| Welcome to this week’s edition of the Budgie Bulletin! |
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| We’re back with another jam-packed edition of the Budgie Bulletin, bringing you all the highlights, upcoming events, and important updates from across the budgerigar community—locally and interstate. Whether you’re attending shows, browsing online auctions, or simply keeping your finger on the pulse of the hobby, there’s plenty happening as we head deeper into the exhibition season.
Barossa Bird Club Expo a Success
Over the weekend, the Barossa Bird Club hosted its much-anticipated annual expo in the heart of the Barossa Valley, at Tanunda. The event drew a strong crowd of bird lovers, exhibitors, and breeders from across the region. With a vibrant mix of displays, trade tables, and opportunities for community engagement, the day provided a fantastic showcase of what regional bird clubs can offer.
Barossa Bird Club member Terri McFadyen, a familiar face within the South Australian birdkeeping scene, reported that the expo was a great success. The energy throughout the day was excellent, and saw great interactions between breeders, the public, and other bird enthusiasts. Interest in budgerigars remains strong in the region—an encouraging sign for ongoing membership growth in rural areas.
We’ve included a selection of photos kindly supplied by Terri below, capturing moments from the day and highlighting some of the fantastic birds on display. Regional events like this serve as a crucial bridge between our hobby and the wider public and play an important role in welcoming newcomers into the fold. |
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BSSA Members Head to Victoria for Melton Auction and Aviary Tours
This morning, members of the Budgerigar Society of South Australia (BSSA) departed for a weekend trip across the border into Victoria. Their destination? The prestigious Melton Budgerigar Auction—a standout event on the Victorian calendar—and a string of visits to some of the state’s most renowned aviaries.For many, this trip presents not only a chance to bid on high-quality birds but also an invaluable opportunity to learn, network, and explore successful breeding setups first-hand. These kinds of interclub exchanges foster strong ties between states and create opportunities for fresh ideas and future collaborations.
We wish our travelling South Australian crew safe travels and hope they enjoy a productive and enjoyable tour. If you’re one of the lucky ones heading over, don’t forget to share photos or insights for next week’s Bulletin!
UBSSA Seminar Weekend Kicks Off
Meanwhile, closer to home, South Australian bird enthusiasts are also in for a treat. Tomorrow night, the United Bird Society of South Australia (UBSSA) is hosting its “Night on the Perch” social event—an informal lead-in to the main event on Sunday: the UBSSA Seminar.
Held at Sferas on the Park in Modbury, the seminar will run from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, covering a wide range of topics relevant to bird breeders and enthusiasts across all varieties—not just budgerigars. With expert speakers, industry insights, and time for discussion, the event promises to be both educational and inspiring.
Whether you’re new to the hobby or a seasoned breeder, seminars like this are a great way to stay informed about current issues, husbandry techniques, and breeding practices. We encourage members of the budgerigar community to show their support and attend where possible.
Interstate Action: Melton and Moreton Bay Auctions
It’s a busy weekend for auctions across the country. As mentioned, the Melton Auction will take place on Saturday in Victoria, with a strong line-up of birds and breeders contributing. For those unable to attend in person, the auction will be live streamed, allowing interstate and remote fanciers to view and bid in real time.
Then, on Sunday, we head north for the Moreton Bay Budgerigar Society Auction in Queensland. Known for its quality birds and passionate local membership, this event continues to grow in both profile and participation. Queensland breeders consistently produce top-quality birds across a wide range of varieties, so it’s always worth tuning in or browsing the results post-auction.
Both events are expected to draw strong interest and are excellent opportunities to source birds, strengthen stud lines, or simply enjoy the spirit of competition and camaraderie that our community is known for.
Countdown to the BCSA Live Auction
We’re now just two weekends away from one of the most important events on the South Australian calendar—the BCSA Live Auction. This year, the event moves to its new home at the Klemzig Community Centre, a venue that offers excellent facilities and easy access for participants and visitors alike.
The auction will run alongside the BCSA Annual General Meeting (AGM), making it a significant weekend for the state’s exhibition budgerigar community. Organiser George England has confirmed that 26 attendees are already confirmed for the Saturday evening dinner at the Tower Hotel, including several interstate guests—a fantastic sign of growing national interest. |
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Although the BSSA’s regular weekly online auction is taking a brief two-week pause, the national budgerigar auction scene remains active and exciting.
Currently drawing attention is the Matthew Troy Online Auction, which features a strong lineup of 2024 birds. Known across the community for his consistent results and competitive show bench presence, Matthew’s stud offers birds with depth, type, and proven bloodlines—making this sale one to watch.
Also running this week is the Elmir Family Reduction Sale, offering a diverse range of birds with a focus on Crested including Crest-bred, and Tufted varieties. With limited numbers in these categories available across the country, this auction presents a rare opportunity for breeders looking to explore or strengthen their Crested lines.
Meanwhile, Jason Fielding (J & M Fielding) has announced a complete sell-out of their stud due to personal circumstances. This significant event includes not only a full clearance of birds across several popular varieties— such as Inos, Golden Faced, Yellow Faced, and Lacewings—but also the availability of cages and equipment. It’s a genuine everything-must-go sale, and interest is already building.
To round out the list, the Newcastle Budgerigar Club has released their auction catalogue. This annual event consistently showcases birds from some of the country’s top breeders, often including birds with strong national potential. It’s an excellent chance to view standout bloodlines and secure competitive additions for the upcoming season.
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Matthew Troy Online Auction for 2025🦜
Closing Date: Monday July 29th
Lots Available: 14
Matt has made a total of 14 birds available, including Yellow Faced, Cinnamonwings, Texas Clearbodies, and other varieties. The birds are located in Silverwater in NSW, but interstate freight can be arranged.
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Elmir Family Online Auction for 2025🦜
Closing Date: Sunday July 28th
Lots Available: 20
Maher Elmir has had two successful breeding seasons and is now reducing his stud from over 200 birds to just 60 Normals and 20 Crested. With family commitments and limited space in the budgie room, it’s time to part with quality stock that simply can’t be kept. Maher has been breeding budgerigars on and off for the past 12 years and has re-established his lines with birds from some of the best in the hobby—including Gary Gazzard, Alan Kent, Peter Thurn, Wayne Weidenhofer, and Garry Watson. These birds have bred magnificently, and many of the 19 birds on offer are Crested including Crest-bred, or Tufted types. Maher is now focusing exclusively on Crested, so non-Crested birds are also up for grabs. This is an excellent opportunity for fanciers looking to add variety and quality to their breeding program.
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J & M Fielding Complete Sell Out🦜
Closing Date: August 3rd
Lots Available: 20
Matt has made a total of 14 birds available, including Yellow Faced, Cinnamon wings, Texas Clearbodies, and other varieties. The birds are located in Silverwater in NSW, but interstate freight can be arranged.
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Melton (Live) Auction 2025 🦜
Date: Saturday July 26, 2025
📍 Venue: St Francis Catholic College, 109-141 Bulmans Rd, Melton West VIC
🕘 Viewing: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
🔨 Auction Starts: 10:00 a.m. sharp
Lots Available: 218
Melton Auction is back, featuring an exceptional lineup of birds from leading breeders across Australia—including names like G Duffin (VIC), Ian Hunter (VIC), Holmes Family (SA), CET Budgerigars (NSW), M & R Fellows (NSW), Glenn Schiller (NSW), Alan Rowe (VIC), and Hedra Kamel (VIC)—this is your chance to secure elite stock for your breeding program. With over 200 lots catalogued, this auction is not to be missed. Birds on offer include National class bloodlines and proven breeders—many from families that have placed at ANBC Nationals and state shows.
➡️ For enquiries, contact Hedra Kamel (0401 751 050) or Steve Grech (0412 560 628). |
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Moreton Bay (Live) Auction 2025 🦜
Date: Sunday July 27, 2025
Lots Available: 180+
The Moreton Bay Budgerigar Association is proud to present its highly anticipated 2025 Auction on Sunday 27 July, held at the Burpengary Community Hall. Doors open at 8:30am, with bidding starting promptly at 10am. This standout event will feature over 180 high-quality lots from some of Queensland’s most competitive breeders, as well as selected national exhibitors.
Whether you’re looking to introduce fresh genetics to your stud or secure birds with a proven show record, this auction offers an excellent mix of variety, quality, and opportunity. The Moreton Bay Auction is renowned for attracting strong interest from fanciers across the eastern seaboard—and this year promises to be no exception.
All birds must be benched by 9:00am. Fanciers of all levels are warmly encouraged to attend and enjoy a day of quality birds and great company. Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Queensland’s premier budgerigar auctions for 2025.
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BCSA (Live) Auction 2025 🦜
Date: August 3, 2025
Lots Available: 189
Join us for the BCSA Budgerigar Auction 2025. This highly anticipated live auction will take place at the Klemzig Community Centre, located at 242 North East Road, Klemzig. Viewing will commence from 9:00am, with the auction starting promptly at 10:15am. With over 180 quality lots from top breeders across South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales, the BCSA Auction promises an elite lineup of budgies across a wide range of varieties. Expect top bloodlines, show winners, and promising young birds ready to elevate your breeding program. This year’s auction is especially distinguished by the presence of vendors who collectively won 10 Logies at the 2025 ANBC Nationals, as well as 7 breeders who have been inducted into the ANBC Hall of Fame.
For any enquiries, please contact George England at gengland8@bigpond.com or on 0418 819 705.
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Newcastle (Live) Auction 2025 🦜
Date: August 9, 2025
Lots Available: 155
Get ready for one of Australia’s most anticipated budgerigar events – the Newcastle Budgerigar Club Auction 2025! Set to take place on Saturday, 9th August 2025 at the Wallsend Pioneer Memorial Hall in Wallsend, NSW, this live auction features an impressive lineup of birds from some of the country’s top breeders. Viewing from: 9:00am, auction starts: 10:00am sharp. Location: 54 Cowper St, Wallsend NSW (Corner of Cowper St & Newcastle Rd)
This year’s catalogue boasts a premium selection of 150+ lots from elite breeders including Jeffrey Leong, John Ennis, Craig Barnett, Peter Thurn, Holmes Family, Boal Family, Gary Gazzard, and many more. With multiple 2025 ANBC National winners featured, you’ll have the chance to bid on birds that represent the very best in Australian exhibition budgerigars.
For enquiries, contact:
Gary Gazzard – 0411 834 690
Chris Druery – 0438 644 856
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🐦 United Birds Seminar
📅 Dinner Saturday July 26, Seminars Sunday July 27
📍 Sferas On The Park, Tea Tree GullyJoin the United Birds Societies of South Australia for their annual seminar weekend, to be held at Sferas on the Park in Tea Tree Gully. To register, contact Brian Reichelt on 0418 896 995. |
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🐦 Pre-Auction Dinner
📅 Saturday, August 2nd, 6 pm
📍 Tower Hotel, Corner Magill Road & St Bernards Road (Opposite Magill Grain)Successful interstate events like Budgies in the Bool, Newcastle, Melton and Riverina have shown how impactful a great pre-auction gathering can be. We’re looking to bring that same energy to South Australia this year, creating a social evening where members can connect, catch up, and celebrate the hobby. Mark your calendars – Saturday 2nd August. Contact George England to reserve your place. |
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🐦 BCSA Live Auction
📅 Sunday, August 3rd
📍 Klemzig Community Centre, 242 North East Road, KlemzigJoin the BCSA for South Australia’s only live budgerigar auction, featuring birds from studs representing 10 of the 28 ANBC Logies winners from 2025, and 7 Hall of Fame breeders. 189 Lots are on offer. Viewing from 9 am, Auction commencing 10:15 AM ACST. |
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🐦 BCSA Annual General Meeting (AGM)
📅 Sunday, August 3rd, 9 am – 10 am
📍 Klemzig Community Centre, 242 North East Road, KlemzigJoin us prior to the Auction kicking off, to cover off the year, in one of the rooms adjacent to the Auction. |
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🐦 BSSA Monthly Meeting
📅 Tuesday August 5th, 7 pm
📍 Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur Street UnleyThe BSSA’s August monthly meeting will take members on a “deep dive” into some of the rarer varieties that often spark interest among both seasoned breeders and visitors to our shows and events. Wayne Weidenhofer will lead an engaging and informative session exploring the Blackeye, Clearwing, Dilute, and Greywing varieties. With his extensive knowledge and experience, Wayne is sure to deliver an evening that is both educational and entertaining. Members are encouraged to submit any specific questions they would like Wayne to address during the session. These can be forwarded directly to the Secretary, who will ensure they reach him ahead of the meeting. This session is highly recommended for all members. It promises to be a valuable night for breeders at all levels. Don’t miss it! |
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🐦 NEBS Monthly Meeting
📅 Wednesday August 13th, 7:30 pm
📍 Hectorville Community Centre 47 Reid Avenue, HectorvilleThe North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) will be holding their AGM, followed up by a very special event presented by Victorian breeder Stephen Thompson – A European Budgerigar Experience. Join NEBS for a special presentation by Stephen in person, fresh from his incredible trip across Europe with a group of fellow Victorian fanciers. Stephen’s journey included visits to some of the most respected and influential budgerigar studs across the UK and Europe. Highlights included the prestigious UK Centenary Show and exclusive access to leading aviaries such as R & M Miller, the McGoverns, Daniel Luetolf, Ian Ainley, Tom & Andrew Luke, and Paul Stannard.
This presentation offers a rare chance to:
- View exclusive footage of world-class birds and breeding facilities
- Hear Stephen’s reflections on standout birds and studs
- Gain insights into breeding trends and quality standards seen overseas
Whether you’re an exhibitor, breeder, or simply a budgerigar enthusiast, this is a night not to be missed. Come along, see Europe through the eyes of a fellow fancier, and leave inspired. |
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🐦 Port Pirie Quarterly Meeting & Aviary Tour
📅 Sunday August 24th
📍 Tony & Angela Van Den Brink, AuburnPort Pirie Budgerigar Society kindly asks members to confirm their attendance for the meeting on the 24th of August. Accurate numbers are crucial for catering purposes. Those who attended last year will fondly remember leaving with full tummies thanks to Angela’s wonderful spread of food.
The day will incorporate a wonderful aviary tour of Angela & Tony’s property in Auburn, just outside of Claire. |
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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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A huge thankyou goes to all those who attended and supported the Barossa Bird Club Expo over the weekend. Events like these rely on passionate volunteers and active participation—your presence helps strengthen the community and promote the hobby to the public.
We also extend our best wishes to those attending the Melton Auction and the Moreton Bay Auction this weekend, as well as to everyone participating in the UBSSA Seminar. It’s encouraging to see so much activity across Australia, with breeders, clubs, and enthusiasts working together to grow the hobby at every level.
As always, we’ll be back next week with more results, news, and updates from across the budgerigar world.
Until next week. |
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July
- Friday 25th July – Monday 28th July, BSSA Melton Bus Trip
- Saturday 26th July, UBSSA Night On The Perch, Tea Tree Gully
- Sunday 27th July, UBSSA Seminar, Tea Tree Gully
August
- Saturday 2nd August, Pre Auction Dinner, Tower Hotel Magill
- Sunday 3rd August, BCSA Auction
- Sunday 3rd August, BCSA AGM
- Tuesday 5th August – BSSA Variety Deep Dive featuring Wayne Weidenhofer
- Wednesday 13th August – NEBS AGM & European Presentation by Stephen Thompson (in person)
- Sunday 24th August – Port Pirie Meeting & Aviary Tour (in Aubur) with Tony & Angela Van Den Brink
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