Further afield, the ABS brought the excitement to Queensland with their Club House Show over the weekend, and it was nothing short of spectacular! The day was a huge success, with a showcase of top-quality budgies that had everyone talking. Café ABS kept the energy high, serving up delicious bites to fuel the fun, and the atmosphere was buzzing with great company and lively conversation. The ABS team pulled off another excellent event.

This weekend promises to be memorable, with the much-anticipated annual trek to the Clare region for the Tony & Angela Vandenbrink aviary tour, held in conjunction with the Port Pirie Budgerigar Society Meeting this Sunday. It’s truly inspiring to see so many members from various clubs making the journey north, coming together with the Pirie cohort for what always turns out to be a fantastic day out. These social gatherings are the lifeblood of the budgerigar community here in South Australia, creating the human stories behind this great hobby. If you haven’t experienced it yet and find yourself free this Sunday, why not join in? Auburn, the gateway to Clare, is just a scenic 100 km drive, roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes from the city, and the camaraderie and shared passion for our feathered friends make it well worth the trip. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a day filled with great company, beautiful birds, lasting memories, and Tony’s catch cry of “easy peasy”!

Finally, a friendly reminder that today is the final day to order your 2025 rings in preparation for January 1st, 2025. If you haven’t placed your order yet, the BCSA has made it easier than ever with a dedicated page on their website where you can quickly and securely complete your purchase using a credit card. Simply follow the link below to get started:

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.

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.

We understand that there’s been quite a bit of information shared recently regarding the ANBC and our privacy policy. This is because we’re excited to introduce a new monthly ANBC newsletter, tailored specifically for fanciers and enthusiasts across the country. Up until now, the ANBC has communicated directly with the States and Zones, but we want to connect with you personally through this newsletter, which will be launching later this month.

The newsletter will be available in electronic format, making it easy for you to access and enjoy. For those who prefer a physical copy, you can simply print it out and savour it over your favourite cup of tea or coffee – we won’t be making hard copies available.

While many small businesses and not-for-profit organisations with an annual turnover of $3 million or less don’t need a privacy policy, we made one, only because we wanted to be completely transparent with and clarify our intentions. We’re only using your information to send you the newsletter – nothing more. Rest assured, we’re not selling your data, or worst still, sharing it with anyone else. Plain and simple, we’d just like to send you a newsletter, to keep you up to date. And if you’d prefer not to receive the ANBC newsletter, that’s perfectly okay too – we won’t take it personally.

To ensure we have your permission to send the newsletter directly to you, we’ve asked the states and zones to confirm that their members are happy for us to communicate with you. So, you might see something from them, with an Opt In option for the ANBC. That’s going to allow them to pass your email address onto us. You can also opt in directly using the link below, which will allow you to subscribe to the newsletter audience.

If you decide later that the newsletter isn’t for you, there will be an easy unsubscribe button at the top of the email, and we won’t bother you again. Again, we wont take it personally, but we secretly think you’ll love it once you see it. We’re really looking forward to having you be part of this new chapter for the ANBC!

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!

If you’re serious about getting the word out—whether it’s about budgies, your business, or any other passion—this is an event you can’t afford to miss. Our partners at Media Stable are hosting an essential event in Melbourne next week that promises to be a game-changer. On Tuesday, August 27th, Media Stable presents #MeetTheMedia, an exclusive opportunity to connect with some of the biggest names in media.

Nic Hayes and his team have curated a lineup of top media professionals, including the Executive Producer of The Project and the Chief of Staff at the Herald Sun. This is your chance to network directly with them and gain insider insights into what it takes to get your story noticed.

One of the highlights of the event is when Nic asks each media expert in the room a simple yet powerful question: “What do you look for in a story?” You’ll be amazed at the nuances and specific tweaks each outlet requires to get a story over the line.

With limited tickets left and an exciting new venue, this is a must-attend event for anyone looking to enhance their media savvy. If this is in your wheelhouse, or if you’re simply curious to learn more, don’t hesitate—grab your ticket and discover what it’s all about!

Discover Hentley Farm (Strictly Limited to 20 people)
Date: Thursday 24^th October. Noon to 3 PM
Location: Cnr Gerald Roberts Rd & Jenke Rd, Seppeltsfield SA, 5355

Join Richard Miller, Peter Thurn, and Gary Gazzard for an exclusive, intimate lunch that promises to be an unforgettable experience. This isn’t a presentation—it’s a leisurely afternoon dedicated to savouring the very best that South Australia has to offer, brought to you by our exceptional wine partners at Hentley Farm. Imagine indulging in exquisite red wines from the iconic Barossa Valley, with lively and unfiltered conversation flowing freely under the relaxed guidance of Chatham House rules. This is your moment to ask anything, explore ideas, and enjoy an atmosphere of relaxed camaraderie.

Over the course of three delightful hours, you’ll be treated to expertly paired wines, with our friends at Hentley Farm promising to sneak in a few hidden gems that will have Peter Thurn grinning like a kid in a candy store. But this is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of exceptional company, world-class wine, and the pure pleasure of savouring life’s finest moments, as Hentley Farm showcases the Barossa Valley.

You’ll also embark on a condensed yet impactful journey through Hentley Farm’s renowned Discovery Menu. This carefully curated selection of courses, crafted by Chef Kyle, offers a harmonious blend of seasonal ingredients, each dish a masterpiece paired perfectly with Hentley Farm wines. It’s a rare opportunity to experience the essence of Hentley Farm’s culinary artistry in a succinct, yet deeply immersive way.

When booking, please ensure any health-related allergies are noted at the time of booking. Hentley Farm’s philosophy is to take guests on a culinary journey that challenges preconceived ideas about ingredients and their potential combinations, offering a dining experience that is as innovative as it is indulgent.

Cost: $200 per person inclusive of degustation and paired wines

Richard, along with his wife Sarah, is eagerly anticipating his first visit to Australia, and he’s determined to make this presentation unforgettable. He’s not just excited—he’s ready to deliver a knockout session on everything exhibition budgerigars. And when it comes to credentials, Richard’s are second to none. At just 41, he’s already a four-time world champion, a title he’s earned in partnership with his father, Michael Miller. Beyond that, he’s an international judge and keynote speaker, having shared his expertise across Europe, the US, and the Middle East.

This year, Richard will be judging the World Championships in Belgium, alongside Australia’s own Stephen Mow, making this event even more special. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear from one of the UK’s leading breeders in person. Richard will delve into the intricacies of exhibition budgerigars, the challenges of the field, and his vision for the future, all in a presentation unlike any other. This is your chance to learn from someone at the top of their game, so make sure you’re there to catch every insight.

Join us for an unforgettable evening, beginning with a warm and welcoming meet and greet from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM. This is your chance to mingle and connect before we transition to a sumptuous three-course meal designed to delight your senses.

The culinary journey kicks off with a shared entrée that includes a selection of Penfield olives, spiced roasted peanuts, freshly baked focaccia, tender calamari, and spiced arancini—each bite a taste of perfection. For the main course, you’ll have the pleasure of choosing from six mouthwatering options, each crafted with the finest ingredients to suit every palate. The evening will conclude on a sweet note with a shared dessert duo featuring a decadent bread and butter pudding and a silky panna cotta.

To complement your meal, a variety of drinks will be available at bar prices, ensuring you have the perfect pairing for every course. This event promises to be an evening of great food, great company, and unforgettable memories—don’t miss out!

Cost: $55 per person including food and presentation.
Join us in the Terrace and Chamber Rooms.

For those attending Budgie Fest and seeking accommodation in Adelaide, we’re excited to offer an exclusive deal through our partners with purpose at Cruise Advisors. Alex and his team at Cruise Advisors are the stellar company who are making Richard’s trip to Adelaide possible, and we thank them for their support of Budgie Fest 2024. When you book through Cruise Advisor’s principal, Alex Prez, you’ll enjoy a luxurious stay at the Pullman Adelaide with some fantastic perks.

This special offer includes a complimentary room upgrade upon check-in (if available), daily breakfast for two, and a $100 USD hotel credit to enhance your stay. Plus, you’ll benefit from early check-in and late checkout (subject to availability), allowing you to make the most of your time in Adelaide. And to top it all off, you’ll be greeted with a welcome amenity on arrival, setting the tone for an exceptional stay. Don’t miss this opportunity to combine comfort and convenience during Budgie Fest!

The Pullman Adelaide is conveniently located in downtown Adelaide, 2.1 km from The Maid, and 8.4 km from Saturday’s festivities at Campbelltown Function Centre.

For more details, contact Alex Prez on 0434 774 830 or [email protected]

Note – this booking must be made through Alex, and is not available through direct bookings with the Hotel.