Welcome to this week’s edition of the Budgie Bulletin!
🎉 The Budgie Bulletin Turns One! 🎉
It’s time to celebrate! 53 editions deep, and the Budgie Bulletin officially turns one year old this week! What started as an ambitious idea—bringing together as much information as possible about budgie-related events and activities in South Australia and beyond—has grown into a weekly tradition that connects and informs our cohort. |
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Our first-ever edition was released on February 2nd, 2024, introducing the Budgie Bulletin as a trial initiative aimed at enhancing community engagement. We launched with the statement:
“In our ongoing effort to enhance our community connection, we’re excited to introduce a trial initiative: a weekly digest designed to keep you in the loop with the latest and greatest in our beloved hobby from across Australia. This bulletin aims to complement our Chatter Magazine, offering timely updates and insights without overshadowing our flagship publication. We would love your feedback on this, so please let us know what you think.”
Since then, your feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, showing us just how valuable a weekly source of news, updates, and insights has been for the budgerigar community. When we first started, there was always the question—“Would we have enough to write about every single week?” Fast forward a year, and that concern has been well and truly dismissed!
The Budgie Bulletin has become a go-to resource, sharing show results, club news, upcoming events, travel tips, breeder insights, and special features on some of the best in the hobby. It has also fostered a greater sense of connection among fanciers across the country, ensuring that no one misses out on key updates in the budgerigar world.
As we mark this one-year milestone, we extend a huge thank you to everyone who has supported, contributed, and engaged with the Bulletin along the way. Your enthusiasm and participation have made it what it is today. To our weekly team, who puts it together, proofs and curates it – thank you for your dedication, week in, week out. Here’s to another year of budgie news, stories, and success—delivered straight to your inbox every week! 🎂🐦🎉
In other news this week, the BSSA came together for their first committee meeting of 2025, in anticipation of their upcoming AGM. An entertainment schedule for the year was developed, featuring some exciting, curated events for members. Details of the first half of the year will be announced next week to it’s membership. The team also took the opportunity to discuss their personal breeding experiences, including the turbulent weather of late, relative to the new 2025 ring issue. The Club also reviewed financial matters, including potential sponsorships and the financials for the previous year.
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| The ANBC working committee also came together this week to discuss the Cairns Nationals, sponsorship and other matters. The meeting focused on planning and organising Cairns, Brisbane and Canberra events, discussing various aspects such as shirt designs, sponsorships, and logistics. The team explored options for enhancing the event’s branding, including the design of polo shirts for stewards and the placement of banners and flags for Hall of Fame inductees. They also addressed sponsorship deals, media involvement, and potential celebrity guest appearances to increase attendance and awareness for the event. The meeting was very high energy, and lots of great ideas for the continued growth of the ANBC Show were shared amongst the cohort. |
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| This week has brought some fantastic flight deals for those planning to travel to Cairns in May. If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to start searching for flights and securing your trip. Meanwhile, the bird carer team has been busy finalising their travel arrangements, ensuring that our team of 87 birds will make the journey with Qantas. With plans coming together, excitement is building for what promises to be a spectacular event in Cairns!
This weekend, budgerigar enthusiasts from across the region will gather for the highly anticipated Budgies in the ‘Bool event. Hosted in Warrnambool, this exciting weekend is set to feature top-quality birds, engaging discussions, and a strong sense of community among breeders and exhibitors. The event includes an auction showcasing birds from some of the country’s leading breeders, providing a fantastic opportunity for attendees to add exceptional bloodlines to their studs. Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or new to the hobby, Budgies in the ‘Bool promises to be a fantastic occasion to connect, learn, and celebrate a shared passion for budgerigars. For those who can’t attend in person, the South West Budgerigar Society will have a Facebook live feed of the event. Don’t miss out on this highlight of the budgie calendar!
In addition to the auction and showcase, Budgies in the ‘Bool will also feature a fun-filled pet budgie competition, where attendees can bring along their feathered friends to compete for titles such as The Chirpiest Chatterbox, Prettiest Bird in Town, Friendliest Budgie, Sweetheart Pair (Budgie and Owner), and Best Decorated Cage. Judging will be conducted by Sharna Rogers from Fitzmedia, with entries closing at 10:00 AM and judging commencing at 10:30 AM. The event also includes great prizes, free budgie health checks courtesy of Warrnambool Veterinary, and face painting for kids, making it a fantastic morning out for the whole family. Whether you’re a seasoned breeder, a pet budgie owner, or simply a bird lover, Budgies in the ‘Bool is the perfect opportunity to celebrate these beloved birds in a lively and welcoming atmosphere. |
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| Finally, back here in South Australia, Ian Marshall has a variety of items available for anyone who may be interested. These include breeding cage fronts (two measuring 600 x 460mm and four at 500 x 340mm), seed drums of various sizes, including three PVC seed drums (380W x 300D x 580mmD) and three 44-gallon drums. He also has various books and past magazine articles, as well as breeding accessories such as seed containers, drinkers, a bag of finger drawers, assorted torches, and perches. Other available items include corflute sheets suitable for trays, six PVC nest boxes, four training show cages, and a wire cage (450W x 300D x 320mmH) for spraying birds. Additionally, there is a net, three bamboo blinds (1200mm), a partially operational ioniser, and a 680mm industrial pedestal fan with a mister.
If you’re interested in any of these items, be sure to reach out! Ian can be contacted on 0413 257 495. |
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| Congratulations
A big congratulations to Troy for putting this initiative together one year ago, I for one had reservations about a weekly Bulletin and ongoing content – how wrong was I! Keep up the great work in sharing information from locally to beyond – Nigel T |
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This week, we feature the Budgies in the Bool live event, happening this weekend, as well as the Mario Capasso stock reduction sale. These 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.
A link to the live stream of the event is posted below.
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Mario Capasso Reduction Sale
Date: Ends February 2nd
Lots Available: 18 individual lots
Due to a change in personal circumstances, Mario Capasso is relocating. Unfortunately, Mario cannot take all of his flock with him, which has prompted a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and breeders alike. Mario is offering a carefully selected lineup of birds for sale. The sale will include older birds that will no longer be used this year. Furthermore, youngsters who have stronger siblings are also being offered. These birds represent a strong potential to perform and contribute to breeding programs. For further details or specific questions regarding the sale, Mario is available using the contact details below.
Pick-Up Address:
71/4 Pearlman St, Coombs, ACT 2611
Contact Details:
Phone: 0411 012 415
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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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| Port Pirie Budgerigar Society Quarterly Meeting
🗓 Date: Sunday, March 16th 2025
📍 Location: Peter & Polly’s, Tiddy Widdy Beach
Join the Port Pirie Budgerigar Society for their quarterly catch up, including an aviary tour at the residence of Pete & Polly on Sunday, March 16th. The event will start at 11 AM at their residence in Tiddy Widdy Beach. If you’ve never attended a Port Pirie meeting before, you’re in for a delightful experience. This unique daytime gathering includes a shared lunch and an aviary tour, offering a different and enjoyable experience. The Port Pirie Club is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal Sunday outing and a perfect day trip to the Yorke Peninsula, near the Ardrossan area. Please be sure to let Peter know if you’re coming, so nobody goes home hungry. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for a wonderful social event and a chance to connect with fellow budgerigar enthusiasts, while experiencing a Yorke Peninsula food coma in the sands of Tiddy Widdy. For more information, contact Peter Glassenbury on 0409 288 710. |
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2025 TRILL™ Expert Australian National Budgerigar Council (ANBC) Championship Show
May 23rd – May 25th 2025, Brothers League Club, Cairns, QLDRegistrations for the 2025 TRILL™ Expert Australian National Budgerigar Council (ANBC) Championship Show are now open. Registration for the event includes access to the two-day show and grants eligibility to book functions and tours. Be sure to secure your spot soon, as registrations close on March 31st, 2025.
- Registration Fee: $30 per person (Free for children under 12 years)
- Sunday Night Options: Additional bookings are available for the highly anticipated Sunday evening events, which are known to sell out quickly—don’t miss your chance to attend!
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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 Experts “On the Perch”. 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
$170 – Saturday Dinner Cruise –Spirit of Cairns
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
Kuranda Rail & Sky Rail (includes pick-up and return to Cairns Colonial Club)
$175pp Adult
$110pp Child 4 to 14 years
Add $65pp for Lunch at Frogs Restaurant – Main & DessertFull 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
Herberton Historic Village and Tablelands, Atherton, Fig Tree, Crater Lake, Platypus (includes pick-up and return to Cairns Colonial Club)
$95pp Adult
$70pp Child 4 to 14 years
Add $25pp for Lunch at Bakerville Teahouse (cold lunch) |
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| 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 CruisesGreen Island (Full Day) – includes buffet lunch & transfers. plus choice of snorkel gear or glass bottom boat tour (includes pick-up and return to Cairns Colonial Club)$165pp Adult
$80pp Child 4 to 14 years |
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| 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 Crocodile Adventures – (includes pick-up and return to Cairns Colonial Club)
No Lunch included (available at kiosk)
$95pp Adult
$60pp Child 4 to 14 years
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. |
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| 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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| 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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A heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you for your incredible support as we celebrate the first anniversary of the Budgie Bulletin! Over the past year, your enthusiasm, engagement, and feedback have helped shape this weekly digest into a valuable resource for the budgerigar community. Whether you’ve been reading from the very first edition or have just recently joined us, we appreciate your continued interest and passion for these animated little creatures.
As the Bulletin steps into it’s second year, we look forward to bringing you even more updates, insights, and exciting news from the world of budgerigars. Your support and contributions keep the Bulletin going, and we can’t wait to continue this journey together. Here’s to another fantastic year of sharing our love for budgies—thank you for being part of it! 🎉🐦
Until next week.
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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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