Finally, on Wednesday evening, the North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) committee came together for a productive meeting to plan for May and beyond. With events, meetings, and initiatives in the pipeline, NEBS continues to show a proactive approach to club growth and community engagement. Their forward planning ensures the continued vibrancy of the hobby in the north-eastern suburbs and beyond.

ANBC Matters

Looking beyond South Australia, the ANBC are seeking out several supporting positions for their national operations. These include Public Officer (who must be a resident of the ACT), Historian (currently held by the ANBC Secretary), Web Master, and ANBC Auditor (the current position holder has also nominated for the next twelve months). All nominations must be submitted to the ANBC Secretary by 15th May 2025 via email at 📧 [email protected]. The ANBC extends its sincere thanks to all Zones and delegates for their continued support and participation.

Furthermore, the ANBC is also seeking to develop state and zone-specific stories for the media in the lead up to Cairns 2025, in conjunction with Nic Hayes and his team at Media Stable. Experience suggests that these state and local community stories are more likely to be picked up than broader, more National pieces. Media Stable have suggested several strong ideas to help shape the narrative. One concept includes a Landline pitch exploring how budgies are bringing farmers together amid a mental health and loneliness epidemic. Another suggestion is for the ABC, with possible storylines like “The Secret Life of Budgies” or “The Secret Life of Urban Birds”, where human-interest angles are key—such as why people love birds, how they help with mental wellbeing, and what budgies mean to their owners.

Other ideas include profiling the oldest and youngest competitors at shows for local papers or TV, or looking at the budgie industry boom—with 165,000 rings sold annually in Australia, there’s plenty of scope to explore supporting industries and supply chains to this great hobby.

To help Media Stable craft compelling pitches, the ANBC is asking each state to share a few strong backstories. These could include breeders like Norm Wheatley from Geraldton, who is one win away from the Hall of Fame; or Cheryl Ogden, whose background in competitive sport translates to budgerigar breeding. Other great story angles include budgie breeding as a personal passion that has helped people through tough times, Neale Love’s outreach to young people through Sunshine Butterflies, or the creating an aviary in a communal garden for therapy and joy. Additional ideas include how weather events have influenced show preparations, whether NQBZ can topple South Australia on home soil, and things of the like. If you have any ideas, please reach out to your delegates before April 23rd.

Media Stable will also be pitching broader storyboards such as “Are budgies Australia’s most underrated bird?”, “Monday blues? Get yourself a budgie”, “How budgies are helping beat loneliness”, and “Birds of a feather: why Aussies are flocking to budgie clubs”. These broader pieces will run alongside the state-specific content, giving media outlets a range of angles to work with. To maximise exposure and relevance, we encourage each state to provide unique, personal stories that highlight the human side of our hobby in the lead up to Cairns 2025.

Free Aviary Giveaway

Peter Glassenbury has kindly offered a free aviary to anyone in the budgerigar community who may be interested. The aviary measures 2270 mm in length, 1540 mm in depth, and 1850 mm in height, and includes a single door located on the 1540 mm end. It is in good condition and remains very useable. The pickup location is in Para Hills, Adelaide. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact Peter directly on 0409 288 710 for further information or to arrange collection. This is a generous offer and a great opportunity for anyone looking to expand or upgrade their setup.

Latest Update on Bird Flu (H7N8)

The most recent information on Bird Flu (H7N8) is outlined below. Note that the April 8th update is still current at the time of writing (previously this has been updated more regularly). 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 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. 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.

🗓 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!

This week’s question relates to the Hall of Fame Breeder’s Excellence Division cohort.

The correct answer to last week’s question was Ian Hanington, who achieved 9 wins in the Fallow Class. Matching that record in the Crested Class was Sheppard & Flanagan, also with 9 wins. Ian reached this milestone in 2010, while Sheppard & Flanagan secured their 9th Crested title with a win in Ballarat in 2023.

Breakdown of wins:

• Ian Hanington – Fallow Class (9 wins): 1994, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2010

• Sheppard & Flanagan – Crested Class (9 wins): 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2023