| Welcome to this week’s edition of the Budgie Bulletin! |
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This week in the South Australian budgerigar scene, the Lee Brooks Fundraising Auction in support of Tony and Angela Van Den Brink was an outstanding success, and a real reflection of what our community does best when it matters most. Through the generosity of vendors, bidders, and donors, a total of $10,741 was raised to help ease the financial burden of Lee’s memorial costs, with surplus funds also able to be set aside for Lee’s son, Greyson, for the road ahead.
Tony and Angela are deeply grateful, not only for the funds raised, but for the genuine care shown across the week. From those who donated birds, to those who purchased them, and the individuals and Clubs who contributed directly, every act of support played a part. It was a strong reminder that the budgerigar fancy isn’t just about what happens on the show bench, at an auction, or in the aviary – it’s about people standing together when one of our own needs help most.
This week also saw the Budgerigar Society of South Australia (BSSA) committee come together for their latest meeting, continuing the steady planning work that keeps the Club running smoothly behind the scenes. Key items on the agenda included finalising the 2026 calendar and progressing discussions around judges for the various shows scheduled throughout the year, an important step in ensuring members have a clear and well-organised program to look forward to. |
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| Looking ahead, the BSSA’s February meeting will combine the Club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) with an educational presentation from Kelwyn Kakoschke, focusing on Spangles and Spangle AOSVs. For those who don’t know Kelwyn, he has won an incredible 35 National titles since 1977 as K & J Kakoschke, later as Kakoschke & Rice, and then more recently as K Kakoschke. Kelwyn is a Life Member of the BSSA and has judged internationally. A highlight of the session will be practical guidance on identifying key differences, and how to tell a Spangle Opaline from a Spangle Normal. Members are encouraged to bring along their Spangles and Spangle AOSV’s for hands-on discussion and comparison, making it a valuable night for anyone breeding or exhibiting these varieties to learn.
The first of the Paul Bayliss dispersal sale catalogues is also online, finishing up on January 27th. This will be the first of three auctions over the coming weeks. The birds are located with Eric Whitton in Temora NSW, and shipping arrangements can be made directly with Eric. A link to the catalogue is provided in the Auctions section of this Bulletin.
Finally, the BSSA has put the call out to any members heading over to Budgies in the Bool next weekend, with a full weekend of budgerigar action and plenty of opportunities to catch up with fellow fanciers. The event will include the Saturday evening dinner at the Lady Bay Resort after the Show, followed by an Auction the following morning. This is a great chance to enjoy the social side of the hobby as well as the competition and bird sale.
To round out the weekend, Ray Slade is also planning a Sunday evening BBQ, with an open invitation for South Australian visitors. Ray is looking to include a practical demonstration and short talk on preparing birds for the show bench, along with an aviary visit—a valuable add-on for anyone wanting to sharpen up their show preparation. If you’re a South Australian member planning to attend (or even considering it), please contact Ray directly so he can plan numbers and make sure everyone is catered for. |
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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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Paul Bayliss Dispersal Sale🦜
End Date: January 27th 2026Paul Bayliss was an avid budgerigar man and a respected exhibitor for New South Wales, having won four ANBC National Titles. Paul was also a well-known member of the Budgerigar Improvement Society (BIS), serving as President/Chairman. There are three auctions over the coming weeks to disperse all of Paul’s birds. All birds are located in Temora NSW, with Eric Whitton. |
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Budgies In The Bool Auction 2026🦜
Date: February 1st 2026
Lots Available: 139Revision 2 of the catalogue is now online. Birds will be offered from ANBC Hall of Fame inductees Garry Gazzard, Peter Thurn, Jeffrey Leong, the Holmes Family, and Ray Slade. The organisers also acknowledge and thank the interstate vendors in Garry and Helen Hibberd, the Boal Family, Trevor Broadbent, Michael Pace, David Kelleher, and Chris and Ellie Rogers, who between them have amassed countless National accolades. Their support is greatly appreciated and adds real strength to the event. Importantly, the catalogue is also backed by a strong contingent of local Victorian breeders, featuring some of the state’s most successful Champion Status exhibitors, alongside several up-and-coming fanciers worth keeping an eye on in the seasons ahead. |
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🐦 BSSA AGM & Presentation on Spangles
📅 Tuesday February 3rd, 2026, 7:30 pm
📍 Unley Community CentreJoin the BSSA for their Annual General Meeting (AGM), as well as a presentation on understanding the differences between Spangles and Spangle AOSV’s by ANBC Hall of Fame inductee Kelwyn Kakoschke. |
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🐦 Port Pirie AGM
📅 Sunday February 8th, 2026, 11am
📍 Port Broughton HotelJoin the Port Pirie Budgerigar Society for their Annual General Meeting. |
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🐦 NEBS – Starting Your Show Prep for May
📅 Wednesday February 11th, 2026
📍 Hectorville Community CentreJoin the North East Budgerigar Society for an unmissable information session as seasoned veteran and club stalwart John Mulley takes 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.
A must-attend event for anyone serious about show preparation and getting results when it matters. |
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🐦 NEBS – Beau Schutz Aviary Visit
📅 Sunday Febuary 15th, 2026
📍 Cherry GardensJoin the North East Budgerigar Society, as they do a lunch and aviary tour with Club Treasurer Beau Schutz, of the Tonkin Schutz partnership. |
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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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| As we wrap up this week’s Budgie Bulletin, it’s been a timely reminder of the strength of the South Australian budgerigar community, whether that’s rallying together to support one of our own, or putting in the quiet planning work that keeps our Clubs active and thriving. With the 2026 calendar taking shape, there are plenty for members to look forward to in the weeks ahead.
In the meantime, if you’re travelling, attending events, or have news to share for future editions, please reach out, because it’s your updates are what keep the Bulletin connected and current. Enjoy your birds, keep an eye on the show bench season approaching, and look after one another.
Until next week. |
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January 2026
- Saturday 31 January & Sunday 1 February 2026 – Budgies in the Bool Show & Live Auction in Warrnambool, VIC.
February 2026
- Tuesday 3 February 2026 – BSSA AGM & Monthly Meeting at Unley
- Sunday 8 February 2026 – Port Pirie AGM, Port Broughton Hotel
- Wednesday 11 February 2026 – NEBS Monthly Meeting
- Sunday 15 February 2026 – Aviary tour and lunch – Beau & Kate Schutz, Cherry Gardens.
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