds)
  7. BCT – 259 pts (2 wins, 0 seconds, 2 thirds)

BCV again proved dominant, though NSW kept them honest. SQBBA secured a solid third, while NQBZ showed significant improvement on home soil, marking themselves as future contenders.

Volunteers, Sponsors and Thanks

The event relied on many tireless volunteers, from team carers and stewards to the commentary crew and IT staff. Special thanks go to Luke, Glen, Catherine, Carol Gough, photographer Rod Turnbull, and all who contributed to the seamless live coverage (Peter Thurn, Stephen Mow, Troy Holmes, James Bader, Nic Hayes, Heath Chasemore, Gary Gazzard and others).

Appreciation is also extended to Dave Ganzer and his helpers for container transport and staging setup, to Jon Regan (Mars Birdcare) for seed and supplies, and to the many generous sponsors including Trill Expert, Hentley Farm, Media Stable, Worrell & Co, NCA Custom Cages, Mantra Gladstone, Cruise Advisors, ABK Birdkeeper, Cairns AV Hire, and others.

Presentation Dinner

The Presentation Dinner was a fitting finale, with awards including:

  • Logie Presentations to class winners
  • Breeders Hall of Fame induction: Ray Slade (2024), Rowe Brothers (2025) and the Holmes Family (2025)
  • ANBC Judges Certificates presented to Ray Slade and Craig Buckingham
  • ANBC Shield once again to BCV

Looking Ahead

The 2025 National in Cairns was an outstanding success, reflecting years of effort from NQBZ and their volunteers. With the 50th ANBC National heading to the Gold Coast in 2026, expectations are high for another memorable milestone event.

Report by Neale R Love,
ANBC Secretary-Treasurer, 2025

 

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