Welcome to this week’s edition of the Budgie Bulletin!
This week saw us celebrate the annual National Bird Day on January 5th to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving bird species, both in the wild and in captivity. This day serves as an opportunity to highlight the beauty, diversity, and ecological significance of birds while also addressing critical issues they face, such as habitat loss, climate change, and illegal pet trade. National Bird Day was established in the early 2000s by the Avian Welfare Coalition, an organisation dedicated to improving the welfare of birds in captivity and advocating for bird conservation efforts globally.
This week, the Australian National Budgerigar Council (ANBC) also put a call out for nominations from each State or Zone for candidates interested in sitting for the ANBC National Judges Exam. This is a unique opportunity for those passionate about budgerigars to take the next step in their judging careers and contribute to the esteemed tradition of excellence upheld by the ANBC. The path to becoming an ANBC judge involves a rigorous examination process that tests both theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates advance.
Exam Process Overview
The Judges Exam consists of two key components: a theory exam and a practical exam. The theory component will take place within the candidate’s home State or Zone during the first or second week of March 2025. This scheduling allows candidates to prepare thoroughly and complete the exam in a familiar environment. The exam will be overseen by two ANBC Judges to ensure consistency and adherence to standards. In the event that an ANBC Judge is unavailable in the candidate’s State or Zone, a Senior Judge or a panel of Senior Judges from the same State or Zone will be appointed to supervise the process.
Once completed, the exam papers will be securely returned to the ANBC Judges Coordinator for evaluation. This centralised marking process ensures that all candidates are assessed fairly and objectively against the highest standards of budgerigar judging.
Candidates who successfully pass the theory component will then progress to the practical examination stage. This hands-on assessment will be conducted on Friday, 23 May 2025, at the ANBC Nationals in Cairns, Queensland. The practical exam is an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their skills in evaluating budgerigars, applying their knowledge to real-world judging scenarios, and upholding the ANBC’s rigorous judging criteria.
Nominations Deadline
All nominations must be submitted by 31 January 2025. We encourage all eligible candidates to consider this incredible opportunity. For more information on the nomination process, please contact your local State or Zone representative.
Celebrating Peter Glassenbury’s Legacy
This week also saw an announcement from the ANBC that South Australia’s Peter Glassenbury was retiring as an ANBC judge. Over an impressive 30-year career, Peter has made significant contributions to the world of budgerigar judging, presiding over five national shows and serving as the ANBC Judges Coordinator for seven years. His commitment to excellence and his wealth of knowledge have left a lasting impact on the community.
Though Peter is stepping down as a judge, he will continue to play an integral role within the ANBC as the Colour & Standards Coordinator. This ensures that his expertise will continue to guide the community in setting and maintaining the high standards that define National Standards.
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Upcoming Events and Updates
ABS Auction in Beenleigh, QLD
Budgerigar enthusiasts are invited to attend the ABS Auction this Saturday in Beenleigh, Queensland. Viewing begins at 8:00 AM, and phone bidding is available for those unable to attend in person. A total of 286 lots will be auctioned throughout the day, offering an exciting opportunity for breeders and collectors to acquire high-quality birds.
ANBC Meeting
The next ANBC Meeting is scheduled for this coming Monday night. Key topics on the agenda include the approval of the revised topography of the budgerigar, along with amendments to Bylaw 11, which is related to cancellation of a Nationals under circumstances such COVID protocols.
Social Media Guidelines for 2024 Rung Birds
The ANBC has received enquiries regarding the promotion of 2024 rung birds on social media ahead of the Nationals in Cairns. To maintain the integrity of the competition, the ANBC has a comprehensive policy governing the use of social media that is passed down to each state or zone, and applies to South Australia. Below is an extract from the policy:
5. Promotion of Birds on Social Media This section pertains specifically to the Zone Selection Shows that determine the representatives for the ANBC National Show. None of the top three birds selected in any class, nor the reserve bird from any class, may be promoted or discussed on any website or social media platform until after the conclusion of the ANBC National Show. Violations of this policy may result in penalties, including the disqualification of the promoted bird(s) or the disqualification of the entire Zone’s team from the competition.
6. Judges Code Regarding Social Media and Zone Selections To preserve the impartiality and integrity of the judging process, ANBC Accredited Judges selected to officiate at the National Show must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Refrain from social media activity and online discussions related to exhibition budgerigars for at least one month prior to the ANBC Show.
- Abstain from attending Zone Selection Shows for the Nationals.
- Avoid involvement in any aspect of the Zone Selection process.
These measures ensure a fair and unbiased competition, reflecting the high standards of the ANBC. |
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French Moult & Budgie Fledging Disease
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| During the week, Evert Jor reached out to the BCSA, with an article on two different viruses can cause French Moult (FM) and Budgerigar Fledgling Disease (BFD) in budgies. The article focuses on “Mapping the causes of French Moult in Norway”, to confirm if avian polyoma virus infections and/or Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease virus (an avian circovirus) is the cause of French Moult in Norway.
The interesting article is available via the link below. |
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This week, we have the ABS live auction, as well as the announcement of the Richard Hiscock online auction. Details are featured below. Auctions represent a unique opportunity for budgerigar enthusiasts to acquire exceptional stock and connect with some of the leading names in budgies. Don’t miss out on the action as these events unfold!
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ABS Live Auction, Beenleigh QLD, Jan 12 2025 🦜
📅 Date: Sunday, 12th January 2025
📍 Location: Beenleigh Showgrounds Hall, Beenleigh, QLD 4207
⏰ Viewing Starts: 8:00 AM
⏰ Auction Begins: 9:00 AM
Join the ABS at the 2025 Prestigious Budgerigar Auction, hosted by the Australian Budgerigar Society Inc. This event is a must-attend for budgerigar enthusiasts, breeders, and collectors. Witness the finest budgerigars from 37 of Australia’s leading breeders, showcasing 286 lots on the day.
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Richard Hiscock Online Auction 🦜
The United Budgerigar Society is proud to host this special auction to assist Richard Hiscock in rehoming his birds as he retires from the hobby due to health reasons. As part of this auction, all commission raised will be donated to MND Victoria, supporting a cause close to many hearts. Additional photos and videos of the birds can be viewed on the Club Facebook page. Furthermore, all birds have been thoroughly checked and vetted by Champion breeders from the United Budgerigar Society to ensure they are in excellent health and condition. The United Budgerigar Society prides itself on the success of previous auctions and the high standard of birds offered.
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| Our next listed event is the Port Pirie AGM on Sunday January 19th 2025. |
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ANBC 2025 National Championship Show Update
May 23rd – May 25th 2025, Brothers League Club, Cairns, QLD
Welcome to North Queensland Budgerigar Zone update for the 49th ANBC Annual Championship Show being held in Cairns from 23 – 25 May 2025.
Schedule of Events
The weekend events will commence with Registration collection Friday afternoon. The Friday Night Meet and Greet incorporating “On the Perch” will commence at 6 pm at the Brothers League Club. This night is a great interactive event to catch up with old and new friends and exhibitors incorporating the ANBC “On the Perch”. Next, Saturday will see judging at the Brothers League Club commencing around 9 am and continue on again on Sunday from 9 am. The Auction on Sunday will commence around 1.30 pm, concluding the Sunday show events around 3.30pm.
Finally, the Presentation Dinner at the Brothers Leagues Club will open at 6.30 pm for a 7.00 pm start. |
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| More To Do in Cairns
For those that would like to see a little more than budgies in boxes Saturday and Sunday, Cairns offers a variety of attractions including Cairns Aquarium, Botanical Gardens and Centenary Lakes, Cairns Shopping Centre, Tanks Art Centre or a stroll along the Esplanade and Lagoon.
Saturday 24th May Evening
Saturday Night you can relax for Dinner on the Spirit of Cairns Inlet Cruise boarding at 6.30 pm for 2.5 hours – min numbers are required.
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| Monday 26th May Day Tour
Full day tour leaving the Cairns Colonial Club at 9.00 am – Kuranda Sky rail and Cableway. Firstly, travel on the Kuranda Scenic rail from Freshwater to Kuranda.
To that end, explore Kuranda and the markets, transferring to the Skyrail rainforest cableway to Smithfield. Finally, leave the Skyrail terminal and return back to Cairns Colonial Club at approximately 5 pm. |
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| Tuesday 27th May Day Tour
Visit Historic Herberton Village! Full day tour leaving Cairns at 8.00 am to visit Herberton Historic Village travelling though the Kuranda Range. Depart the Historic Village after lunch to visit the platypus and the unique attraction of the Curtain Fig Tree. Next, return down the scenic Gillie Range and through cane fields neat Gordonvale. Finally, arrive back at Cairns Colonial Club around 5 pm. |
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Wednesday 28th Full Day Cruise
Big Cat Cruises
Leave the Cairns Colonial Club at 8.30 am for a full day with up to 5.5 hours on Green Island. For those eager explorers, you can choose snorkel gear or a glass bottom boat tour. To that end, minimum numbers of 45 people are required. A buffet lunch is available for the full day tour. Furthermore, there may be an option for 2-hour tour on Green Island (bus transfers not included). Green Island offers a range of activities. |
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Thursday 29th May 2025
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Embark on a full day of adventure as you depart Cairns Colonial Club at 8:00 am. Firstly, at 9:00 am, you can kick off the excitement with the Cassowary Feeding or a fascinating Crocodile Farm Tour. Next, at 10:00 am, head over to the Snake Show, followed by Croc Feeding at 11:00 am. Enjoy a lunch break at 1:00 pm or revisit the Crocodile Farm Tour. For those still captivated by reptiles, the Snake Show is on again at 2:00 pm. Consider booking a wildlife photo shoot to create a unique Facebook profile picture or a memorable keepsake for your wall. At 3:00 pm, don’t miss the thrilling Crocodile Attack Show. Finally, your day concludes with a return to Cairns Colonial Club around 4:00 pm. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures offers a variety of wildlife encounters—visit their website via the link for full details! |
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| Tours
All tours are minimum numbers required – prices will be on the registration form released in January 2025. To that end, full refunds will be made should a day trip not proceed. Moreover, contact Bruce Schuster (Show Coordinator) on 0426 731 339 for further details.
More Details
The North Queensland Budgerigar Zone extends a warm invitation to all budgerigar enthusiasts, their families, and friends to join us in Cairns, North Queensland, for the 2025 Australian National Budgerigar Council (ANBC) Championship Show.
Join us 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!
USE DISCOUNT CODE CAMP-SHOW25 TO ACCESS YOUR EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT
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| Fundraising Raffle
The North Queensland Budgerigar Zone Inc. raffle of a pair of quality budgerigars from Craig Barnett’s aviary is closing soon, The event will be drawn on January 15th 2025.
Cinnamonwing Grey Green Cock, 23-BAR-099
Good top end, spot and cap release only 11 months old, one of 12 siblings.
Cinnamonwing Grey Green Hen, 22-BAR-073
Very nice top end, proven producer. Father was 6th placed in the Green class at the 2022 National.
Tickets $20.00 each
Expected close off date 15th January, 2025.
For ticket purchases or more information, please contact:
Bruce Schuster: 0426 731 339
Michelle Vidler: 0457 088 108
Help support the 2025 Nationals and grab your chance to win this amazing pair! 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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The BCSA remains committed to fostering a thriving and inclusive budgerigar community. From organising judges tests and cataloguing auctions, to setting policies that uphold integrity, the council works tirelessly to support members and promote excellence in the hobby. Whether you’re an aspiring judge, a seasoned breeder, or a passionate budgie owner, there are countless ways to get involved and contribute.
Let’s continue to work together to celebrate and advance the wonderful world of budgerigars!
Until next week.
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January
- Sunday, 19th – Port Pirie AGM, Port Broughton Hotel
February
- Tuesday 4th – BSSA Monthly Meeting & AGM @ Unley Community Centre.
- Wednesday 12th – NEBS Meeting “Once In A Blue Moon”, featuring the Blue Series, and talks on How To Breed A Rainbow @ Hectorville Community Centre
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