Welcome to this week’s edition of the Budgie Bulletin!
This past weekend, Port Pirie held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the picturesque coastal town of Port Broughton. Despite the soaring 36-degree forecast, it was fantastic to see the club’s dedicated members gather to shape the year ahead.
The meeting saw the election of a new leadership team to guide the club into 2025:
- President: Doug Lange
- Vice President: Jason Longbottom
- Treasurer and Secretary: Peter Glassenbury
- Ring Steward: Ruth Lange
- Show Manager: Bob Simpson
- Assistant Secretary: Sharon Jeffries
Additionally, the delegates to the Budgerigar Council of South Australia (BCSA) for 2025 are Michael Smith, Doug Lange, Graham McCallum, and Peter Glassenbury. Congratulations to all appointees and thank you for stepping into these vital roles!
Honouring Lifelong Contributions to the Port Pirie Club
A highlight of the AGM was the nomination of three outstanding members for Port Pirie Life Membership, recognizing their dedication and contributions to the club:
- Malcolm Loveridge: For his remarkable 40 years of membership and long-term service, which will reach a milestone in 2024.
- Bob Simpson: For his ongoing commitment, continual service across various roles, and for being an exceptional ambassador and mentor within the club and the wider budgerigar community.
- Peter Glassenbury: For his tireless efforts in supporting the club across numerous activities and responsibilities.
A heartfelt congratulations to all three recipients for their well-deserved nominations. Your contributions have left a lasting impact on Port Pirie and South Australia’s budgerigar community.
2025 Port Pirie Meeting Schedule
Mark your calendars! The meeting dates and venues for 2025 have been confirmed:
- 16th March: Hosted by Peter and Polly at their residence, Tiddy Widdy Beach
- 15th June: Hosted by Malcolm and Jill Loveridge at their residence, Moonta Bay
- 24th August: Hosted by Tony and Angela at their residence, Auburn
- 19th October: Hosted by Doug and Ruth Lange at their residence, Maitland
- 23rd November: Christmas Luncheon at the Port Broughton Hotel
These gatherings are a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow members, share ideas, and celebrate the passion for budgerigars.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the AGM a success, and here’s to a fantastic year ahead for the Port Pirie Club and the broader budgerigar cohort in South Australia.
ANBC Registration and Upcoming Events
This week saw the launch of the ANBC 2025 Online Registration Form for the National Titles. Registration for the event includes access to the two-day show and grants eligibility to book functions and tours. Be sure to secure your spot soon, as registrations close on March 31st, 2025.
- Registration Fee: $30 per person (Free for children under 12 years)
- Sunday Night Options: Additional bookings are available for the highly anticipated Sunday evening events, which are known to sell out quickly—don’t miss your chance to attend!
Full details of all events and tours can be found in the section below.
Farewell to Leigh Downey
Today, many from the community will gather in Springvale, Victoria, to bid a final farewell to Leigh Downey, who will be laid to rest. Our thoughts are with Leigh’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Looking Ahead
The Budgerigar Society of South Australia (BSSA) will kick off 2025 with their first committee meeting on Monday night. This meeting will pave the way for their first general meeting and Annual General Meeting, scheduled for February 4th.
Meanwhile, across the border in Victoria, all eyes are on the highly anticipated Budgies in the Bool event. Now in its second year, this event promises to be a highlight of the week, featuring:
- A Budgerigar Show
- Exhibitions and promotions of the hobby
- The “little auction packing a big punch”
The weekend will also include a Saturday night dinner, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow budgie fanciers from around the country.
It’s shaping up to be an exciting week filled with events that showcase the passion and dedication of the budgerigar community. Be sure to get involved, whether locally or interstate!
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This week, we feature the Budgies in the Bool live event, happening two weekends from now. This particular live auction represents a unique opportunity 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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South West Live Auction 2025 🦜
📅 Date: Sunday, 3rd February 2025
📍 Location: Warrnambool
⏰ Viewing Starts: 8:00 AM
⏰ Auction Begins: 9:30 AM
In its second year, the South West Budgerigar Auction catalogue has been released as part of the “Budgies in the ‘Bool” weekend. The event aims to cater to all attendees while fostering fraternity and friendship within the budgerigar community. Designed as a short auction to ensure participants can return to their families and encourage future participation, the event features birds from ANBC Hall of Fame members Garry Gazzard, Alan Rowe, Jeffrey Leong, Ray Slade, and Peter Thurn, as well as notable interstate and local Champion breeders. Pet transporters will be available for phone bids, and visitors to Warrnambool are encouraged to explore local accommodation options. Those attending the Saturday night dinner are advised to confirm their booking in advance. The event promises to be a little auction that packs a big punch, showcasing exceptional birds and fostering a vibrant community spirit.
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| BSSA AGM
🗓 Date: Tuesday, February 4th 2025
📍 Location: Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur St Unley
Join the BSSA for their AGM at 7:30 PM. |
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| North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) – Once In A Blue Moon
🗓 Date: Wednesday February 12th, 2025
📍 Location: Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville
Join the NEBS for an event focused on blue series budgies. The night will include a show of blue series birds (pending weather), as well as presentations on blue series birds, and how to breed a Rainbow. |
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| Port Pirie Budgerigar Society Quarterly Meeting
🗓 Date: Sunday, March 16th 2025
📍 Location: Peter & Polly’s, Tiddy Widdy Beach
Join the Port Pirie Budgerigar Society for their quarterly catch up, including an aviary tour at the residence of Pete & Polly on Sunday, March 16th. The event will start at 11 AM at their residence in Tiddy Widdy Beach. If you’ve never attended a Port Pirie meeting before, you’re in for a delightful experience. This unique daytime gathering includes a shared lunch and an aviary tour, offering a different and enjoyable experience. The Port Pirie Club is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal Sunday outing and a perfect day trip to the Yorke Peninsula, near the Ardrossan area. Everyone is invited to join in the fun and camaraderie – just be sure to let Peter know you’re coming, so nobody goes home hungry. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for a wonderful social event and a chance to connect with fellow budgerigar enthusiasts, while experiencing a Yorke Peninsula food coma in the sands of Tiddy Widdy. Contact Peter Glassenbury to express your interest in attending on 0409 288 710. |
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ANBC 2025 National Championship Show Update
May 23rd – May 25th 2025, Brothers League Club, Cairns, QLDRegistrations are now OPEN. Get in quick.
This week saw the launch of the ANBC 2025 Online Registration Form for the National Titles. Registration for the event includes access to the two-day show and grants eligibility to book functions and tours. Be sure to secure your spot soon, as registrations close on March 31st, 2025.
- Registration Fee: $30 per person (Free for children under 12 years)
- Sunday Night Options: Additional bookings are available for the highly anticipated Sunday evening events, which are known to sell out quickly—don’t miss your chance to attend!
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| Welcome 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 Experts “On the Perch”. 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
$170 – Saturday Dinner Cruise –Spirit of Cairns
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
Kuranda Rail & Sky Rail (includes pick-up and return to Cairns Colonial Club)
$175pp Adult
$110pp Child 4 to 14 years
Add $65pp for Lunch at Frogs Restaurant – Main & DessertFull 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
Herberton Historic Village and Tablelands, Atherton, Fig Tree, Crater Lake, Platypus (includes pick-up and return to Cairns Colonial Club)
$95pp Adult
$70pp Child 4 to 14 years
Add $25pp for Lunch at Bakerville Teahouse (cold lunch) |
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| 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 CruisesGreen Island (Full Day) – includes buffet lunch & transfers. plus choice of snorkel gear or glass bottom boat tour (includes pick-up and return to Cairns Colonial Club)
$165pp Adult
$80pp Child 4 to 14 years |
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| Leave 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 Crocodile Adventures – (includes pick-up and return to Cairns Colonial Club)
No Lunch included (available at kiosk)
$95pp Adult
$60pp Child 4 to 14 years
Embark 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. |
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| 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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| USE DISCOUNT CODE CAMP-SHOW25 TO ACCESS YOUR EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT |
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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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This weekend, as we celebrate the unique beauty of our incredible country, don’t forget the common interest that brings us together – one of Australia’s most iconic and vibrant natives – the budgerigar! These colourful little birds, found in the wild across our sunburnt land, are a true symbol of resilience and adaptability. From their lively chatter to their brilliant plumage, budgies bring joy to homes and aviaries worldwide, proudly showcasing Australia’s natural wonders. So, whether you’re enjoying a BBQ or spending time with your flock, take a moment to appreciate these feathered ambassadors of Australia! 🦜✨
Until next week.
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February
- Tuesday 4th – BSSA Monthly Meeting & AGM @ Unley Community Centre.
- Wednesday 12th – NEBS Meeting “Once In A Blue Moon”, featuring the Blue Series, and talks on How To Breed A Rainbow @ Hectorville Community Centre
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