New South Wales has presented a motion for the creation of a new Normal Class at the National Championships for Normal Olives and Normal Mauves. NSW’s reasoning is that dark factor birds are important for breeding and maintaining colour and varietal features and occasionally Cobalts and Dark Greens are exhibited at the highest levels in the Normal Green and Normal Blue classes, but it is rare to see Olives and Mauves at the Nationals. The Standards for these colours already exist and the quality of birds would be comparable to many other varieties but because they must be shown in extremely strong classes, they are rarely seen at the National level. A dedicated class would encourage breeders to maintain and exhibit these important colours.

Further afield, North Queensland Budgerigar Zone has presented three motions for consideration at the national level. Members are encouraged to consider the potential benefits, challenges and broader implications of each proposal.

The first motion proposes that, from 2028, the official ring issue date be 1 September. Members may wish to consider how a September ring date would affect breeding programs, young bird eligibility, show schedules and conditions in different Australian climates.

The second motion proposes moving the ANBC National Championships to a later date in the calendar, preferably late July or early August. A later National Show could provide breeders with additional time to prepare and develop their birds, and for late bred bird to have more age on them as well as more time to make it through the seasonal moult. However, consideration would also need to be given to interstate travel, venue availability, zone show calendars, breeding seasons and the commitments of exhibitors, judges and officials with the proposed date change from the last weekend in May.

The third motion from North Queensland proposes that an ANBC judge be inducted into the ANBC Hall of Fame after completing a total of seven judging appointments at the ANBC National Championships. The proposal is intended to recognise long-term service by judges and establish a formal pathway for judging achievement to be acknowledged alongside the Hall of Fame recognition available to successful breeders and exhibitors.

Feedback from membership to your BCSA representatives will assist the state in forming an informed position before the proposals progress further at the national level. They are intended to be discussed at the next ANBC meeting in August.

Look Ahead – It’s Finally Here!

The wait is over – the 2026 BCSA Annual Live Auction has finally arrived. Adelaide Airport was a hive of activity yesterday, with a large number of interstate birds arriving ahead of Sunday’s auction. Event coordinators have shared the responsibility of collecting and housing the birds, ensuring they are safely cared for in the lead-up to the big day.

Our interstate guests will begin arriving tomorrow, with a full day of aviary visits planned for Saturday. Saturday evening will bring everyone together for the traditional pre-auction dinner, this year being held at Gaucho’s Argentinian Restaurant on Gouger Street. This will provide a wonderful opportunity to welcome our visitors and enjoy the social side of the hobby before the excitement of auction day.

The team will be back into action early on Sunday morning, with venue setup commencing at 8:00 am. The birds will be available for viewing from 9:00 am, allowing prospective buyers time to inspect the lots before bidding begins.

The auction and live Zoom broadcast will commence at 10:00 am. We are hoping for a strong crowd at the venue, while several interstate buyers have already registered to participate by telephone. Cuppa Ginos will be onsite between 9 am and 1 pm, serving coffee, alongside a traditional sausage sizzle, for the masses.

After months of planning and preparation, everything is now in place for what promises to be an exciting and highly enjoyable day for the South Australian budgerigar community.