Welcome to this week’s edition of the Budgie Bulletin!
This week has been an eventful one in the world of budgerigars, filled with moments of both celebration and reflection. Last weekend, the ABS Auction in Beenleigh, QLD, set a club record with an incredible turnout, highlighting the growing interest in the hobby. Monday, the ANBC delegates came together for a meeting that was marked by positivity and collaboration, setting a strong positive tone for 2025. Midweek also saw the North East come together for their first committee meeting of the year. We also saw the release of the highly anticipated “Budgies In the Bool” auction catalogue, featuring several Hall of Fame breeders. However, the week closed on a sombre note as we learned of the passing of Leigh Downey, former ANBC Secretary and life member whose contributions to the hobby have left an enduring legacy. Leigh’s influence will be deeply missed. Locally, Nigel Tonkin announced that he would be stepping away from his role as a committee member for the North East, and in turn, as a delegate to the BCSA. Nigel’s involvement with the Council dates back to its inception in 1996, and his dedication and service have been truly invaluable.
The ABS Auction officially launched the live auction season for 2025, attracting over 250 attendees, including a diverse range of community groups. The event was also a significant online success, with 686 viewers tuning in to the live stream and over 2,100 people engaging with the auction during the two days it was available online. Feedback from attendees highlighted the excellent catering and overall success of the event, marking a positive milestone for the Club.
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| On Monday evening, ANBC delegates from across the country convened to discuss key topics. The agenda covered financial reports, updates, and progress on the 2025 National Show. Delegates also addressed several strategic areas, including the ANBC Gazette, the proposed By-law 11, and the importance of a more structured approach to sponsorship and live streaming. The team explored opportunities to secure additional sponsorship for the Nationals, including the potential engagement of an international commentator. The meeting concluded with a review of the event hosting and decision-making document and scheduling the next meeting. |
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| Meanwhile, the North East committee held a meeting during the week to plan their 2025 events program. The highlight will be the launch of their “Once in a Blue Moon” evening, a themed event centred on a blue series show. The night will feature discussions on breeding blue series birds, with a particular focus on Rainbows, promising an engaging and educational experience for all attendees.
In its second year, the South West Budgerigar Auction catalogue was released as part of the “Budgies in the ‘Bool” weekend. The event aims to cater to all attendees while fostering fraternity and friendship within the budgerigar community. Designed as a short auction to ensure participants can return to their families and encourage future participation, the event features birds from ANBC Hall of Fame members Garry Gazzard, Alan Rowe, Jeffrey Leong, Ray Slade, and Peter Thurn, as well as notable interstate and local Champion breeders. Pet transporters are available for phone bids, and visitors to Warrnambool are encouraged to explore local accommodation options. Those attending the Saturday night dinner are advised to confirm their booking in advance. The event promises to be a little auction that packs a big punch, showcasing exceptional birds and fostering a vibrant community spirit. |
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| This week marked a significant moment with Nigel Tonkin announcing his decision to step down as a NEBS delegate to the BCSA, and consequently, from his role on the BCSA. Nigel’s contributions to the Council have been nothing short of extraordinary. As the first secretary of the BCSA at its formation in 1996, he played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation, serving in this capacity until 2002 before stepping into the role of President, a position he held with distinction until 2015. From 2007 to 2015, he also undertook the responsibilities of Acting Secretary, further demonstrating his dedication. Since 2015, Nigel has served as the State’s Ring Officer, continuing his legacy of commitment and service to Council. His leadership extended to coordinating the National titles in 2000, 2007, and 2014, as well as serving as ANBC President during 2007 and 2014. Notably, Nigel spent 11 years as a Delegate to the ANBC, 5 years as National Judges Coordinator, 5 years as Colour and Standards Coordinator, and 3 years as a South Australian bird carer at national events. His tireless work has been instrumental in developing our current Standard and its associated pictorials, both nationally and internationally. Nigel’s involvement in budgerigars here in SA has been nothing short of foundational; his influence has shaped the Council since its inception 29 years ago. He stands as not just a key contributor but arguably the cornerstone of the Council’s success and development here in South Australia, and his impact and dedication cannot be understated. In 2016, his contributions were recognised with a Life Membership. The Council wishes Nigel all the best in his future endeavours. |
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| On a very sombre note, it is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Leigh Downey, a highly esteemed and devoted member of the Australian National Budgerigar Council (ANBC). Leigh’s remarkable contributions to the budgerigar fancy spanned many years, during which he served as the ANBC Secretary until 2023. In recognition of his unwavering dedication and service, he was honoured with admission to the ANBC Hall of Fame Honour Roll that same year. Leigh also made an indelible mark as the President of the Budgerigar Council of Victoria (BCV), a position he held for a decade. As a breeder, Leigh’s passion for excellence was reflected in his outstanding achievements, including winning four national titles. Health concerns led Leigh to retire from the hobby in early 2024. Leigh’s dedication, leadership, and passion for the budgerigar fancy have left an enduring impact on the Australian budgerigar community. He will be deeply missed. |
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Lee and his wife Betty, receiving his Honour Roll Division acceptance to the ANBC Hall of Fame
Photo courtesy of the United Budgerigar Society Facebook Page
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Photos generously provided by the Budgerigar Council of Victoria
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This week, we’ve had the release of the “Budgies in the Bool” South West Auction catalogue. In addition, the Richard Hiscock dispersal sale is ending this evening. 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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South West Live Auction 2025 🦜
📅 Date: Sunday, 3rd February 2025
📍 Location: Warrnambool
⏰ Viewing Starts: 8:00 AM
⏰ Auction Begins: 9:30 AM
In its second year, the South West Budgerigar Auction catalogue has been released as part of the “Budgies in the ‘Bool” weekend. The event aims to cater to all attendees while fostering fraternity and friendship within the budgerigar community. Designed as a short auction to ensure participants can return to their families and encourage future participation, the event features birds from ANBC Hall of Fame members Garry Gazzard, Alan Rowe, Jeffrey Leong, Ray Slade, and Peter Thurn, as well as notable interstate and local Champion breeders. Pet transporters will be available for phone bids, and visitors to Warrnambool are encouraged to explore local accommodation options. Those attending the Saturday night dinner are advised to confirm their booking in advance. The event promises to be a little auction that packs a big punch, showcasing exceptional birds and fostering a vibrant community spirit.
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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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| Port Pirie Budgerigar Society AGM
🗓 Date: Sunday, January 19th 2025
📍 Location: Port Broughton Hotel, Bay St Port Broughton
Join the Port Pirie Budgerigar Society for their AGM at 11:30 AM |
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| BSSA AGM
🗓 Date: Tuesday, February 4th 2025
📍 Location: Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur St Unley
Join the BSSA for their AGM at 7:30 PM |
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| North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) – Once In A Blue Moon
🗓 Date: Wednesday February 12th, 2025
📍 Location: Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville
Join the NEBS for an event focused on blue series budgies. The night will include a show of blue series birds (pending weather), as well as presentations on blue series birds, and how to breed a Rainbow. |
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ANBC 2025 National Championship Show Update
May 23rd – May 25th 2025, Brothers League Club, Cairns, QLDWelcome 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 CruisesLeave 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 AdventuresEmbark 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. 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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| 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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In closing, if you’re seeking a perfect blend of budgies, beaches, and a bit of adventure, this Sunday’s trip to Port Broughton is not to be missed. With the Port Pirie AGM on the agenda and the allure of sand and sun as a backdrop, it’s the ideal excuse for a road trip. We hope to see you there, enjoying both the company and the coastal charm!
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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