Welcome to this week’s edition of the Budgie Bulletin!
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Budgie Bulletin, your premier source for all things budgerigar-related within our community and beyond. As we soar into the final weeks of 2024, there’s an undeniable buzz of excitement in the air, fuelled by recent announcements, upcoming events, and significant milestones worth celebrating.
One of the most anticipated updates this week is the release of the Exhibitor Points for 2024, a testament to the dedication, skill, and passion of our exhibitors over the past year. These points serve as more than just numbers; they are the markers of effort, excellence, and progress within our vibrant community. Congratulations are in order for all who have earned points, especially to those who have reached milestones that elevate their status.
A special round of applause goes to the Holmes Family, who have achieved Champion Status for 2025, surpassing the 85 point requirement for the year. Likewise, heartfelt congratulations to Danny Brill for his promotion to Intermediate and to Ian & Gina Wise for advancing to the Open category for the upcoming 2025 showing season. These achievements reflect countless hours of dedication, meticulous care, and a true love for the art and science of budgerigar breeding.
While we celebrate these accomplishments, it’s also important to reflect on challenges encountered during the year. Unfortunately, no points could be awarded to Intermediate and Novice winners at five shows in 2024 due to insufficient exhibitors and/or benched birds in these sections. The affected shows included the Port Pirie Breeders Show, Port Pirie Annual Show, BSSA Ron Norman Annual Show, Tri Club Shield, and BSSA/NEBS Interclub 24. While these situations are disappointing, they highlight areas for growth and the importance of continued engagement across all levels of competition. We remain optimistic that future seasons will see increased participation, enabling all sections to thrive and flourish. For a full list of the exhibitor points, click here:
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| Turning to future prospects, anticipation is building around the judges’ announcement for the 2025 ANBC National Titles in Cairns. Scheduled for release next Wednesday morning, this eagerly awaited news has the entire community buzzing with excitement. The selection of judges is always a pivotal moment, setting the tone for what promises to be an incredible showcase of the finest budgerigars from across Australia. Cairns, with its picturesque backdrop and warm hospitality, will undoubtedly provide the perfect stage for this prestigious event. Whether you’re an exhibitor, breeder, or enthusiast, the National Titles represent the pinnacle of our shared passion, and we’re counting down the days until we can come together to celebrate the best of the best.
In addition to these major announcements, this week also brought a unique opportunity to share the beauty and intricacies of our hobby with a wider audience. Catherine Schnitzerling from ABC Brisbane conducted a delightful interview that allowed us to delve into the world of budgerigars, their care, and the community that surrounds them. The conversation was not only engaging but also a fantastic platform to highlight the dedication and camaraderie within our society. Catherine’s genuine interest and thoughtful questions made it a pleasure to discuss topics ranging from breeding techniques to the joys of exhibiting. For those who missed it, the interview is available using the link below: |
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| Moments like these remind us of the broader impact and appeal of what we do. While breeding and exhibiting budgerigars is a specialised pursuit, it’s also a vibrant part of Australia’s cultural and natural heritage. Sharing our passion with the public not only fosters appreciation but also encourages the next generation of enthusiasts to take up the mantle. With each conversation, exhibition, and event, we’re building a legacy that ensures the continued growth and vitality of our community. |
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This week, we have no new auctions – just the ABS catalogue, in readiness for their live event in early January. Details are featured below. Auctions represent unique opportunities for budgerigar enthusiasts to acquire exceptional stock and connect with some of the leading names in budgies. Don’t miss out on the action as these events unfold!
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ABS Live Auction, Beenleigh QLD, Jan 12 2025 🦜
📅 Date: Sunday, 12th January 2025
📍 Location: Beenleigh Showgrounds Hall, Beenleigh, QLD 4207
⏰ Viewing Starts: 8:00 AM
⏰ Auction Begins: 9:00 AM
Join the ABS at the 2025 Prestigious Budgerigar Auction, hosted by the Australian Budgerigar Society Inc. This event is a must-attend for budgerigar enthusiasts, breeders, and collectors. Witness the finest budgerigars from 37 of Australia’s leading breeders, showcasing 286 lots on the day.
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| Sponsor Showcase – Automated Solutions Australia (ASA)
With the BCSA’s own Troy Holmes as one of its founders, Automated Solutions Australia (ASA) is a valued partner to the Budgerigar Council here in South Australia. Founded in 2002, ASA is headquartered in Adelaide, with offices in Melbourne, and also Michigan in the USA. The mission of ASA is to introduce world-class best practices to the flexible automation (robotics) sector here in Australia. To that end, they are committed to designing and engineering innovative robotic solutions that enhance their customers’ competitive positions within their respective markets. Moreover, their solutions emphasize enhancing throughput, quality, and productivity, while also ensuring a rapid return on investment and safeguarding workers by removing them from potentially hazardous tasks.
Through a comprehensive and integrated approach, ASA aims to build and maintain customer trust. It does this by consistently demonstrating excellence, integrity, responsiveness, and respect in everything they do. To that end, ASA continues to set the standard for best practices in the domestic robotic systems integration market. Their solutions are designed with a focus on improving throughput, quality, and productivity, whilst providing a quick return on investment.
If you’re looking to shore up your sovereign capability in Manufacturing, talk to Automated Solutions Australia. You can reach them on 1800 ROBOTS, or by connecting through their website by clicking on one of the photos.
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| No events remain for 2025
Our next listed event is the Port Pirie AGM in January. |
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ANBC 2025 National Championship Show Update
May 23rd – May 25th 2025, Brothers League Club, Cairns, QLDWelcome to North Queensland Budgerigar Zone update for the 49th ANBC Annual Championship Show being held in Cairns from 23 – 25 May 2025.
Schedule of Events
The weekend events will commence with Registration collection Friday afternoon. The Friday Night Meet and Greet incorporating “On the Perch” will commence at 6 pm at the Brothers League Club. This night is a great interactive event to catch up with old and new friends and exhibitors incorporating the ANBC “On the Perch”. Next, Saturday will see judging at the Brothers League Club commencing around 9 am and continue on again on Sunday from 9 am. The Auction on Sunday will commence around 1.30 pm, concluding the Sunday show events around 3.30pm.
Finally, the Presentation Dinner at the Brothers Leagues Club will open at 6.30 pm for a 7.00 pm start. |
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| More To Do in Cairns
For those that would like to see a little more than budgies in boxes Saturday and Sunday, Cairns offers a variety of attractions including Cairns Aquarium, Botanical Gardens and Centenary Lakes, Cairns Shopping Centre, Tanks Art Centre or a stroll along the Esplanade and Lagoon.
Saturday 24th May Evening
Saturday Night you can relax for Dinner on the Spirit of Cairns Inlet Cruise boarding at 6.30 pm for 2.5 hours – min numbers are required. |
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| Monday 26th May Day Tour
Full day tour leaving the Cairns Colonial Club at 9.00 am – Kuranda Sky rail and Cableway. Firstly, travel on the Kuranda Scenic rail from Freshwater to Kuranda.
To that end, explore Kuranda and the markets, transferring to the Skyrail rainforest cableway to Smithfield. Finally, leave the Skyrail terminal and return back to Cairns Colonial Club at approximately 5 pm. |
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| Tuesday 27th May Day Tour
Visit Historic Herberton Village! Full day tour leaving Cairns at 8.00 am to visit Herberton Historic Village travelling though the Kuranda Range. Depart the Historic Village after lunch to visit the platypus and the unique attraction of the Curtain Fig Tree. Next, return down the scenic Gillie Range and through cane fields neat Gordonvale. Finally, arrive back at Cairns Colonial Club around 5 pm. |
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Wednesday 28th Full Day Cruise
Big Cat CruisesLeave the Cairns Colonial Club at 8.30 am for a full day with up to 5.5 hours on Green Island. For those eager explorers, you can choose snorkel gear or a glass bottom boat tour. To that end, minimum numbers of 45 people are required. A buffet lunch is available for the full day tour. Furthermore, there may be an option for 2-hour tour on Green Island (bus transfers not included). Green Island offers a range of activities. |
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Thursday 29th May 2025
Hartley’s Crocodile AdventuresEmbark on a full day of adventure as you depart Cairns Colonial Club at 8:00 am. Firstly, at 9:00 am, you can kick off the excitement with the Cassowary Feeding or a fascinating Crocodile Farm Tour. Next, at 10:00 am, head over to the Snake Show, followed by Croc Feeding at 11:00 am. Enjoy a lunch break at 1:00 pm or revisit the Crocodile Farm Tour. For those still captivated by reptiles, the Snake Show is on again at 2:00 pm. Consider booking a wildlife photo shoot to create a unique Facebook profile picture or a memorable keepsake for your wall. At 3:00 pm, don’t miss the thrilling Crocodile Attack Show. Finally, your day concludes with a return to Cairns Colonial Club around 4:00 pm. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures offers a variety of wildlife encounters—visit their website via the link for full details! |
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| Tours
All tours are minimum numbers required – prices will be on the registration form released in January 2025. To that end, full refunds will be made should a day trip not proceed. Moreover, contact Bruce Schuster (Show Coordinator) on 0426 731 339 for further details.
More Details
The North Queensland Budgerigar Zone extends a warm invitation to all budgerigar enthusiasts, their families, and friends to join us in Cairns, North Queensland, for the 2025 Australian National Budgerigar Council (ANBC) Championship Show.
Join us 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!
USE DISCOUNT CODE CAMP-SHOW25 TO ACCESS YOUR EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT |
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| Fundraising Raffle
The North Queensland Budgerigar Zone Inc. is thrilled to announce an incredible opportunity for all bird enthusiasts! On offer are a pair of quality budgerigars from Craig Barnett’s Avairy.
Cinnamonwing Grey Green Cock, 23-BAR-099
Good top end, spot and cap release only 11 months old, one of 12 siblings.
Cinnamonwing Grey Green Hen, 22-BAR-073
Very nice top end, proven producer. Father was 6th placed Green class at 2022 National.
Tickets $20.00 each
Expected close off date 15th January, 2025.
For ticket purchases or more information, please contact:
Bruce Schuster: 0426 731 339
Michelle Vidler: 0457 088 108
Help support the Nationals 2025 and grab your chance to win this amazing pair! Good luck! |
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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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As we look ahead to the remainder of the year and into 2025, there’s much to be excited about. The release of exhibitor points and upcoming judges’ announcement are just the beginning. Plans are already underway for various club shows, workshops, and social gatherings to keep the momentum going. The enthusiasm and energy within our community are palpable, and it’s a privilege to be part of such a dynamic and dedicated group of individuals.
Let us also take a moment to acknowledge the tireless efforts of everyone who contributes behind the scenes. From show organizers and stewards to club officials and volunteers, your hard work ensures that our events run smoothly and that our community continues to thrive. Your contributions are invaluable, and we’re grateful for all that you do.
In closing, we encourage you to stay engaged, whether by participating in upcoming events, supporting your local club, or simply spreading the word about the joys of budgerigar breeding and exhibiting. The Budgie Bulletin will continue to keep you informed and inspired, bringing you the latest news, stories, and insights from across the budgerigar world.
Thank you for being part of this wonderful journey. Here’s to celebrating our achievements, embracing new opportunities, and looking forward to another year of success and camaraderie. Happy breeding, and may your aviaries be filled with health, happiness, and plenty of beautiful birds!
Until next week.
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