Overall, it was a valuable session, with a wealth of knowledge shared among those in attendance, reinforcing both the depth of expertise within the room and the importance of ongoing education in the hobby. As a side note, the BSSA dusted off the camera, and filmed the meeting, so the insights are available online for anyone who wasn’t able to attend in person. You can watch this using the link below.

The evening also served as a collection point for the NEBS April Mega Sale, drawing a strong turnout of more than 20 fanciers. Congratulations to Stephen Wharton, who took home the meat tray, rounding out a great night.

A reminder that today is the final day to confirm numbers for the 30th birthday celebrations taking place next weekend. If you haven’t already, you can book your seat using the link below.

Also interstate, today marks Day 2 of the budgerigar exhibition at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney. For those not attending Gather Round and heading away, it presents a great opportunity to take in the strong public interest in budgerigars, and birds more broadly, at one of the country’s largest annual events.

The BCSA judges meeting will be held this Sunday.  The agenda focuses on strengthening standards, improving consistency, and planning for the future of judging within the State. The agenda brings together both administrative updates and practical discussions, with a clear focus on ensuring judges are aligned with national expectations and evolving best practices. Key updates include submissions made to the ANBC regarding flecking, and proposed classification changes for Yellow Faced and Golden Faced Blue Series.

A major component of the meeting involves reviewing updated documentation around judge promotion, conduct, and expectations. These revisions aim to modernise processes and ensure consistency across the panel, while also reinforcing professionalism, particularly around presentation, behaviour, and adherence to dress standards at shows. There will also be clarification of technical judging matters, such as correct classification, nomenclature, and eligibility of birds in the Hens class.

Looking ahead, the meeting will address broader strategic issues, including the need to recruit and develop new trainee judges, as the current panel is both ageing and shrinking. There is also an emphasis on encouraging experienced judges to progress to national level, strengthening South Australia’s representation. Education within the hobby is another priority, with discussion around providing clearer guidance to exhibitors to reduce errors in bird classification.

Importantly, the session will include a hands-on component, with judges encouraged to bring birds for discussion. This practical focus aims to refine skills in identifying varieties, understanding subtle differences, and interpreting The Standard. Overall, the meeting is designed to support continuous improvement, uphold judging integrity, and ensure the long-term strength of the hobby in South Australia.

Incidentally, this Sunday marks the official 30th birthday of the Budgerigar Council of South Australia. However, with Gather Round taking place in Adelaide, the celebrations have been postponed until Saturday the 18th.

Further afield interstate, the Bendigo Diploma Show is set to be held at Lockwood South Hall, with judging duties carried out by Heath Chasemore and Rex Stephens. In Queensland, the Toowoomba Budgerigar Society will host their Annual Show at Highfields State Secondary College. A social dinner will also be held the evening prior at the Highfields Tavern, providing a great opportunity for exhibitors and members to connect ahead of the show.

BCSA Judges Meeting, 9 am
📍 Enfield Community Centre, Regency Road, Enfield

BCSA 30th Anniversary Celebrations, 12 pm to 2 pm
📍 Venue Athelstone Football Club – Max Amber Community Hall

A major milestone for the Budgerigar Council of South Australia.

Harry Johnston Young Bird Show, PPBS
📍 Crystalbrook

The Harry Johnston Show Schedule has been released ahead of the May 3rd event, marking an exciting chapter for the Port Pirie Budgerigar Society under the guidance of new Show Manager, Tony Van Den Brink. The Harry Johnston Show continues to hold strong significance within the region, and this year’s event shapes as another well-supported and competitive outing in the lead up to the State Titles.

Stan Watson Breeders Show, BSSA
📍 Ascot Park Scout Hall

BCSA Logan Shield
📍 Klemzig Community Centre, 242 North East Road, Klemzig

The Logan Shield Schedule for May 17th has been released, turning attention firmly toward the State Titles. This event remains the pinnacle of the South Australian show season, serving as the selection platform for the team that will represent the state on the national stage. With the 2026 Trill™ Expert ANBC Championship Show on the Gold Coast marking the prestigious 50th anniversary, there is an added sense of occasion and motivation for exhibitors to present their very best.

The SQBBA and ANBC are also pleased to announce that Kev O’Callaghan has accepted the invitation to fill the fourth judging position for the event. Kev’s experience and standing within the hobby ensure the judging panel will continue to operate at the highest standard.

Further announcements will be made as additional information comes to hand.

We thank everyone for their understanding and continued support, and we look forward to a successful and enjoyable ANBC Trill™ Expert National on the Gold Coast.