John Ennis

ANBC HALL OF FAME – BREEDERS EXCELLENCE DIVISION

INDUCTED 2026 – NINE NATIONAL WINS

John Ennis of Victoria was inducted into the Australian National Budgerigar Council Hall of Fame – Breeders Excellence Division in 2026, following an outstanding record of 9 x ANBC National winning birds.

John’s journey in the budgerigar hobby began in humble circumstances. After the family cat passed away, he asked his daughter what pet they should have next. Her answer was simple – budgerigars. What began with just two pairs of birds developed into a lifelong passion and a highly successful breeding program.

Beginning his serious involvement in the hobby around 2006, John became a dedicated member of the Geelong Budgerigar Society, where the friendships, knowledge and camaraderie of the club became an important part of his life.

Over the years, John developed a stud recognised for its quality across a broad range of varieties, including Normals, Violets, Clearbodies, Lacewings, Inos, Yellow Faced Blues, Spangles and Black Eyed Selfs. Rather than concentrating solely on individual varieties, John has always placed emphasis on producing quality, balance, health and vitality.

His breeding success was built patiently, initially using birds sourced from fellow Geelong members before carefully introducing bloodlines from many respected Australian breeders. John became known for his willingness to combine varieties and families in pursuit of improvement, always looking beyond the individual bird to the strength of the family behind it.

The ANBC National Show holds a special place in John’s involvement in the hobby. For him, the Nationals represent not only the pinnacle of exhibition budgerigars in Australia, but an opportunity to travel, see outstanding birds and renew friendships with breeders from across the country.

Among his many memorable achievements was his 2024 National-winning Cinnamonwing Dark Green split Lacewing Cock, a bird John regarded particularly highly for its quality, balance and deportment.

Ultimately, it is John’s extraordinary achievement of breeding 9 ANBC National winners that earned him admission to the Breeders Excellence Division of the Hall of Fame.

Despite his success, John has remained firmly grounded in the fundamentals of the hobby.  John Ennis’ induction into the ANBC Hall of Fame in 2026 recognises an exceptional breeding record and many years of dedication to the Australian budgerigar hobby.

With his National victories, a commitment to continually improving his stud, and an enduring appreciation for the friendships and community surrounding the hobby, John Ennis has earned his place among Australia’s outstanding breeders.

ANBC Winning Birds

1. 2026 – Spangle AOSV
2. 2026 – Spangle Normal
3. 2026 – Yellow Faced Blue
4. 2026 – Lacewing
5. 2025 – Spangle Normal
6. 2024 – Cinnamon
7. 2017 – Opaline AOSV
8. 2015 – Spangle Normal
9. 2012 – Yellow Faced Blue