Bruce Sheppard, in collaboration with his lifelong friend Col Flanagan, has achieved unparalleled success in the world of Budgerigars, with 36 ANBC Class wins, including 9 wins in the Crested class. This auction offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire birds from this prestigious stud.

Following the aviary tour, there is an option to arrange a luncheon at the Arid Gardens, subject to the number of participants. Brian and Beverley’s operation features 78 covered aviaries housing approximately 240 birds, including Macaws, Amazon Parrots, Asiatic Parrots, Conures, African Parrots, and Budgerigars. This is a rare chance to see the latest colour mutations in parrots that are seldom viewed by the public. Recognizing that the travel distance may be a concern, we highly recommend carpooling to enhance the travel experience with conversation and camaraderie.

This special event is not limited to Port Pirie Club members but is also open to members of Adelaide clubs. Please notify Peter Glassenbury by the 30th of August if you wish to attend the aviary visit and the luncheon. Contact him at 0409 288 710 or [email protected] to confirm your participation and secure bookings for both the tour and the luncheon. This is an opportunity not to be missed!

At recent club meetings, we’ve been working hard to secure trophies, and now it’s time to gather commitments from those willing to participate. The show committee has ribbons available, and there’s even prize money up for grabs!

This event will serve as a wonderful display of our hobby, especially for Port Pirie Members, and with enough involvement, it could become a flagship event for the club. In the future, we might even aim for STATUS movement, depending on the turnout.

This is a great opportunity to represent our club and also a fantastic chance to boost membership. Your participation can truly make this a standout event!

Entries close on September 20th at 9 AM – Show Book 2024 FINAL.pdf (balaklavashow.com.au)
Entry form is via the link – General-Entry-form-2024.pdf (balaklavashow.com.au)

The evening will showcase an exciting BUY-SWAP-SELL event, where members and guests are invited to bring along a variety of items—including birds, cages, books, seed hoppers, and just about anything else (except budgie smugglers!)—to trade, sell, or swap. It’s a fantastic opportunity to find new treasures or share your extras with fellow enthusiasts.

Additionally, the club is thrilled to offer giveaway birds, generously provided by our Open and Intermediate breeders, for Junior and Novice fanciers. It’s a great chance for newcomers to expand their collections and learn from experienced breeders. Its a great way to overcome the barriers to entry on the exhibition side of the hobby.

For more details or to secure your spot, RSVP using the link below. Don’t miss this great opportunity to connect, trade, and take home something special!

NEBS Meeting – Meet the Bird Vet with Dr. Marijke Mellor

🗓 Date: Wednesday, 9th October 2024
📍 Location: Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville

Do you love budgerigars and want to ensure they’re living their healthiest, happiest lives? Then don’t miss this exciting opportunity to meet Dr. Marijke Mellor, the renowned avian expert from Unusual Pet Vets in Adelaide!

Dr. Mellor will be presenting a comprehensive session on Budgie Health, including crucial tips on preventative care, essential medications, and how to spot early signs of illness in your feathered friends. Whether you’re an experienced breeder or a new bird owner, this event is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss!

Why Attend?

• Free Admission – No cost to attend this expert-led event.
• Open to Everyone – NEBS invites members from all clubs and bird lovers of any level to join in.
• Exclusive Insights – Learn directly from one of the top bird vets in the region!

This is your chance to gather with fellow bird enthusiasts, expand your knowledge, and ensure your budgies thrive!

🌟 RSVP Now and Join Us for a Night of Avian Education and Fun!

The North Queensland Budgerigar Zone extends a warm invitation to all budgerigar enthusiasts, their families, and friends to join them in Cairns, North Queensland, for the 2025 Australian National Budgerigar Council (ANBC) Championship Show. This exciting event takes place at the Brothers Leagues Club, a premier venue perfect for our championship. For your convenience, accommodation is available at the Cairns Colonial Club Resort, just 600 meters from the venue, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all attendees. Join them for the 2025 ANBC Nationals in Cairns for a spectacular showcase of the finest budgerigars, engaging activities, and the chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts in the beautiful setting of Cairns. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be part of a memorable event!

There is a discount code of CAMP-SHOW25 that you can use when booking for the event!

Register using the link below.

Budgie Fest 2024 will span three exciting days, from October 24th to October 26th, culminating in a spectacular finale on Saturday, October 26th, from 12 Noon to 3 PM at the Campbelltown Convention Centre, 172 Montacute Road, Rostrevor. This is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of our shared love for these wonderful birds. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something truly special!

We’re excited to run our Pet Bird Competition alongside the inaugural BCSA Tri-Club Cup! This special juvenile bird show, featuring current year rung birds, will see a friendly yet fierce competition between Port Pirie, the BSSA, and the North East Budgerigar Society, in a format similar to the prestigious Logan Shield.

Whether you’re showcasing your birds or cheering on your club, this event promises to be a fantastic day of competition and camaraderie. Stay tuned for the Show Schedule, which will be available soon. Prepare your best birds and bring your enthusiasm— October 26th is going to be a memorable showdown!

For the pet bird section of the event, entries are now open. The pet budgies will be judged against the following awards criteria, so get your budgie ready!

• 🌟 Chirpiest Chatterbox: For the best talking budgie or vocal imitation!
• 🌈 Most Fashionable Feathers: Recognizing the budgie with the most vibrant plumage.
• 🤝 Best Budgie-Buddy Award: For the friendliest and most sociable budgie.
• 🎬 Scene Stealer Award: For the budgie that loves the spotlight!
• 💏 Sweetheart Pair Award: Honouring the inseparable duo with a special bond.
• 🎓 Whose A Clever Bird Award: For the budgie with the most impressive tricks.
• 🐦 Tweet-heart Award: For the best children’s pet budgie, open to 12-year-olds and under.
• 📷 Social Media Star: For the budgie with the largest social media following.
• 🥇🐦 Chirp-Champion: The ultimate Best Pet Budgie of 2024.

For the first time ever, Budgie Fest will feature three exciting “pre-events” leading up to the big day! These exclusive events are designed to build the anticipation and excitement, offering unique opportunities to connect with fellow enthusiasts and our special guests.

• Event 1: SOLD OUT! The first event, a luxurious Hentley Farm degustation and paired wine tasting with Richard, Peter, and Gary, has officially SOLD OUT—proving just how popular these experiences are!

• Event 2: Track Day Thrills The second event is an adrenaline-pumping track experience at The Bend Motorsport Park, where members and guests can take on Gary, Richard, and Peter in a high-speed showdown. If you’re up for the challenge, book your spot directly with The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend using the links below.

• Event 3: Dinner & Presentation with Richard Miller The final pre-event is Richard Miller’s exclusive presentation at The Maid on Friday night. This evening includes a delectable 3-course meal, with drinks available from the bar. Don’t miss out on this intimate evening of insights and great food!

These pre-events are the perfect lead-in to Budgie Fest, so don’t wait—secure your place now and join in the fun!

Pre-Event #1 – Discover Hentley Farm
🗓 Date: Thursday 24th October, Noon to 3 PM
📍Location: Cnr Gerald Roberts Road & Jenke Road, Seppeltsfield, SA 5355
SOLD OUT

Pre-Event #2 – Track Experience at the Bend Motor Sport Park
🗓 Date: Thursday 24th October, 6 PM Track
Dinner: 7 PM at APEX Bar
📍Location: 543 Dukes Highway, Tailem Bend, SA 5260
Book directly using the link in the details provided below.

Pre-Event #3 – Richard Miller Presentation 
🗓 Date: Friday 25th October, 6 PM
📍Location: The Maid, 1 Magill Road, Stepney, SA 5069
Tickets still available on the Budgie Fest Page of the BCSA Website.

Unleash Your Inner Speed Demon at The Bend Motorsport Park!

Date: Thursday, 24th October, 6 PM
Location: 543 Dukes Highway, Tailem Bend, SA 5260

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Get ready for a heart-pounding evening of speed, thrill, and racing glory at South Australia’s premier racetrack, The Bend Motorsport Park!

Join Richard Miller, Peter Thurn, and Gary Gazzard as they take on the ultimate Mustang Drive and Holden Racing Car Experiences. Feel the roar of the engines, the rush of the track, and the exhilaration of high-speed corners as these racing veterans put pedal to the metal. Think you’ve got what it takes to beat the judges? Book your own drive experience and line up alongside them on the track!

Make It an Unforgettable Evening!

After the race, refuel at the APEX Bar with a delicious dinner from 7 PM. Relax, swap stories of the day’s racing, and relive the excitement over drinks and fantastic food. Please note that dinner is pay-your-own-way, but the memories are on the house!

Ready to Race?

Secure your spot on the track by booking your racing experience now using the link below. Don’t miss this rare chance to race with the pros, enjoy the thrill of the track, and make your mark at one of Australia’s most famous motorsport parks.

Cost: Pay Your Own Way (Book using the link below)

Book Your Racing Experience Now and Take on the Judges!

Richard, along with his wife Sarah, is eagerly anticipating his first visit to Australia, and he’s determined to make this presentation unforgettable. He’s not just excited—he’s ready to deliver a knockout session on everything exhibition budgerigars. And when it comes to credentials, Richard’s are second to none. At just 41, he’s already a four-time world champion, a title he’s earned in partnership with his father, Michael Miller. Beyond that, he’s an international judge and keynote speaker, having shared his expertise across Europe, the US, and the Middle East.

This year, Richard will be judging the World Championships in Austria, alongside Australia’s own Stephen Mow, making this event even more special. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear from one of the UK’s leading breeders in person. Richard will delve into the intricacies of exhibition budgerigars, the challenges of the field, and his vision for the future, all in a presentation unlike any other. This is your chance to learn from someone at the top of their game, so make sure you’re there to catch every insight.

Join us for an unforgettable evening, beginning with a warm and welcoming meet and greet from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM. This is your chance to mingle and connect before we transition to a sumptuous three-course meal designed to delight your senses.

The culinary journey kicks off with a shared entrée that includes a selection of Penfield olives, spiced roasted peanuts, freshly baked focaccia, tender calamari, and spiced arancini—each bite a taste of perfection. For the main course, you’ll have the pleasure of choosing from six mouthwatering options, each crafted with the finest ingredients to suit every palate. The evening will conclude on a sweet note with a shared dessert duo featuring a decadent bread and butter pudding and a silky panna cotta.

To complement your meal, a variety of drinks will be available at bar prices, ensuring you have the perfect pairing for every course. This event promises to be an evening of great food, great company, and unforgettable memories—don’t miss out!

Cost: $55 per person including food and presentation.
Join us in the Terrace and Chamber Rooms.

For those attending Budgie Fest and seeking accommodation in Adelaide, we’re excited to offer an exclusive deal through our partners with purpose at Cruise Advisors. Alex and his team at Cruise Advisors are the stellar company who are making Richard’s trip to Adelaide possible, and we thank them for their support of Budgie Fest 2024. When you book through Cruise Advisor’s principal, Alex Prez, you’ll enjoy a luxurious stay at the Pullman Adelaide with some fantastic perks.

This special offer includes a complimentary room upgrade upon check-in (if available), daily breakfast for two, and a $100 USD hotel credit to enhance your stay. Plus, you’ll benefit from early check-in and late checkout (subject to availability), allowing you to make the most of your time in Adelaide. And to top it all off, you’ll be greeted with a welcome amenity on arrival, setting the tone for an exceptional stay. Don’t miss this opportunity to combine comfort and convenience during Budgie Fest!

The Pullman Adelaide is conveniently located in downtown Adelaide, 2.1 km from The Maid, and 8.4 km from Saturday’s festivities at Campbelltown Function Centre.

For more details, contact Alex Prez on 0434 774 830 or [email protected]

Note – this booking must be made through Alex, and is not available through direct bookings with the Hotel.