Sunday’s Annual Judges Meeting brought our judging panel together for an important session of alignment and open discussion. As a group, we addressed several key areas, including presentation and consistency, with a clear focus on continuing to lift standards across the board.

A further positive outcome was the unanimous vote of confidence in John Mulley as Judges Coordinator. John has done an outstanding job in developing a structured and progressive training program for our judges, while also serving as a key point of contact for judging matters within South Australia.

With strong alignment, clear direction, and great support behind us, we are hoping for great things at the Logan Shield in a month’s time.

The ANBC Delegates Meeting was held on Monday, with several important outcomes confirmed. A key point of discussion centred on the Hens class. It was determined that the class will now carry the suffix ASC/ASV, meaning any hen exhibited must be a recognised combination as defined within the Matrix of the ANBC Standard. This provides greater clarity and consistency for exhibitors and judges alike. For example, a hen entered cannot be an unrecognised combination such as a Dominant Pied Opaline Dilute; all exhibits must align with approved combinations outlined in the Standard.

The inclusion has been approved on a provisional basis, pending final completion of the document by the Zone Colour and Standards Delegates. Importantly, delegates agreed that this item does not need to remain on the table for a further three-month review period, and it will instead be incorporated into The Standard effective immediately.

The North East (NEBS) committee also met this week, covering a range of upcoming events and initiatives. Support for this Saturday’s 30th Anniversary festivities was a key focus, with members offering assistance to help ensure the day runs smoothly. Planning also continued for the Murray Bridge Bird Expo in May, which is shaping up as another important opportunity to promote the hobby and engage with the broader community on why breeding and exhibiting budgerigars is so much fun.

Attention then turned to the next NEBS meeting, which will take the form of an open workshop aimed at helping members from any Club prepare their birds ahead of the Logan Shield. Interest in this event has been particularly strong, highlighting the value of these practical, hands-on sessions, and presenting the best exhibition team possible for South Australia. The workshop will see breeders bring along their birds, with experienced exhibitors assisting in preparing them for the show bench. This includes tasks such as spot trimming, attention to pin feathers, and general grooming, ensuring birds are presented at their best in readiness for the State Titles on May 17th.

Looking further afield, the Royal Easter Show was conducted in NSW. Congratulations to David Dunn who won Grand Champion, and to Andre Ozoux on winning Champion Young Bird of Show & Reserve Champion of Show at the Sydney Royal Easter show. Further afield, Alan Nightingale won Grand champion at the New England show in Tamworth. In Victoria, the Bendigo Diploma Show, G & P Dickson won Grand Champion and Best Young Budgerigar, and in Toowoomba, Trevor Broadbent won Best Young Bird.

We may have officially turned 30 on the 12th, but the celebrations truly begin tomorrow at Noon. The BCSA 30th Anniversary Luncheon will be held in the Max Amber Room at the Athelstone Football Club, located at 150 George Street, Paradise. The event will be hosted by Graeme Goodings and Nic Hayes, who will guide attendees through a nostalgic journey reflecting on the past three decades of the BCSA. Set against a relaxed luncheon setting, the afternoon promises to be a fitting celebration of the people, milestones, and memories that have shaped the club over 30 years.
Looking ahead to next week, Monday will see the BSSA Committee come together for their monthly planning meeting at Unley. The meeting will focus on ongoing club operations, upcoming events, and key initiatives as the busy show season continues.

Interstate, there’s plenty happening for those looking to get amongst the action this weekend. In Canberra, the Budgie Bonanza Sale is set to attract strong interest, with a wide range of birds and budgerigar-related merchandise on offer—well worth a visit if you’re in the area. Meanwhile, in Victoria, the Great Southern Bird Sale & Expo will be held in Dandenong on Sunday, providing another great opportunity for fanciers to pick up birds, connect with fellow breeders, and enjoy a day immersed in the hobby.

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.