Welcome to this week’s edition of the Budgie Bulletin!
As seems to be constantly the case in South Australia, the hobby has been a hive of activity. We’ve celebrated the 75th annual BRASEA/Ron Norman Show, hosted by the BSSA, along with the North East holding their Christmas in July. Some of our able fanciers have also jumped in to support the United Birds Society (UBSSA) on Saturday, with the Animal Expo. Additionally, the BSSA has announced details for Pet Bird Auction #3 of 2024. Interstate, there has been some concern regarding bird flu and its implications for budgie travel, prompting clarification within our community. Beyond our borders, we also mourn the loss of ANBC Hall of Famer Bruce Sheppard, a figure revered throughout the budgerigar community in Australia.
The 75th Ron Norman Show took place on Sunday, July 7, at the Westbourne Park Memorial Hall. 230 birds were benched, and the quality of the birds was exceptionally high. The show saw fewer Open and Intermediate exhibitors, but Novice breeders were well-represented with nine participants. Ian Marshall served as the Major Award judge, assisted by experienced Floor Judges Kelwyn Kakoschke, Malcolm Loveridge, and Shiralee Reardon. Ken & Janet Harris won the Grand Champion title with a Normal Grey cock bird, while Sue Adams won Reserve Champion Cock and 4th Champion Cock. George England won Reserve Champion Hen and 4th Champion Hen, while Marie and Kerry Murphy secured 3rd Champion Cock and Hen. Jane Kelb won all three Major Awards at the Intermediate level. Danny Brill benched the Champion Novice bird, with Peter Brumby and Trevor Goodenough winning Reserve Champion Novice Cock and Hen, respectively. Pauline Lampre received her first award for best Pet Budgie. Full details of the awards are available in the show results section of the BCSA website.
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On Wednesday night, the North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) hosted their festive “Christmas in July” event. The evening was filled with socializing and enjoyment, to the extent that John Mulley remarked afterward that he was so caught up in the fun, he forgot to take any photographs! Congratulations to Con Orfanos for winning the meat tray raffle, and heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making the night so delightful.
The BSSA had several of its members turn out to support the United Bird Societies of South Australia (UBSSA) at the Animal Expo. Sue Adams reported on behalf of the cohort that it was a lot of fun, and a great time was had promoting this wonderful hobby. |
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| There has been an amount of discussion around Bird Flu, and some commentary received in a published email from Mike Donnelly at Animal Care Australia to Ron at the Canary and Cage Bird Federation of Australia. The email noted as one of its points that South Australia does not currently permit any birds or eggs to come in from any part of Victoria at the moment. The BCSA set about finding out more about this, as it had not been advised of this restriction. John Mulley contacted Cornelius Matereke, the Veterinary Officer for the Animal Biosecurity Division of the South Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regions. Cornelius was able to confirm back in writing that the restrictions in South Australia are specific to poultry, which is defined as any of the following livestock—chicken, turkey, guinea fowl, duck, goose, quail, pigeon, pheasant, partridge, emu and ostrich. Note that this definition does not relate to budgerigars. For more information, the South Australian government has released Gazette 49 on the 8th of July, related to the Live Stock Act, detailing the limitation on poultry movement at the moment, in response to the Bird Flu.
Even though these travel restrictions don’t appear to be restrictive to budgerigars, to Animal Care Australia’s point, it is important to have consistent and non-inflammatory messaging around the bird flu. That is, our birds are kept in enclosed aviaries, most of whom have feed and water that cannot be contaminated by wild birds; therefore we are at low risk. Common sense biosecurity should always apply, which includes quarantining introduced birds for minimum of 14 days, only sourcing new stock from reputable sources, and only offering domestic chlorinated water to birds. Furthermore, aviculturists should ensure hygiene of visitors to bird rooms/aviaries, regularly sanitise cages and equipment, and minimise ability for contact between wild and domestic birds and ensure feed and water cannot be contaminated by wild birds.
Finally, on an interstate note, we have observed the passing of Bruce Sheppard. Bruce was a driving force in the esteemed Sheppard and Flanagan partnership, which has achieved remarkable success on the National Show Bench for many years, boasting the second highest tally of National wins in Australian budgerigars. Alongside his budgerigar partner Colin Flanagan, Bruce was undoubtedly a giant in Australian budgerigars, and his efforts have been a guiding influence in Victoria across all levels of operation with the BCV and the ANBC. He will be deeply missed by many within the community. The BCSA understands that funeral arrangements are being made for Wednesday, July 17th at 1 PM in Wantirna for those wishing to attend. As a mark of respect, all judges attending have been asked to wear their judges uniforms. The BCSA extends their heartfelt condolences to Karen, the family, and all of Bruce’s friends.
Looking ahead to this weekend, we have the Wynnum Show in Queensland and the Bendigo Live Auction. Additionally, we are just over a week away from the BCSA Live Auction in Enfield. This event, the only major live budgerigar auction on the South Australian calendar, attracts birds from top studs across the country. This year will be no different, featuring a multitude of ANBC-winning breeders with birds available. For more details, please check our Budgies for Sale & Auction section. |
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This week, we have the Bendigo Live Auction on July 14th, followed by the BCSA Auction on July 20th, Melton on July 27th, and Moreton on July 28th.
An online auction has also been released by the BSSA for a Pet Bird Auction, featuring crests. |
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Bendigo Budgerigar Club Live Auction, Sunday July 14th
The Bendigo Budgerigar Club is hosting its 2024 auction featuring quality birds from award-winning breeders. The event will take place at Lockwood South Community Hall on Sunday, July 14th, starting at 10 AM sharp. Participants can register for telephone bidding or attend in person.
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Budgerigar Council of South Australia (BCSA) Auction, Saturday July 20th
If you’re local, then you know we only get one of these a year! This is the event South Australian show budgie enthusiasts have been chirping at the bit for – the annual BCSA Auction! Featuring 7 Logie winning vendors from the Launceston Nationals, this event promises to be a great weekend, with 200 lots available.
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Melton Budgerigar Society Live Auction, Saturday July 27th, Victoria
Location: St Francis Catholic College, 109-141 Bulmans Rd, Melton West VIC 3337. Viewing Time: 9-10am. Auction Commencement: 10am. Auctioneer: Peter Thurn
Inquiries: Hedra Kamel 0401751050 / Steve Grech 0412560628
Phone Bidding: Carmel Cricelli (Aussie Pet Connections) 0400966738
Note: No Online Bidding
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Moreton Budgerigar Association Live Auction, July 28th, QLD
Happening on Sunday, July 28th, the Moreton Budgerigar Association in QLD is hosting it’s 2024 Auction. The event will be held at Strathpine Community Centre, Mecklem St, Strathpine, QLD. Viewing commences at 8 AM, and the auction kicks off at 9 AM. For anyone not able to attend in person, Garry Menzies can take bids on your behalf. To that end, Phone bidder registration cuts off Saturday afternoon, July 27th. Then, Garry will arrange for someone to bid on your behalf. If you are a successful interstate bidder, your birds will be sent during the week after payment has been received. Finally, freight is to be arranged at the buyers’ expense.
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BSSA 32Auctions – Pet Bird Auction 3
Welcome to BSSA Pet Bird Auction 3 for 2024. This auction exclusively features birds from Ehsan Butt, a breeder who resides in Noble Park, Melbourne, Victoria. To that end, Ehsan has been breeding birds for the past decade, specializing in budgies for the last six years. His venture into crest budgies began in 2019 during the COVID-19 pandemic, sparked by the discovery of two tufted males at a local bird shop.
Currently, Ehsan focuses on breeding crested and frill backs with English line budgies. His birds are meticulously cared for with a diet rich in high protein, soft food, fresh vegetables, and Vetafarm supplements.
Ehsan typically offers young birds from three months onward in his auctions, believing that young birds provide the best start. His collection comprises over 80 birds, showcasing a diverse array of mutations in Crested, Tufted, Frillbacks, and Crest bred varieties.
For those interested in learning more about the birds available in his auctions or any other avian queries, Ehsan can be contacted via phone at 0414361117 or through his Facebook page, Crested Budgies Australia.
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| All events for July are complete, with the exception of the BCSA AGM, being held on July 20th 2024, as part of the BCSA Auction. The BCSA is looking for someone to nominate as a Public Officer for Council. Nigel Tonkin, the current Public Officer, has indicated his desire to step down from this role. Under the Incorporations Act 1985, a new Public Officer is required.
The Associations Incorporation Act 1985 mandates that an incorporated association must have a Public Officer. This individual must be a natural person, at least 18 years old, and a resident of South Australia. While it is not necessary for the Public Officer to be a member of the BCSA, they can be, and may even hold other responsibilities, such as being a member of the committee of management.
Failing to appoint a Public Officer is a breach of the Act, and it is the association’s responsibility to remain compliant. Non-compliance can result in penalties, and there have been instances where associations have been declared defunct and removed from the register due to the inability to contact their Public Officer. Often, this is due to outdated information regarding their Public Officer.
The Act stipulates that any process, notice, or other document can be served on an incorporated association by serving it on its Public Officer. Most forms and returns lodged under the Act must be signed by the Public Officer. These provisions highlight the importance of the Public Officer’s role as the central contact person for the general public and Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
So, it’s critical we have someone put their hand up for this role. If you’re up for the task, let the BCSA know! We’d love you to join us. |
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| Thinking tax time, and end of financial year? Think Worrell Co, proud sponsors of the BCSA. Contact Matt and his team for expert help. |
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West Australian Budgerigar Council (WABC) Fundraising Raffle for 2028 Nationals
Our good friends over in the West are working hard to raise money to host the Nationals in 2028. Get behind them by supporting their Auction, or their Cash Raffle. Details are below, as well as a link to Les Woodcock, who can connect you with tickets. Only a few tickets remain, so get in quick. First raffle will be drawn on July 21st.
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Thank you to everyone who turned out and made the Ron Norman a spectacular budgerigar day out. Further thanks to those who attended the North East Christmas in July, making it a great social evening, and to the volunteers who made the Animal Expo such a success. You are the vernacular that makes the culture of exhibition budgerigars so great! Speaking of volunteers, if you are willing to step up as the Public Officer for the BCSA at our next AGM, please let us know. In the meantime, stay vigilant and keep an eye out for any changes in policy or position regarding Bird Flu, especially as it relates to our upcoming auction in two weeks.
As always, until next week.
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July
- Saturday, 20 July 2024, BCSA Auction & AGM, Enfield Community Centre, Regency Road, Enfield
October
- Saturday, 26 October 2024 – Budgie Fest
- Sunday, 10 November 2024 – BSSA/NEBS Interclub 2024, Westbourne Park Community Centre –388 Goodwood Road Westbourne Park
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