Newcastle Auction – A Standout Event in New South Wales
The Newcastle Auction in New South Wales was a clear highlight, attracting strong attendance and plenty of spirited bidding. Notably, several familiar faces from South Australia made the trip, underlining just how far the influence and camaraderie of the budgerigar community stretches.

Auctions like Newcastle’s have a unique energy: a blend of competition, anticipation, and shared passion. Breeders arrive not only to sell or purchase birds, but to catch up with friends, exchange ideas, and compare breeding successes from the past season. For those travelling from interstate, the event also offers an opportunity to see firsthand the styles, standards, and bloodlines that are performing well through some strategic aviary visits.

South Australian attendees brought with them a mix of curiosity and competitive spirit, and many left with new stock to add to their breeding programmes. The birds on offer were of high quality, reflecting the dedication of breeders Newcastle Club were able to secure. For buyers, securing one of these birds meant the chance to inject fresh genetics into their aviaries, an important step for some in maintaining both vitality and show performance in future generations.

The evening was also an important milestone for the club itself, as it incorporated the NEBS Annual General Meeting. Members reflected on the past year’s achievements, discussed plans for the year ahead, and welcomed input from the floor on future initiatives.

And of course, no NEBS meeting would be complete without a bit of fun – congratulations to BJ (John Farrugia Gay), who walked away as the lucky winner of the meat tray raffle, a light-hearted yet much-anticipated tradition at NEBS gatherings.

Busy Week Ahead – Committee and Working Group Meetings
While the weekend is shaping up to be busy on the auction front, the week ahead will see a flurry of committee and working group activity.

On the BSSA calendar, Monday night’s Committee meeting will bring together key organisers to review upcoming events, manage club affairs, and ensure that everything is running smoothly for members. These meetings may not have the glamour of a show or auction, but they are the engine room of the club’s operations. Decisions made here directly influence the events, resources, and opportunities available to members.

At the national level, the ANBC Working Group will also come together on Tuesday evening. This working groups often focus on specific projects or initiatives, such as engagement, On The Perch, sponsorship, or the National Show organisation. Their work feeds into broader council discussions and helps to keep momentum on longer-term goals.

NEBS will also hold their regular committee meeting, providing an opportunity to plan for upcoming activities. With all of these meetings taking place, it’s safe to say that there’s a lot happening behind the scenes to keep the hobby moving forward.

Looking Further Ahead – Port Pirie Aviary Tour in Auburn
Next weekend, attention will turn to one of the more relaxed but equally enjoyable events on the calendar: the highly anticipated aviary tour hosted by Port Pirie in Auburn, just outside of Clare. The event will take place at the residence of Tony and Angela Van Den Brink, whose aviary is well-regarded for both the quality of the birds and the thoughtful way in which it is set up. It’s also a great chance to see the legendary Budg Budg, a Budgie Fest favourite. Aviary tours offer a different kind of experience to shows or auctions – they provide a chance to see breeding pairs in their home environment, to discuss husbandry and management in detail, and to pick up practical ideas that can be adapted in one’s own setup.

For newer members of the hobby, these tours are especially valuable. They provide a rare opportunity to ask questions in an informal setting and to see first-hand how experienced breeders structure their breeding programmes, manage their space, and care for their birds throughout the year.

In addition to the learning opportunities, aviary tours are a fantastic social occasion. Visitors can enjoy the hospitality of their hosts, connect with fellow breeders, and spend the day immersed in conversation about the birds we all love. For many, these connections are just as valuable as the information gained – they build the friendships and networks that keep the hobby vibrant and welcoming.

A reminder that in addition to all that is happening, August 24^th is our cut off date for 2026 rings. Our rings remained capped at 2025 prices of 55 cents each.