(Robert) Bob Bourke (dec)

Induction into the A.N.B.C. Inc. Hall of Fame – Service Division
(Robert) Bob Bourke

 

The Australian budgerigar fancy has always relied upon the dedication of individuals who give their time, knowledge and enthusiasm to strengthen the hobby for future generations. Bob Bourke was one of those individuals whose quiet but significant contributions helped preserve knowledge and advance the understanding of one of the most fascinating varieties in the exhibition budgerigar.

Bob Bourke became widely respected within the Australian budgerigar community through his involvement with the Crested Budgerigar Club of Australia (CBCA). The crested mutation has long been regarded as one of the most distinctive and genetically complex varieties within the fancy, and Bob devoted considerable time to supporting the breeders and researchers who worked to understand and improve it.

During the late 2000s a major project was undertaken to revise and expand the official handbook of the Crested Budgerigar Club of Australia. This handbook represented the accumulated knowledge of decades of breeding, research and documentation relating to the crested variety. Between 2009 and 2012, Bob Bourke played a key role in assisting with the preparation of the revised edition alongside respected crested budgerigar authorities George Clarke and Rob Hugo. Their work sought to consolidate breeding records, genetic observations and historical material relating to the development of crested budgerigars in Australia.

Although the project was not completed during that initial period, much of the material assembled during those years formed the basis of the eventual second edition of the CBCA handbook published in 2015. The work undertaken during the earlier revision effort, including Bob Bourke’s contributions, ensured that valuable research and breeding knowledge about the crested mutation would be preserved for future generations of fanciers.

In addition to his research and editorial involvement, Bob served the Crested Budgerigar Club of Australia in an administrative capacity, including a period as President of the organisation. Through that role he supported cooperation between crested breeders across the country and encouraged the continued development and promotion of this specialised variety within the wider Australian budgerigar fancy.

Bob Bourke’s passing was deeply felt within the crested budgerigar community. The following obituary was posted in the Sydney Morning Herald in October 2012:

Long time, outstanding Secretary of the ANBC, friend and advisor to many he was devoted to and gave his all for the Budgerigar Fancy in Australia. The President, Councillors and Members of the Budgerigar Council of Victoria, Inc. extend their Deepest Sympathy to Mrs. Phyllis Bourke and the members of their family.

The legacy of Bob’s work lives on through the knowledge he helped compile and preserve, and through the continued efforts of the breeders and enthusiasts who benefited from his dedication. The BSNSW Macarthur Branch now has a trophy named in Bob’s honour – the Bob Bourke Trophy for Best Aust. Golden Face

The ANBC Hall of Fame Service Division recognises individuals whose contributions have strengthened the structure, knowledge and continuity of the Australian budgerigar fancy. Bob (Robert) Bourke’s service to the crested budgerigar community and his commitment to documenting and advancing the hobby make him a worthy recipient of this honour.