The evening also encapsulated the AGM. Congratulations to the North East on their new management team and committee, which consists of:

• President: Ian Wise
• Vice President: Beau Schutz
• Secretary: Kevin Back
• Assistant Secretary: John Mulley
• Treasurer: Beau Schutz
• Ring Officer: Con Orfanos
• Show Manager: Troy Holmes
• Committee Members: John Farrugia-Gay, Nigel Tonkin

This weekend gone, several eager fanciers from South Australia embarked on a journey across the border to attend the Newcastle Annual Auction. These events are more than just opportunities to acquire rare and quality exhibition birds; they are cherished social gatherings that weave the fabric that is this fantastic hobby. The stories and interactions that unfold—the shared laughter, the quiet moments of reflection, the thrill of a successful bid—create lasting memories and deepen the bonds within our budgie community.

Picture yourself at the pre-event dinner, where a casual conversation might lead to a collaboration that sees you representing your state in a particular variety in two year’s time. Or imagine the excitement and anticipation of those who’ve traveled halfway across the country, driven by the hope of securing that one elusive bird, made available as part of a sell out. The drama of the auction, the highs and lows, the victories and near misses — these moments become the stories we share and the memories we hold dear. And as some say, the joy is always sweeter when you win it.

But for many, these weekends are about so much more than the auction itself. It’s about soaking in the scenery, engaging in meaningful conversations, and visiting the aviaries that inspire us. These experiences create incredible weekends that bring together a close-knit community of like-minded individuals. While they may not draw the same crowds as the National Titles, events like these are circled on calendars well in advance. Newcastle is no exception, and as we look ahead to the final events of the year, with Western and United still to come, it’s heartening to see the growing interstate interest for Budgie Fest 2024. These gatherings remind us of the enduring connections we share and the love we all have for this remarkable hobby.

Looking ahead, Sunday is the Western Suburbs Auction in Melbourne. Western is always a high-quality event, and this year promises to be no different. Details of the event are included in the Auction & Sales section below. We also have an ANBC delegates meeting on Monday evening, followed by a BCSA delegates meeting on Wednesday evening. The BSSA and NEBS committees are also due to meet this week, and on the weekend, the Port Pirie Club will be coming together for the annual trek to Claire to visit Tony & Angela Vandenbrink for their meeting and aviary tour.

This exciting auction features birds for sale from a dedicated pet breeder, Simon Dale, in Springvale, Melbourne. Simon reached out to the BSSA to participate in our online auctions. Most of these birds have lineage tracing back to Christine Sabateen in South Australia. Christine was a beloved and highly respected breeder for many years.

As you explore the listings, you will notice that almost all the birds are crest-bred, with many exhibiting the distinctive tuffed/crested and frillback features. Although the majority of these birds are unrung, the vendor possesses extensive knowledge of their age and breeding performance, ensuring that potential buyers have valuable information.

The BSSA is passionate about encouraging more pet and colored hobbyists to become involved with our Clubs throughout Australia. Our guest speakers at Club meetings consistently provide fantastic and practical knowledge that benefits all hobbyists, whether they are exhibition breeders or pet breeders. We believe that this shared expertise can enhance everyone’s experience and contribute to the thriving community of bird enthusiasts.

Join us in this BSSA Pet Bird Auction 5 and become part of a vibrant community dedicated to the love and care of these extraordinary birds.

Welcome to Russell Woods Budgerigar Auction 1 for 2024. Russell has some 2022 and 2023 birds for sale. His birds consist of his line, along with Steve Grech and Ian Hunter birds. There are a total of 19 birds on offer. The auction commences on August 15th and ends on August 19th. Pickup is available for the birds, or freight can be arranged from Wagga Wagga airport in NSW. For more details, follow the link below or reach out on Mobile 0448 362 499.

Date: 25th August 2024
Location: Tony and Angela’s residence, 30 Globe Street, Auburn

Port Pirie Budgerigar Society kindly asks members to confirm their attendance for the meeting on the 25th of August. Accurate numbers are crucial for catering purposes. Those who attended last year will fondly remember leaving with full tummies thanks to Angela’s wonderful spread of food.

Please RSVP by the 11th of August to ensure we can plan accordingly. Your timely response is greatly appreciated. The day will incorporate a wonderful aviary tour of Angela & Tony’s property in Auburn, just outside of Claire.

Date: Tuesday September 3rd 2024
Location: Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur Street Unley

Get ready for a night of fun and excitement at the BSSA Quiz Night! This quiz will test your knowledge on the history of the club, The Standard, Matrix, Nationals, and the key people and their roles within the club. So, brush up on your Budgie and BSSA knowledge!

There are fantastic prizes up for grabs for the winning team, so bring your A-game. Teams will be allocated on the night, ensuring a great mix of members and a bit of friendly rivalry. We can’t wait to see the lively interaction and competitive spirit!

Mark your calendars, prepare your trivia skills, and get ready for an unforgettable evening!

Date: September 11th 2024
Location: 49 LeHunte Street, Kilburn
Time: 7:30 PM

Join the NEBS crew for a live Zoom cross to Peter Thurn (Thorn), who will be patching in from his home in country Victoria, to share his wealth of knowledge on Budgerigars and Barossa Reds.

Date: 15th September 2024
Location: 74 Dartmouth Street, Port Augusta

The Port Pirie Budgerigar Society of South Australia Inc. has organized a unique opportunity for bird enthusiasts in South Australia. Members are invited to visit the extensive aviaries of Brian and Beverley Reichelt on the 15th of September from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at 74 Dartmouth Street, Port Augusta.

Following the aviary tour, there is an option to arrange a luncheon at the Arid Gardens, subject to the number of participants. Brian and Beverley’s operation features 78 covered aviaries housing approximately 240 birds, including Macaws, Amazon Parrots, Asiatic Parrots, Conures, African Parrots, and Budgerigars. This is a rare chance to see the latest colour mutations in parrots that are seldom viewed by the public. Recognizing that the travel distance may be a concern, we highly recommend carpooling to enhance the travel experience with conversation and camaraderie.

This special event is not limited to Port Pirie Club members but is also open to members of Adelaide clubs. Please notify Peter Glassenbury by the 30th of August if you wish to attend the aviary visit and the luncheon. Contact him at 0409 288 710 or [email protected] to confirm your participation and secure bookings for both the tour and the luncheon. This is an opportunity not to be missed!

If you can’t make it to Austria in September, one might be wise to consider registering for the 49th Annual ANBC National Titles in sunny North Queensland next year. You won’t need your passport to get there.

The North Queensland Budgerigar Zone extends a warm invitation to all budgerigar enthusiasts, their families, and friends to join them in Cairns, North Queensland, for the 2025 Australian National Budgerigar Council (ANBC) Championship Show. This exciting event takes place at the Brothers Leagues Club, a premier venue perfect for our championship. For your convenience, accommodation is available at the Cairns Colonial Club Resort, just 600 meters from the venue, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all attendees. Join them for the 2025 ANBC Nationals in Cairns for a spectacular showcase of the finest budgerigars, engaging activities, and the chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts in the beautiful setting of Cairns. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be part of a memorable event!

Register using the link below.

The North Queensland Budgerigar Breeders Club is excited to announce a special 100-square raffle as part of our ongoing fundraising efforts. They are thrilled to offer a stunning Grey Green Cock Bird as the prize, generously donated by Alan Rowe, one of Australia’s premier breeders from Victoria. This bird, bred in November 2022, comes from Alan’s renowned National Grey Green line, making it a highly coveted addition to any aviary.

Squares are available for just $10 each, giving you a chance to win this exceptional bird. To participate, please reach out to Peter Macelroy via email. We kindly ask that you deposit your payment into the club’s account and send a photo of the receipt to [email protected] or via text to 0428 792 022. If needed, the club will gladly arrange freight for the bird to ensure it arrives safely at its new home.

This is a fantastic opportunity to support the club and potentially secure a top-quality bird for your collection. Don’t miss out on your chance to participate!