| Welcome to this week’s edition of the Budgie Bulletin! |
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| Over the course of the past week, we’ve made an exciting leap forward with the soft launch of Budgie Fest 3.0 online. The early response has been encouraging, with ticket sales steadily rolling in. This year, we’ve taken the festival to a whole new level, inviting participants to showcase their budgies in a way we haven’t done before. Instead of the budgies having a dose of stage fright, we’re asking breeders and enthusiasts to create a video of what makes their budgie special. It can be chatting, dancing, interacting, or anything that shows off why you think it should be the Chirp Champion, Australia’s Best Pet Budgie. Once submitted, these videos will be compiled into a captivating montage, providing a stunning showcase of the diverse personalities and charm of these animated little creatures for our judges to preside over. This unique format will allow the personality of the budgies to truly shine. The overall Chirp Champion will be treated to a year’s worth of seed from our partners at Trill™ Expert.
Budgie Fest 3.0 will take place on Saturday, October 25th, and we’ve packed the event with exciting features that everyone can look forward to. Notably, this year’s event will incorporate two major competitions: the Tri Club Cup and the BSSA/NEBS Interclub, both of which are sure to draw competitive spirit and enthusiasm. Whether you’re participating or spectating, it’s set to be a memorable day filled with thrilling moments. But that’s not all – on the Friday night before the main event, we have something special planned. We’re bringing you an exclusive panel interview with some exciting guests who will share their experiences, tips, and human stories with the audience. And if the stars align and we manage to work some magic with Media Stable, we may even have a surprise South Australian identity joining the panel, adding an extra layer of excitement to the weekend.
This week has also been bustling with committee meetings, which have been instrumental in planning future events and initiatives. On Monday night, the BSSA meeting was held, where the committee finalised the program for the second half of 2025. Looking ahead, the BSSA’s next event on the horizon is the “Gather Around” – a unique opportunity for members to interact with experienced breeders and learn about key aspects of breeding budgerigars. The “Gather Around” will allow members to delve into topics like nest box design and maintenance, crop feeding, pairing and pair bonding, and feeding regimes, among others. Each breeder will offer their insights into what they consider their “1%ers” for improvement, providing invaluable learning opportunities for all in attendance.
On Tuesday evening, the ANBC Working Group meeting saw the development of several exciting new initiatives that are sure to have a major impact on the community. While we won’t spoil the surprise for the SQBBA, we can tell you that the 50th anniversary show is shaping up to be something truly special. The anticipation is already building, and we encourage everyone to mark their calendars for this unmissable event in May 2026. Expect a celebration of the rich history and future potential of budgerigar breeding, with plenty of new ideas and innovations to explore. |
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| Wednesday evening brought together the BCSA committee for a productive meeting, with one of the primary focuses being the organisation of Budgie Fest 3.0. As we approach the third year of this festival, we’re aiming to build on the momentum from previous events, introducing new initiatives and enhancing the overall experience for both participants and attendees. Our goal is to make this year’s festival bigger, better, and even more enjoyable for the whole family. With exciting new activities and initiatives in the pipeline, Budgie Fest 3.0 promises to be an event that grows with the community while remaining true to the spirit of fun and enthusiasm that makes it so unique. |
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| Beyond the local activities, this week also saw the Western Auction taking place, a significant event for those involved in the budgerigar community interstate. Auctions like these provide breeders with an opportunity to showcase their best stock and for buyers to secure high-quality birds. The Western Auction has long been a highlight on the calendar, and we’re eager to see the results and new additions to aviaries across the region.
Looking ahead, this weekend the Port Pirie Budgerigar Society have their aviary visit scheduled. Tony and Angela Van Den Brink, based in Auburn, just outside of Claire, will open their aviaries for a visit, offering a rare opportunity to see their breeding setup and learn from their expertise. The aviary visit will also serve as a meeting for the Port Pirie Club, further fostering collaboration and learning within regional SA. Tony and Angela’s is always a wonderful day out, with Tony’s humour, and Angela’s cooking, always a highlight, alongside Budgie Fest identity, Budg Budg.
Interstate, there’s even more happening this weekend. On Sunday, the United Budgerigar Society will hold the final live auction on the National calendar for 2025. This auction is expected to attract breeders from across the country, showcasing the finest birds and offering a great opportunity to acquire top-quality stock. Whether you’re attending in person or participating remotely, this auction promises to be an exciting and competitive event.
As we continue to look towards the future, we’d like to remind everyone that ring orders for 2026 are due by Sunday, August 24th. If you’re a BSSA member, please ensure you place your order through Ian Jenke; NEBS members should go through John Mulley, and PPBS members can submit their orders to Doug Lange. For those who prefer the convenience of online ordering, you can easily submit your request via credit card at the following link: https://bcsa.com.au/subscribe/ and it will be channeled back to your respective ring registrar. |
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| Check out the collaboration between our partners Hentley Farm, and Budgie Fest’s own artist, Dr. Daniel Connell! |
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This week in auctions, we have two exciting events: the BSSA Auction 22 for 2025 and the Andrew & Wayne Cusack Auction, both hosted on the 32 Auction online platform. Additionally, the United live auction will take place on Sunday in Plenty, Victoria, offering another fantastic opportunity for breeders and enthusiasts to get involved.
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BSSA Auction 22 for 2025🦜
Closing Date: August 24th
Lots Available: 12
This event showcases an impressive line-up of 12 birds from local BSSA members George England, Chris Murphy and Trevor Goodenough. The auction features a variety of sought-after varieties including Lacewings, Normals, Recessive Pieds and Spangles. This event is perfect for fanciers looking to strengthen or diversify their breeding lines.
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Wayne & Andrew Cusack Auction 1 2025🦜
📅 Closing Date: August 24th 2025
Lots Available: 20
Andrew and Wayne Cusack are proud to present Cusack Auction 1 2025, the first of three budgerigar auctions they will run this year. Recognised across Australia, the Cusack partnership offers a rare chance to purchase quality birds directly from their Hall of Fame stud. Many of the birds on offer are the lesser siblings of the Cusacks’ top show birds or bred from proven pairs. Varieties include Clearwings, Dilutes, Lutinos, Saddlebacks and more.
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United (Live) Auction 2025 🦜
📍 Venue: 21 Memorial Drive, Plenty
📅 Date: August 23rd 2025
📞 Contact: Auction Manager Alan Baxter – 0418 359 217
Join us for the highly anticipated United Auction 2025, hosted by the United Budgerigar Society on Saturday 23rd August at Plenty Hall, Victoria. With 178 quality birds on offer—85 cocks and 93 hens—this event promises a vibrant mix of varieties from some of Australia’s top breeders. While there’s no online bidding, a live stream will be available, and phone bidding is offered through trusted providers.
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🐦 Port Pirie Quarterly Meeting & Aviary Tour
📅 Sunday August 24th
📍 Tony & Angela Van Den Brink, AuburnPort Pirie Budgerigar Society kindly asks members to confirm their attendance for the meeting on the 24th 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.The day will incorporate a wonderful aviary tour of Angela & Tony’s property in Auburn, just outside of Claire. |
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🐦 BSSA Gather Around
📅 Tuesday September 2nd 2025
📍 18 Arthur Street, UnleyAt our September 2 BSSA meeting, a panel of experienced mentors will share their insight into the “1% improvements” that can make all the difference in your breeding program. Topics will include:
- Crop feeding techniques for stronger, healthier chicks
- Nest box design that works in practice
- Feeding strategies for success at every stage
- Pairing and pair bonding to enhance fertility
- Egg management to maximise outcomes
This is a unique chance to learn from some of the most knowledgeable breeders in the fancy, with practical advice you can apply straight to your own birdroom.
👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your skills and take your breeding results to the next level. |
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🐦 Rob McKie: My Journey In Budgerigars, & How It All Began
📅 Tuesday, 10 September
📍 NEBS Meeting, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville, SA 7:30 PMThe North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) is excited to announce that Rob McKie will be their guest speaker at the September meeting. Rob and his wife Wendy were a well-known partnership in the budgerigar fancy during the era of the English imports and the formation of the BCSA. Rob served as Vice President of NEBS and represented NEBS as a delegate to the BCSA in its formative years. Together, Rob and Wendy were highly regarded breeders of Normal Grey Greens, Dominant Pieds, and Spangles, achieving a highlight win in the Opaline class at the 1997 Nationals in Melbourne. Although they later stepped away from the hobby to focus on fishing, Rob reconnected with NEBS at their 50th anniversary meeting last year, making this return to speak with the Club even more special. Don’t miss the chance to hear Rob’s story — from his earliest days in the fancy to the experiences that helped shape the budgerigar community we know today.👉 Join the North East on 10 September for what promises to be a memorable night! Entry is free! |
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🐦 Budgie Fest 2025
📅 Saturday October 25th
📍 Campbelltown Function Centre, 172 Montacute Road, Rostrevor |
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| Have you signed up to the ANBC Gazette? It is packed full of information, and spans the continent, with cutting edge news from Vets, nostalgic reflection on some of the older Clubs, fanciers in focus, and more. Its free, and it’s a great resource. We encourage anyone with a passion in budgerigars to sign up. |
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It’s been an exciting week filled with progress and anticipation. From the soft launch of Budgie Fest 3.0 to the productive committee meetings and interstate auctions, we’ve seen the budgerigar community come together in meaningful ways. Looking ahead, the upcoming aviary visit in Auburn, and live auctions promise even more opportunities for learning, growth, and camaraderie within our community. As we continue to prepare for Budgie Fest 3.0 and beyond, we remain committed to fostering a spirit of collaboration, education, and fun, ensuring that every event is a memorable experience for all involved.
Until next week. |
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August
- Sunday 24th August – Port Pirie Meeting & Aviary Tour (in Auburn) with Tony & Angela Van Den Brink
- Sunday 24th August – 2026 Ring Orders Close (for December 15th arrival)
September
- Tuesday 2nd September – Gather Around, Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur Street, Unley
- Wednesday 10th September – Rob McKie Presentation, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville
October
- Tuesday 7th October – BSSA Monthly Meeting, Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur Street Unley
- Wednesday 8th October – NEBS Monthly Meeting, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville
- Sunday 19th October – Port Pirie Meeting, Aviary Visit & Show, Maitland
- Saturday 25th October – Budgie Fest/Tri Club Cup/Interclub, Campbelltown
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