This week, we’re looking ahead to the first group gatherings of 2026, and you can feel the excitement building across the fancy. After the Christmas break, many breeders and exhibitors are more than ready to get back into the rhythm of catching up with mates, talking birds, comparing notes on the breeding season, and enjoying that familiar buzz that only a club night or show weekend can bring.

The Budgerigar Society of South Australia (BSSA) will be first out of the blocks on Tuesday night, kicking off the year with their Annual General Meeting (AGM). As always, the AGM is a chance to reflect on what the Club achieved last year, acknowledge the people who quietly keep things moving behind the scenes, and set the tone for the year ahead. It’s also an important night for members to have their say, whether that’s around the calendar, the direction of the Club, or the little improvements that make the big difference over a long show season.

Adding even more value to the evening is an educational presentation from Kelwyn Kakoschke, focusing on Spangles and Spangle variants. Spangles remain one of the most eye-catching varieties on the bench, and Kelwyn’s session is set to sharpen the knowledge of both newer breeders and seasoned hands alike. Expect practical discussion around identifying traits, understanding what you’re seeing in the feather and markings, and unpacking the fine differences that can sometimes cause confusion when you’re entering the birds as a Spangle or Spangle AOSV on the show entry. Nights like these are what help lift the standard across the board, and members are encouraged to bring along their Spangles and Spangle variants for a closer look and group discussion.

This weekend also marks one of the most anticipated events on the calendar: Budgies in the Bool. With Warrnambool in Victoria’s south-west, plenty of interstate fanciers have already begun the trek, and social media has been lighting up with road-trip photos and updates because for many, the travel is half the fun. Two-day drives are common, and for some it’s even a three-day journey, often planned around the best part of a budgerigar trip: a few well-timed aviary visits along the way. There’s nothing quite like stepping into another breeder’s set-up, swapping stories, and picking up the little tips you only learn in person.

We’re hoping for a strong South Australian contingent to make the journey, because the weekend offers something for everyone. Saturday morning brings the Pet Show Bonanza, followed by the competitive Exhibition Budgerigar Show on Saturday afternoon. The day finishes with a group dinner at the Lady Bay resort, where the interstate community comes together. Then comes the moment many have been circling on the calendar: the highly anticipated Auction on Sunday morning, where opportunity meets excitement and the bids come thick and fast in the regional auction that punches above it’s weight.

As if that isn’t enough, Ray Slade is also rolling out the welcome mat on Sunday night with a sausage sizzle, a presentation on bird preparation, and an aviary visit for those who stay on. It’s a brilliant way to round out the weekend with good food, good company, and practical learning all in one hit. If you’ve been missing your budgie “hit” over the break, Budgies in the Bool is shaping up to deliver in full and send everyone home with their cup well and truly filled.

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.