On Tuesday night, the Budgerigar Society of South Australia (BSSA) kicked off the 2026 calendar with its first club meeting of the year — a strong turnout and a great reminder of just how much momentum is building as the show season approaches.

The evening began with the Annual General Meeting (AGM), where members took care of the important business of electing the 2026 committee. The club congratulates the newly elected team: Troy Holmes (Vice President), Steve Wharton (Secretary), Ian Jenke (Ring Officer), Janet Harris (Social Representative), Sue Adams (Publicity Officer), with Ken Harris and Jane Kelb elected as committee members. A sincere thank you goes to every volunteer who puts their hand up — these roles are the engine room of the club, and without that time, effort, and care, the budgerigar hobby in South Australia simply wouldn’t be what it is today.

The night also saw Ian Jenke become a Life Member of the Club, after 20 years of continuous membership to the Club. Ian continues to play a vital role in the Club, as its Ring Coordinator. Congratulations to Ian, and thank you for all that you do.

The session covered far more than just identification. Kelwyn spoke through the origins and development of the variety, and the conversation quickly moved into practical breeding considerations — particularly the ongoing challenge of protecting the all-important spangle wing markings from degradation over time. It was the sort of talk that offered value to everyone in the room: newer members picked up clear reference points for what they should be aiming for, while more experienced breeders were reminded of the small decisions in pairing and selection that make the difference between “nice” and “next level”.

Congratulations to J & W Weidenhofer, Jane Kelb, Paul Wilton, and Darcie & Jensen on taking out their respective categories — a fantastic achievement and a great way to begin the year.

With a new committee in place, a high-quality educational session delivered, and club champions recognised, the BSSA’s first meeting of 2026 set a positive tone for the months ahead.

Saturday night’s social dinner captured what these events are really about: connection. With good food, good wine, and plenty of banter, the atmosphere was a reminder that the best memories are made when people come together. Seeing around 60 people gathered in the Bool was a genuine boost and a positive sign for a hobby that continues to grow.

The Sunday Auction was also a highlight, continuing to improve each year by attracting exceptional birds and creating opportunities across the board. There was even a light-hearted moment when one exhibitor’s wife arrived just as one of his birds went under the hammer, and Auctioneer Peter Thurn reportedly gave her “permission” to spend it all in the local shops.

Capping off the weekend, Ray Slade hosted an aviary visit for interstate travellers, giving visitors the chance to take in plenty of wisdom and inspiration, the kind of generosity that deserves to be paid forward.

Above all, it was a weekend where the hosts gave their all, and it was just as encouraging to see so many people giving back on the day, whether it be behind the BBQ, broom in hand, helping with pack-up, or contributing through charity donations. Best summed up as a great weekend for a great hobby.

The conversation shifted to restructuring the ANBC Show team to improve national show management and overall operations. Key themes included moving towards an ANBC-run Nationals model, introducing a dedicated Show Manager role with authority to build an operational team, and adopting a more skills-based governance approach (including expertise in animal welfare, logistics, marketing, and risk management). The overall aim is an important one, and that is to deliver a consistent product regardless of location, and to continue to improve and grow our offering at this flagship ANBC event.

The Week Ahead

Tomorrow at 9:30 am, The Generation Gap on Tribe FM will welcome BCSA President Troy Holmes in studio for their monthly segment, “What’s Happening in Budgerigars in South Australia.” This regular chat is a great chance for listeners, whether you’re a long-time exhibitor, a backyard bird lover, or simply curious, to hear the latest updates from across the South Australian budgerigar scene. Troy will be sharing what’s coming up on the calendar, highlights from recent club activity, and the key events and opportunities members can get involved in over the weeks ahead.

It’s also a positive platform to shine a light on the people behind the hobby, the volunteers who keep clubs running, the exhibitors preparing their teams, and the community spirit that makes budgerigars such a strong part of South Australia’s bird scene.

If you’ve been meaning to get more involved, or you’re looking for a simple way to stay in the loop, tune in tomorrow morning and catch the conversation live on Tribe FM.

Sunday will see the all-important Port Pirie Budgerigar Society AGM at the Port Broughton Hotel. The weather forecast is 29 degrees and sunny, so it should be a wonderful day for a country drive for those keen to attend from the City. For those Port Pirie members, the club is seeking a new Show Manager for the 2026 season. Volunteering and committee support are what keep community clubs like Port Pirie running, so if you have the capacity to help, please consider putting your hand up and backing the Club in for the year ahead. The Show Manager role is critical to Port Pirie’s participation in regional events like the Balaclava Show, and it would be a great loss for that event to disappear.

On Monday evening, the ANBC delegates will be coming together to discuss all-encompassing National matters for the hobby, and on Wednesday evening, the North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) will host their first meeting of the year. Club Stalwart John Mulley will take members through the long lead-time preparation required for May shows. John will share practical, experience-based advice on planning your season early, including when (and how) to induce the moult, how to manage birds through the critical lead-up weeks, and what to prioritise if your goal is to have birds peaking at the right time. He’ll also cover how to maximise your chances of presenting a competitive team, with tips aimed at exhibitors who are chasing a State team spot. Whether you’re a newer exhibitor wanting a clear plan, or an experienced hand looking to fine-tune your program, this session will be packed with insights that can make the difference between a bird that’s “nearly there” and one that’s truly ready for the bench. This is a must-attend event for anyone serious about show preparation and getting results when it matters.

Whether you’re a newer exhibitor wanting a clear plan, or an experienced hand looking to fine-tune your program, this session will be packed with insights that can make the difference between a bird that’s “nearly there” and one that’s truly ready for the bench.

A must-attend event for anyone serious about show preparation and getting results when it matters.

It is also recommended that all attendees consider making their general accommodation and travel bookings at this time to avoid disappointment.