| Welcome to this week’s edition of the Budgie Bulletin! |
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| This week, the Budgerigar Council of South Australia (BCSA) delegates came together for their quarterly meeting. The BCSA is proudly preparing to celebrate a major milestone, its 30th Birthday, on April 18th, 2026, at the Max Amber Community Hall in Athelstone. The delegates reflected a strong sense of enthusiasm, unity and pride as plans continue to come together for what promises to be a memorable and meaningful celebration.
The event will not only mark three decades of dedication to the budgerigar fancy in South Australia, but also honour the Life Members, birds and achievements that have shaped the organisation since 1996. A special historical presentation is being planned, highlighting BCSA’s journey over the past 30 years and reflecting on key moments in the wider world during that same period. Nic Hayes from Media Stable is working hard behind the scenes to secure our talent for the event. It promises to be a wonderful opportunity to appreciate how far the Council has come and the role it has played within the National budgerigar community.
Council has secured the Max Amber Community Hall as the venue and is organising catered food for a relaxed and enjoyable lunchtime gathering. The aim is to create a welcoming atmosphere where members can reconnect, reminisce and celebrate shared achievements.
A standout feature of the day will be a dedicated nostalgia boards, showcasing historical photos, old documents, magazines and memorabilia from 1996 onwards. Peter Glassenbury and Nigel Tonkin have generously offered to compile information from the first decade of the Council’s history, helping to ensure the early foundations of BCSA are well represented. Members are warmly encouraged to contribute any photos, articles, records or memorabilia they may have tucked away. These contributions will help bring the Council’s story to life and ensure the display truly reflects the collective history of its membership.
To add further enjoyment to the day, Council is also considering incorporating a silent auction or fun games to help raise additional funds and enhance the celebratory spirit. The lunch will be free for Council members, with a modest $20 charge for partners, making it accessible while encouraging strong attendance and support.
The 30th Anniversary celebration is shaping up to be a fantastic occasion. A chance to honour the past, celebrate the present and look forward with confidence to the future of the BCSA. |
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Looking Ahead
Tuesday night sees the Budgerigar Society of South Australia (BSSA) gather for its monthly meeting at the Unley Community Centre, and there is plenty to look forward to. The evening will feature the first instalment of the new “Member on the Couch” initiative — a relaxed and engaging interview segment designed to give members greater insight into the people behind the birds.
This month, BSSA Show Manager George England will sit down with Novice member Tom Sismey to discuss his journey in the hobby, his breeding interests and his experiences so far on the show bench. It promises to be an insightful and enjoyable session that highlights the strength and depth of emerging talent within the club. The evening will also include a presentation, currently being finalised, ensuring there is something of interest for all in attendance.
Looking ahead to the weekend, those travelling interstate will have their sights set on Victoria, where the Budgerigar Council of Victoria (BCV) hosts its prestigious Annual Adult Bird Shield in Melton. The event has long been a highlight on the exhibition calendar, regularly drawing out past national winners for another opportunity in the spotlight. With clubs competing fiercely for line honours, spectators can expect an outstanding display of quality, depth and presentation — showcasing some of the finest birds in the country.
It shapes as an exciting week both locally and interstate, with strong club engagement and top-level competition on show. |
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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, we have several auctions that have been released. The BSSA has Auction 2 for 2026 underway, while Dale Keevers and Tiana Hoskinson from the Gold Coast Club in Queensland also have their 32 Auction event, and Geoff & Ann Hand are holding a reduction sale (the first of three) from Temora in NSW. The week has also seen the release of the highly anticipated Wynnum Redlands live auction catalogue, featuring 214 lots. The event will be held on Saturday March 21st at the Cleveland State School Hall in Queensland, featuring birds for sale from some of the country’s top breeders. |
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BSSA Auction 2 for 2026🦜
End Date: March 1st 2026
Lots Available: 14Auction 2 for 2026 is now live, featuring 14 quality exhibition budgerigars from respected breeders Marie & Kerry Murphy, George England, Holmes Family, and Ken & Janet Harris. This online budgerigar auction showcases a strong selection of sought-after exhibition varieties, including Cinnamonwings, Dilutes, Fallows, Lutinos, Cobalts, Opalines, Dominant Pieds and Recessive Pieds. Don’t miss this opportunity to secure quality birds and support the BSSA community. |
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Keevers & Hoskinson Auction 1 for 2026🦜
End Date: March 1st 2026
Lots Available: 20The DT1 Keevers Hoskinson partnership, led by Dale Keevers and Tiana Hoskinson, is proud to present their first 32 Auctions online budgerigar auction, offering 20 quality show budgies across a range of sought-after exhibition varieties. This online budgie auction features an impressive selection, including Australian White Caps, Dominant Pieds, Opalines, Spangles, Spangle Double Factors and more. |
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Geoff & Ann Hand Auction 1 of 3 2026🦜
End Date: March 2nd 2026
Lots Available: 16The G & A Hand Reduction Sale 1 of 3 marks the beginning of a major transition for respected breeders Geoff and Ann Hand. After many successful seasons breeding quality exhibition budgerigars, Geoff and Ann have made the decision to significantly reduce their numbers and streamline the varieties they keep moving forward. They will retain only a small selection of their 2025 bred birds. This reduction sale presents a genuine opportunity for breeders across Australia to secure proven bloodlines and quality stock from an established stud. |
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Wynnum Redlands Showcase Auction 2026🦜
Date: March 21st 2026
Lots Available: 214Featuring birds from notable breeders and well known studs from across the country, the Wynnum Redlands Showcase Auction promises to be a great day. This live event is one of the top auctions in the country. |
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Tuesday, 3 March 2026
BSSA
Member on the Couch Session – Avian Gastric Yeast
Facilitated by George England
📍 Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur Street, Unley |
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| Wednesday, 11 March 2026
NEBS
Inbreeding vs Line Breeding – Understanding the Difference
📍 Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville |
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| Sunday, 22 March 2026
PPBS
Aviary Tour – Longbottom Family
📍 Spalding
A fantastic opportunity to view quality birds up close and connect with fellow fanciers in a relaxed setting. |
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| Sunday, 29 March 2026
BSSA
BSSA Murphy Classic
📍 Ascot Park Scout Hall
One of the highlights on the BSSA calendar — don’t miss this competitive and well-supported show, specifically for Juniors, Novices and Intermediates. |
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| Tuesday, 7 April 2026
BSSA
Budgie Varieties Night – White Cap, Yellow Faced & Golden Faced
Presented by Wayne & Kelwyn
📍 Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur Street, Unley
An informative evening focusing on these increasingly popular varieties. |
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| Wednesday, 8 April 2026
NEBS
Blast From The Past – Budgie Bill Davis
📍 Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville
A nostalgic and educational session revisiting birds and stories from years gone by. |
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| Sunday, 12 April 2026
BCSA
BCSA Judges Meeting
📍 Enfield Community Centre, Regency Road, Enfield |
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| Saturday, 18 April 2026
BCSA
BCSA 30th Anniversary Celebrations
📍 Venue Athelstone Football Club – Max Amber Community Hall
A major milestone for the Budgerigar Council of South Australia — more details to be announced soon. This will be a celebration not to be missed! |
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| The ANBC has received advice from Mantra Sharks, the venue for the 2026 SQBBA Trill National to be held on the Gold Coast, that accommodation is already filling quickly. Zones are therefore encouraged to make early arrangements for their carers and preparers, to ensure suitable accommodation is secured.Please contact Mantra Sharks, Gold Coast, on (07) 5603 3200 to confirm and book your accommodation requirements. Don’t forget the DISCOUNT CODE 15% SSANBC26 – this code is not available for online bookings.
It is also recommended that all attendees consider making their general accommodation and travel bookings at this time to avoid disappointment. |
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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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| Looking back on the week, it’s hard not to feel proud of how far we’ve come and the friendships that have grown along the way. From preparing to celebrate 30 years of the BCSA to seeing new members getting involved and experienced exhibitors stepping back into the spotlight, there’s a great energy around the hobby at the moment. We’ve shared some wonderful memories over the years, and there’s plenty more still to make.
If you’re free, make the effort to get along to the BSSA on Tuesday night. Events are always better when the whole community is there.
Until next week. |
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March 2026
- Tuesday 3 March 2026 – Member on the Couch Session – Avian Gastric Yeast (Facilitated by George England) – Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur Street, Unley.
- Wednesday 11 March 2026 – Inbreeding vs Line Breeding – The Difference (NEBS) – Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville.
- Sunday 22 March 2026 – Aviary Tour – Longbottom Family – Spalding.
- Sunday 29 March 2026 – BSSA Murphy Classic – Ascot Park Scout Hall.
April 2026
- Tuesday 7 April 2026 – Budgie Varieties Night – White Cap, Yellow Faced & Golden Faced (Wayne & Kelwyn) – Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur Street, Unley.
- Wednesday 8 April 2026 – Blast From The Past – Budgie Bill Davis (NEBS) – Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville.
- Sunday 12 April 2026 – BCSA Judges Meeting – Enfield Community Centre, Regency Road, Enfield.
- Saturday 18 April 2026 – BCSA 30th Anniversary Celebrations – Max Amber Community Hall, Athelstone
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