Adding to the celebration, the night also marked the 51st birthday of the North East Budgerigar Club! Members tucked into a delicious cheesecake—although not everyone could enjoy it, as Troy found out the hard way that it wasn’t coeliac-friendly!

ABC Breakfast Radio Interview

This week, BCSA President Troy Holmes joined Kim Napier on ABC Breakfast Radio in Launceston to discuss the lasting impact of the Launceston Nationals on the budgerigar community in Tasmania. Kim was curious about how the event had influenced the local scene, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Not only have clubs like Hobart reported a 20% increase in membership, but perhaps more significantly, there’s been a noticeable shift in public perception—with birdkeeping becoming more mainstream and widely accepted.

Local fanciers, including Peter Kross, shared how the Nationals helped spark conversations beyond the usual circles. What was once a niche interest is now becoming a common talking point, with more people learning about the exhibition side of the hobby. The Nationals didn’t just showcase beautiful birds—it helped shine a light on the passionate community behind them and brought budgies into the spotlight across Tasmania.

Northern Star Weekly, Victoria

Budgies were back in the media spotlight in Victoria too this week thanks to a feature in the Northern Star Weekly, which highlighted the upcoming United Budgie Bonanza. The article gave fantastic coverage to the hobby, with Vice President Steven Bradley explaining that the event is about more than just showcasing birds—it’s about celebrating a nationwide community that comes together each year for the Budgerigar Nationals, where the best birds represent their states.

Bradley, who first discovered his passion for budgerigars while on holiday in Perth, shared how welcoming and knowledgeable the club is. “We’ve got heaps of knowledge in the club and we love sharing it,” he said. “It’s just a great hobby and a good social event.” The article perfectly captured the spirit of the event and the strong sense of connection within the budgie community.

Port Pirie Show Entries Close Tonight
Looking ahead, entries close tonight via email for the Port Pirie Harry Johnston Young Stock Show, scheduled for the end of April. Exhibitors should send entries to Bob Simpson. This Open Show welcomes all financial members of the Port Pirie Budgerigar Society or any other affiliated club. If entry numbers meet the threshold,  the Show will be officially recognised as a BCSA Status Movement Show.

Key details:
📍 Birds to be benched between 9:30am and 10:00am
🕙 Judging begins promptly at 10:15am
🚫 Exhibits must not be removed before 2:30pm, unless directed by the Show Manager

Come & Try Day – This Sunday!
Finally, don’t miss the BSSA’s Come & Try Day, happening this Sunday morning at Ascot Park Scout Hall. Timed to encourage maximum participation from Junior members, this free event is a fantastic introduction for young or novice breeders to the world of budgerigars.

Guests will hear from passionate South Australian breeders including Sue Adams and Ian Jenke, as they share insights on everything from breeding and care to showing tips. Whether you’re new to the hobby or already caring for a feathered friend, it’s a fun, interactive way to learn more and connect with others. There’ll be Q&A opportunities, hands-on demonstrations, and even a chance to take home your very own budgie!

This week also saw the release of the Stan Watson 2025 Breeders Show Schedule. The show will be held on Sunday, 4 May 2025 at the Ascot Park Scout Hall and is open to all current financial members of any Bird Society. As a BCSA Status Movement Show, all birds must be owner bred and rung with a 2024 RED ANBC closed ring. Entries close at 8:00 PM on Monday, 28 April, with no late entries accepted. Birds are to be benched from 9:30 AM, judging begins at 10:30 AM, and exhibits cannot be removed before 2:30 PM. Entry is $1 per bird (first 20), plus $1.50 postage, payable on the day. Cage stickers will be posted out, and standard BSSA cages must be used. Light spotting is encouraged, and all care will be taken, though birds are exhibited at the owner’s risk.

The show includes a wide range of classes and over $1500 in prizes, with major awards for Open, Intermediate, Novice, and Junior exhibitors, plus 32 best of colour/variety winners. Perpetual trophies will also be awarded to top-placed BSSA members. Lunch is provided, and the event will be cancelled if the weather forecast is 32°C or above, as announced on Channel 7’s 6 PM news the night before. This is a great opportunity to showcase your birds ahead of the Nationals—get your entries in and join the fun!

Latest Update on Bird Flu (H7N8)

The most recent information on Bird Flu (H7N8) is outlined below. The key takeaway for bird owners is the importance of maintaining strict biosecurity measures.

✅ Keep sheds, yards, aviaries, and equipment clean
✅ Ensure footwear is clean before entering bird areas
✅ Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling birds or eggs

Staying vigilant with hygiene practices is essential in protecting your birds and preventing the spread of disease. Note that poultry and bird sales, shows, markets and auctions or other gatherings within the control and restricted areas are prohibited until further notice.

🗓 Date: Sunday April 13^th, 2025
📍 Location: Ascot Park Scout Hall

Are you a young bird lover or just curious about the world of budgerigars? Come along to the “Come and Try” Day, hosted by the Budgerigar Society of South Australia! Held on Sunday 13th April 2025 from 10am to 12 noon at the Ascot Park Scout Hall, this free event is a perfect introduction for juniors and novice breeders alike to learn all about breeding and caring for budgies. You’ll hear from passionate South Australian breeders who will share their knowledge and love for the hobby in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Whether you’re brand new or already have a feathered friend at home, this is a fun opportunity to ask questions, meet fellow young fanciers, and even take home your very own budgerigar! It’s a great way to get involved in a hobby full of colour, character, and community. So, let’s flock together—come and see what all the chirping is about!

🗓 Date: Sunday April 27^th, 2025
📍 Location: Crystal Brook Institute, 26 Bowman St Crystal Brook

The Harry Johnson Young Stock Show will be an Open Show, allowing any financial member of the Pt Pirie Budgerigar Society or any other Budgerigar Society to participate. The event will be conducted under the show rules of the Pt. Pirie Budgerigar Society of South Australia Inc. If entry numbers are sufficient, it will also be recognised as a BCSA Status Movement Show. Birds are to be benched between 9:30am and 10:00am, with judging commencing promptly at 10:15am. Exhibits must not be removed before 2:30pm or without the direction of the Show Manager.

Entries close electronically by Friday April 11th.

🗓 Date: Sunday April 27^th, 2025
📍 Location: Murray Bridge Racing Club

Get ready for a fun-filled feathered morning at the Lower Murray Bird Club’s annual Bird Expo, happening on Sunday, April 27th, 2025, from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Murray Bridge Racing Club, 342 Brinkley Road, Gifford Hill. With just $2 entry for adults (kids enter free!), it’s the perfect outing for bird lovers of all ages. The event will feature an exciting range of trade displays showcasing all things avian—from bird products and accessories to vibrant live bird displays. There’ll also be a free children’s raffle, making it a great family event.

Visitors can enjoy delicious food and drinks from the Bird Club Café, including BBQ, sandwiches, pies, cakes, tea, coffee, and refreshing iced drinks. Ample parking is available, and seller helpers can register for just $2 at the registration desk. All birds must be benched between 8:30am and 10:30am, with the event run under the UBSSA Bird Expo Code of Practice. First aid will be provided by St John, and Dr Anne Fowler Avian Vet will be present for bird welfare. Whether you’re a seasoned bird breeder, casual enthusiast, or curious first-timer, everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere!

This year’s BSSA May meeting will take on a fresh new format, held on the evening of Saturday, 3 May—the night before the Stan Watson Breeders Show. Join the BSSA for a relaxed pizza night and social catch-up, with the highlight being a special presentation by James Bader, ANBC Judges Coordinator, who will be travelling in from Victoria.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow members, enjoy some food, and gain valuable insights from one of the most respected figures in the budgerigar community. All members and their families are warmly invited to attend what promises to be both an enjoyable and informative evening.

The Stan Watson Breeders Show will be held on Sunday, 4 May 2025 at the Ascot Park Scout Hall and is open to all current financial members of any Bird Society. As a BCSA Status Movement Show, all birds must be owner bred and rung with a 2024 RED ANBC closed ring. Entries close at 8:00 PM on Monday, 28 April, with no late entries accepted. Birds are to be benched from 9:30 AM, judging begins at 10:30 AM, and exhibits cannot be removed before 2:30 PM. Entry is $1 per bird (first 20), plus $1.50 postage, payable on the day. Cage stickers will be posted out, and standard BSSA cages must be used with specific setup requirements. Light spotting is encouraged, and all care will be taken, though birds are exhibited at the owner’s risk.

The show includes a wide range of classes and over $1500 in prizes, with major awards for Open, Intermediate, Novice, and Junior exhibitors, plus 32 best of colour/variety winners. Perpetual trophies will also be awarded to top-placed BSSA members. Lunch is provided, and the event will be cancelled if the weather forecast is 32°C or above, as announced on Channel 7’s 6 PM news the night before. This is a great opportunity to showcase your birds ahead of the Nationals—get your entries in and join the fun!

Details:  Medium size mobile flight cage valued at $2800.00 plus accessories.
Size: 1950-L x 950-W
Stainless Steel 316 grade cage fronts.
2 x slide out litter trays
8 x Hardwood perches
1 x Main Door
1 x Smaller Feeder Door
2 x Drinkers
1 x Transparent Seed Hopper.
Freight will be paid by NQBZ Inc. to winner.

Raffle to be drawn on Presentation Night in Cairns.  25th May, 2025.

Tickets are $10.00 each.
Please ring Michelle Fidler on 0457088108 or Bruce Schuster on 0426731339.

ANBC Trivia

In the lead-up to the Nationals, the ANBC has been sharing Throwback Thursday trivia each week—have you been keeping up? Are you a true budgie buff with the knowledge to answer these fun and challenging questions? It’s a great way to test your memory, learn some history, and get into the Nationals spirit!

The March 27th question is in relation to South Australia’s own Kelwyn Kakoschke. The answer was 1986. Back then, Kelwyn won Opaline, Lacewing, Fallow, Dominant Pied, and Red Eyed, an incredible feat from 15 possible classes!