NQBZ Report Oct 2026

October Gazette Article 2026 – NQBZ

The month of September kept breeders very busy, tending to their cabinets and starting preparations for upcoming shows being held by some of our 5 clubs. These busy times often require breeders to rely on their network of budgie connections. This helps them to make it through the breeding season physically and mentally. There are so many people who help during this time for everyone. I would like to acknowledge them this month while things are quiet regarding events on our budgie calendar.

Cairns & District Budgerigar Club

Our Cairns Club breeders are preparing for their annual Young Bird Show on the 18th October. The feature of the show is for 2026 birds, with both capped and uncapped birds all welcome. Classes for old birds will also be included so it will be a full schedule. Belinda Fairbank is the judge for the Cairns show. All the best for a great show everyone.

Capricornia Budgerigar Club

The Capricornia Club Breeders Show is getting close. It will be held in Rockhampton on the 10th October. The highly regarded judging of Peter Thurn is keenly anticipated by all breeders entering birds. Peter will follow his judging gig with a presentation on genetics, “Genetics – A Different View”. Local breeders are certainly looking forward to this weekend when a dinner will also take place. Keep an eye out for the imminent flyer for all the details. All NQ breeders are encouraged to support this event. This requires travelling long distances for many breeders, but a good weekend is guaranteed.

North Queensland Budgerigar Breeders Club Inc.

The North Queensland Breeders Club will be running another 32 Auction which starts on the 12th October. Well done to Peter MacElroy and his team who are helping the whole Zone by making birds available from breeders. These birds may not always be available at this time of year, as the live auctions are all finished.

Mackay City Budgerigar Club Inc.

The Mackay City Budgerigar Club are also continuing its fundraising by running another Bunnings sausage sizzle on Saturday 7th October and Sunday the 22nd October.

The annual Budgie Bash, which is our major show on the calendar, is on Sunday 1st November. Classes judged by Ray Slade include Nest Feathers, Young Birds (2026 rung) and Any Age (2025 and older). This show has a great reputation as being relaxed and friendly.

The show will be preceded by a presentation from Ray, a Hall of Fame Inductee. It will be on bird preparation, pairing and breeding on the Saturday afternoon at the Farleigh Dumbleton Rural Fire Brigade shed at 2.30 pm, which is also the show venue. A dinner at the Shamrock Hotel will follow at 6.00 pm on Saturday evening.

 

Our Budgie Networks

I am often amazed at the passion and effort breeders go to in pursuit of breeding the bird they desire. Everything from husbandry, feeding, cleaning, pairing, breeding, stock selection, showing etc. is in the hands of the breeder, or is it?

So often things don’t go our way in the aviary or breeding room. Generally we all have a network of friends, club members and loved ones who step up and help when it is needed.

I am sure there would be literally hundreds of stories out there of the local club member or family member who comes over and feeds someone else’s birds while they are away on holiday or for work. The same can be said for family members who don’t necessarily have any interest in managing an aviary full of budgerigars. However, when illness or injury prevents the breeder tending to their birds, invariably someone always steps up.

I have so much admiration and respect for these people as it is done out of love and camaraderie. I could mention numerous people who have helped me with my birds over the years, as we all could. So this is a shout out to all those in our own personal networks that keep us going in our chosen hobby.

You are all truly a blessing and an inspiration on our hobby, we honestly couldn’t continue without your support.

Until next month take care everyone and best of wishes for your breeding season and to those attending a show or two.

Michael Pace
President of the North Queensland Budgerigar Zone Inc.