Locally, the North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) came together for its monthly meeting, which this month also incorporated the Club’s Annual General Meeting. It proved to be a smooth and relatively uneventful AGM, with all existing office bearers and committee members re-elected to their current positions. There were also no changes to NEBS’ representatives to Council, providing plenty of continuity for the Club heading into the next twelve months.

With the formalities completed, the evening moved into something a little more nostalgic, with another Blast from the Past interview, this time featuring long-time NEBS member and Life Member Ian Marshall.

Ian took members back through his journey in the hobby, which, like so many of us, began during his teenage years. His initial interest started simply enough, with a couple of pairs of budgerigars and a shared enthusiasm for the birds with a friend. From those humble beginnings came a lifelong involvement in the hobby.

One of those chance moments that can change the course of a person’s involvement came when Ian spotted a “Budgies for Sale” sign while travelling along Hampstead Road. That simple sign ultimately introduced him to the North East Budgerigar Club, an organisation that would go on to become an important part of his life and one of which he is now proudly a Life Member.

Ian spoke fondly about those early days, recalling his original pairs of birds and some of the people who influenced him as he developed as a breeder. Among those he acknowledged were John Fisher and Alan Kett, both of whom played an important role in shaping his knowledge and enthusiasm.

With the encouragement and support of his parents, Ian’s involvement eventually developed into the Marshall Family stud. Over the years, the family established a particular passion for varieties including Albinos, Lacewings and Recessive Pieds, and Ian reflected on some of the characteristics he always looked for within his birds. In particular, he admitted that his stud had always shown a definite bias towards hens displaying strong shoulder and the type of quality he valued within his breeding program.

It was also fascinating to hear Ian speak about his time as a bird carer for South Australia, a role that carries with it enormous responsibility in the lead-up to the ANBC National Championships. Preparing a State team for the Nationals involves far more than simply placing birds into carrying cages and heading to the airport. The birds need to arrive at the National Championships in the best possible condition, and Ian reflected on the work and responsibility involved each year in preparing and caring for the South Australian team.

Among the many memories shared during the evening, one achievement understandably stood above the rest. Ian recalled the remarkable occasion when the Marshall Family finished first and second at the Nationals with two Recessive Pied brothers. To breed one National-winning bird is an extraordinary accomplishment. To take the top two positions with brothers is something even more special and remains an achievement Ian understandably looks back on with enormous pride.

The Blast from the Past interview generated plenty of stories, memories and discussion and was another reminder of just how important it is that we continue recording the history of our clubs and the people who have contributed so much to the hobby over many decades.

Earlier in the week, the Australian National Budgerigar Council also came together for its latest Delegates Meeting. Considerable time was devoted to the five motions currently being considered by the States, with delegates having the opportunity to discuss the reasoning behind the proposals and some of the potential consequences of each.

The agreed position coming from that meeting was that each State and Zone would return by the end of August with its formal position on the five motions. For South Australia, that means an important discussion will take place when the BCSA Council meets next Wednesday evening.

Before that meeting, however, the BCSA wants to ensure that the views of our members are heard. We have therefore taken the opportunity to put each of the motions directly to South Australian members through a short Mailchimp survey. Members can indicate whether they are FOR or AGAINST each individual motion.

The survey is not intended to replace the responsibility of delegates and Council representatives to consider each proposal carefully, but it will provide valuable information about where the broader South Australian membership stands. This gives our delegates some genuine data to consider when Council comes together next Wednesday to determine how South Australia will vote.

If you have an opinion on any of the motions, we strongly encourage you to have your say. These are significant decisions, and member feedback is an important part of ensuring South Australia’s position reflects the views and interests of those actively involved in the hobby.

The survey link is provided below, and we encourage as many members as possible to complete it before Wednesday evening.

As often happens when so many people involved in the hobby find themselves in the same room, the evening also provided an opportunity for discussions beyond the auction itself. A few interested parties found themselves involved in what became an impromptu meeting of minds around preparations for the 2027 Canberra Nationals, giving those involved an opportunity to discuss ideas and some of the work that lies ahead. And, perhaps just as importantly, the evening also saw the presentation of a rather memorable purple tracksuit to one unsuspecting fancier from Wagga Wagga – proof that there is always room for a little humour among the serious discussions!

The auction itself followed on Saturday and was another tremendous success. Quality birds attracted plenty of interest throughout the day, and a number of South Australian fanciers were active buyers, successfully securing birds to bring back across the border and introduce into their breeding programs. Events such as Newcastle remain an important part of the Australian budgerigar calendar. They provide opportunities to access new bloodlines and quality birds, but equally importantly, they bring people together. The friendships, conversations and sharing of ideas that happen around these weekends are every bit as valuable as the birds that ultimately change hands.

Online, BSSA Pet Bird Auction 8 for 2026 is underway, providing another opportunity for those interested in pet, colour and variety birds to pick up something a little different. The BSSA pet auctions have continued to attract strong interest throughout the year and have provided a great avenue for breeders outside the traditional exhibition scene to become more involved in the wider hobby.

Also running this week is the Matthew Troy Mid-Year Reduction Sale, featuring a selection of quality birds being made available as Matt creates room for this year’s youngsters. With Matt’s stud having enjoyed strong results on the show bench, including representation at National level, the sale provides buyers with an opportunity to access birds from some well-established and competitive bloodlines.

Rounding out the week is the Western Suburbs Blue Ribbon live auction in Victoria. As one of the final live auctions on the 2026 calendar, it is traditionally well supported and has developed a reputation for offering some very good birds. No doubt there will be plenty of interest from Victorian and interstate fanciers alike.

So, whether you prefer bidding online from home or making a weekend of a live auction, there is certainly no shortage of opportunities this week.