Welcome to this week’s edition of the Budgie Bulletin!
What a week it’s been! We kicked things off with a whirlwind weekend at the Port Pirie Show, which included an SGM and aviary tour in Kadina. Monday kept the momentum going with the ANBC meeting, where State and Zone delegates gathered to discuss the future of our passion. But the real excitement? Budgie Fest 2024 has finally arrived, along with Mr Richard Miller from the UK! Richard has been on a whirlwind of radio and print media interviews since arriving, doing a fabulous job of activating budgerigars in South Australia. In addition, he, and the early arriving cohort for Budgie Fest, have spent an unforgettable day at the stunning Hentley Farm, topped off by an exhilarating evening at The Bend Motorsport Park. Buckle up – there’s more excitement to come, with his presentation later this evening at the Maid!
The Port Pirie meeting was a vibrant affair, featuring a young bird show showcasing current year budgies, alongside a stunning display of Unbroken Caps (UBCs). With an impressive turnout of 55 birds, the quality was strong, but Judge Larry Jeffries managed to find two standout champions. Congratulations to Shiralee Reardon, who took home the top honours for Best Nest Feather, and to the Holmes Family for winning Best Young Bird. It was a fantastic event filled with camaraderie and high-quality birds, setting the stage for more exciting events to come!
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| The ANBC meeting on Monday night was a great chance for the States and Zones to come together, to discuss all that has been happening across the country, and any feedback from the recent WBO show in Austria. Voting on the future of the live streaming, and the associated ANBC contribution to that cause. The outcome was very positive and had a strong consensus across the States.
Tuesday kicked into high gear as interviews for Budgie Fest 2024 got underway. The excitement ramped up further with the arrival of Richard Miller and his wife Sarah in town. By Wednesday, Richard hit the ground running, completing three interviews by the morning and rounding off the day with a fourth interview and a photo shoot with last year’s winner in the late afternoon. His busy schedule reflects the buzz surrounding this year’s event! |
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| Thursday kicked off with a live cross on ABC Adelaide, featuring one of this year’s star pet bird entrants showcasing their budgie alongside Richard. From there, the day seamlessly transitioned into Event #1: an exclusive lunch at Hentley Farm Wines in the Barossa. With delicious food, lively conversation, and plenty of laughs, it was a memorable afternoon. While we’re bound by Chatham House rules and can’t reveal too much, we can confirm this: the “Tom Cruise of Budgies” definitely does his own stunts! |
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| Event #2 at The Bend Motorsport Park was an absolute thrill ride! Several members of the cohort got behind the wheel, racing the judges around the iconic Tailem Bend track, making for an adrenaline-pumping experience. A huge shoutout and thank you to our incredible sponsors for bringing these unforgettable events to life – we couldn’t have done it without you! |
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| Today, we’re in full swing, gearing up for the big event at the Campbelltown Function Centre and tonight’s highly anticipated presentation at The Maid. For those with tickets, doors open at 6:00 pm, with dinner seating at 6:30 pm sharp.
Looking ahead to Saturday, we’re excited to host our inaugural Tri Club Cup interclub competition, alongside the judging of the pet section. If you’ve entered birds, be sure to arrive early – doors open at 7:30 am.
And here’s a special treat: Sunrise will be doing a live cross to Budgie Fest at 8:10 am Adelaide time! We’re busy pre-staging everything in preparation for the public, who will be arriving from noon. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic weekend, and we can’t wait to see you there! |
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This week, get ready for BSSA Auction 28, and the special Mid State Fundraising Auction. Don’t miss your chance to secure top-quality birds from some of the best breeders around!
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BSSA Online Auction 28 for 2024 🦜
BSSA Auction 28 for 2024 is live, and features birds from Dave Miller and Jane Kelb. The 8 birds on offer are all from BSSA Members. Furthermore, varieties include Dominant Pieds, Spangles and normals. The event finishes on October 27th.
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Mid-State Budgerigar Club Bird Auction 🦜
We’re excited to announce a special bird auction hosted by the Mid-State Budgerigar Club! These birds have been generously donated by members and friends, and all proceeds will go directly to support the club, an affiliate of the Budgerigar Society of New South Wales.
The Mid-State Budgerigar Club is a vibrant community of bird enthusiasts, welcoming members of all ages who share a passion for breeding and exhibiting our beloved Aussie native, the Budgerigar. 🐦💚
As a social club, Mid State celebrate everything budgie-related and are always here to help promote the hobby. Whether you have questions, need advice, or just want to chat about all things “budgies,” you’re welcome to join them for a cuppa and some friendly conversation.
📅 Auction: Ends October 27th.
Don’t miss this opportunity to support the club and add to your flock!
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| Applied Nutrition are excited to be a part of Budgie Fest 2024! Hear from Dr Michael Evans across the weekend. Tummyrite products are now stocked in South Australia by Magill Grain, proud supporters of the BCSA. |
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BCSA Tri Club Young Bird Cup 🏆
🗓 Date: Saturday, October 26
📍 Location: Campbelltown Function Centre
Lodge birds between 7:30 am and 9 am
We’re thrilled to announce the first-ever BCSA Tri Club Cup Interclub Challenge! This exciting competition will see the BSSA, NEBS, and Port Pirie clubs go head-to-head at Budgie Fest, showcasing their current year rung birds.
The judging panel is top-tier, featuring WBO Judge Richard Miller from the UK, alongside ANBC Accredited Judges Peter Thurn and Gary Gazzard. With such a distinguished lineup of judges, the competition is bound to be fierce and exciting!
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BSSA Meeting: Holmes Family Virtual Aviary Tour
🗓 Date: Tuesday, 5 November
📍 Location: Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur St UnleyJoin the BSSA after the Melbourne Cup at 7:00 pm for a 7:30 pm start and take a virtual tour of the Holmes Family Aviaries! Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of South Australia’s most renowned budgie breeders, as Troy Holmes walks us through his daily bird-keeping routines, aviary and cage setups, feeding strategies, and more. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a fantastic evening with great company! |
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NEBS Meeting: Come & Try Night, Incorporating Tender Sale
🗓 Date: Wednesday, 6 November
📍 Location: Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Ave, HectorvilleJoin the NEBS at 7:30 pm for a night to remember. The event will incorporate a tender sale of birds, but will also feature Novice Bird give aways, and a buy-swap-sell, including several budgie books and paraphernalia uncovered in the NEBS cupboard from Kilburn. A night not to be missed. |
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Interclub 24 – BSSA Vs NEBS🏆
🗓 Date: Sunday, 10 November
📍 Location: Ascot Park Scout Hall
Mark your calendars for the BSSA annual Interclub Challenge with the North East Budgerigar Society on Sunday, 10 November 2024! This year’s event will be extra special, as it will feature, for the very first time, current year rung birds (2024 red ringers) as the focus of the Interclub challenge.
Please note the new venue: Ascot Park Scout Hall, located at 51 Sixth Avenue, Ascot Park. Let’s hope for good weather to make it a fantastic day! 🤞🌤️
The BSSA’s long-standing rivalry with NEBS dates back to 1978, with the competition being held every year except for two (due to extreme weather and COVID). The scoreboard remains impressively close after 44 events, with NEBS leading at 24 wins to BSSA’s 20.
Below is a picture of the coveted Interclub Trophy, which will be up for grabs once again. Get ready for a thrilling day of competition and may the best club win! 🐦🏅
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| ANBC National Registration Link
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. |
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 Fellows Raffle – Ends October 31st
The North Queensland Budgerigar Zone Inc. is thrilled to announce an incredible opportunity for all bird enthusiasts! 
Mark and Rebecca Fellows have generously donated an outstanding budgerigar, which will be raffled off to raise funds for the A.N.B.C. Nationals 2025 in Cairns. Don’t miss your chance to own this exceptional bird while supporting a fantastic cause!
 Details of the Budgie:
Normal Grey (cock bird) MRF 146/23. Hatched early December 2023. Not sure if you can tell off the pics but looks to have the added bonus of Violet. Out of one of our better producing cock birds.
Father: Normal Grey Green (split Cinnamon) MRF 026/21
Mother: Normal Dark Green MRF 051/22
 Tickets: Only $20.00 each!
The lucky winner will be responsible for arranging transportation from the aviary of Mark and Rebecca Fellows to their property.
For ticket purchases or more information, please contact:
Bruce Schuster: 0426 731 339
Michelle Vidler: 0457 088 108
Help support the Nationals 2025 and grab your chance to win this amazing bird! Good luck!  |
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| Have you signed up to the ANBC Gazette? It is packed full of information, and spans the continent, with cutting edge news from Vets, nostalgic reflection on some of the older Clubs, fanciers in focus, and more. Its free, and it’s a great resource. We encourage anyone with a passion in budgerigars to sign up. |
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| Budgie Fest 2024
Budgie Fest 2024 spans 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 Interclub Challenge! This special young 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.
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| Book Now!
Have you reserved your place at Budgie Fest 2024? Whether you’re showcasing your birds or cheering on your club, this event promises to be a fantastic day of competition and camaraderie. Prepare your best birds and bring your enthusiasm— October 26th is going to be a memorable showdown! Get your FREE tickets using the link below. |
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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.
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Richard Miller Presentation
Date: Friday 25th October, 6 PM for a 6:30 PM start
Location: The Maid, 1 Magill Road, Stepney, SA 5069Richard Miller is putting together a one-of-a-kind presentation for his trip Down Under. If you caught his recent Zoom session with the South Australian cohort, you know just how insightful and engaging Richard can be. This time, he’s bringing that same passion and expertise to Australia, and he’s pulling out all the stops. 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 judged the World Championships in Austria, alongside Australia’s own Stephen Mow. 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.
Cost: $55 per person including food and presentation.
Join us in the Terrace and Chamber Rooms. |
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As we conclude this edition of the Budgie Bulletin, it’s wonderful to see budgerigars gaining recognition across various media platforms this week. A heartfelt thank you to everyone, both locally and interstate, whose support has made this event possible. Your contributions are truly appreciated and valued.
Until next week, take care and enjoy the festivities that are Budgie Fest 2024!
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October
- Friday, 25 October – Richard Miller Presentation, The Maid, Magill, SA
- Saturday, 26 October – Budgie Fest, Campbelltown Function Centre, Rostrevor, SA
- Saturday, 26 October – BCSA Tri-Club Cup Interclub Young Bird Show, Rostrevor, SA
November
- Tuesday, 5 November – BSSA Virtual Aviary Tour
- Wednesday, 6 November – NEBS Come & Try Night
- Sunday, 10 November – BSSA/NEBS Interclub Young Bird Show 2024
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