Following the meeting formalities, Peter Glassenbury delivered a thoroughly engaging talk titled My Life in Budgerigars. It proved to be a fascinating insight into a lifetime spent in the hobby. Peter shared stories ranging from the rather unusual circumstances that led to his first pair of budgerigars, involving his sister and some questionable interactions with darts, through to his first judging assignment at just 10 years of age, judging a class of Fallows. From there, his journey has included becoming ANBC President and contributing to just about every role imaginable within the budgerigar fancy. It was a talk filled with history, humour and perspective, and one that was very well received by those in attendance.

Once the formalities were complete and the meal had been enjoyed, members made their way to the bird room. It quickly became clear that there is a strong affection for the Crested variety, with several pairs up and some lovely birds flying. Aviary visits are always a great opportunity to share ideas, admire different breeding setups and enjoy the social side of the hobby, and this visit was certainly no exception.

As always, the meat tray raffle proved popular, with Troy Holmes taking home the prize on the day, after a possible record number of failed attempts in previous Pirie visits.

On Tuesday evening, many of the same delegates reconvened for the ANBC Audio Visual Working Group meeting. The group reviewed what worked well throughout the recent Nationals and discussed areas that could be improved moving forward. Feedback around reach, livestream engagement and viewing numbers showed that the ANBC event continues to grow year on year. The challenge now is to build on that momentum and continue improving the online experience for members and viewers across the country.

Wednesday night saw the North East Budgerigar Society Committee meet to work through a busy agenda. A supplementary ring order will be placed by the club on June 30 for a further 200 NE-coded rings, while two emergency special orders have already been placed in the meantime. The committee also mapped out the second half of the year, with Christmas in July, the AGM and several other special events scheduled between now and the end of the year.

Discussion also turned to this weekend’s Fisher Annual Show, with catering, trophies, certificates and rosettes all finalised. With 154 entries received, the event promises to be an enjoyable and competitive day for exhibitors, and a great opportunity for members to support one of the club’s key annual fixtures.

Looking further ahead, entries and catalogue information for those who expressed interest in the upcoming BCSA Auction close this weekend. Entries also close for the Port Pirie Annual Show, giving members plenty to prepare for as the busy second half of the budgerigar calendar continues.

Interstate this weekend, we have the St George Live Auction happening in New South Wales.

Vale Trevor Weckert

This week, many within the South Australian budgerigar community were saddened to learn of the passing of Trevor Weckert. Trevor made a significant and lasting contribution to the hobby over many decades. Historical records show that he served as the first Judges Coordinator for the BCSA from 1996 to 1998. He joined the BSSA in 1977, almost 50 years ago, and went on to hold many important positions within the Society, including President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Trevor was also a Major Award Judge and played an active role in supporting and facilitating Judges Schools throughout the 1980s and 1990s, helping to guide and encourage others within the judging system. His favourite variety was the Violet, and his contribution to that variety continues to be recognised through the Trevor Weckert Trophy, the BSSA perpetual trophy awarded each year at the Stan Watson Breeders Show for the Violet variety.

Trevor ceased active involvement with the BSSA after his full retirement, when he and his wife moved to Riverton in country South Australia approximately 15 years ago.

Trevor’s service, knowledge and contribution to the South Australian budgerigar fancy will be remembered with gratitude and respect. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him.

Across these events, there are currently 757 birds either on offer or catalogued in readiness for upcoming auctions, highlighting just how active the hobby remains across the country. With the Bendigo and Moreton catalogues also not far away, breeders and buyers have plenty to look forward to over the coming weeks.

It is shaping up to be a busy period for exhibitors, fanciers and clubs alike, with a wide range of varieties, bloodlines and opportunities available across multiple states.

The 2026 MBC Auction features birds from a wide selection of well-known vendors, including Mick Gearing, Brenda Camarda, Keith Spence, Norm Wheatley, Les Trumper, Alan Jaeschke, Dale Rayner, Jennifer Camarda, Rob Garner, Ben Bathols, Chris Thomas, Les Woodcock and Stephen Ramsden. This auction includes a strong mix of varieties such as Normal, Opaline, Spangle, Dominant Pied, Recessive Pied, Lacewing, Clearwing, Black Eyed Self, White Cap, Cinnamonwing, Yellow Faced and Greywing budgerigars.

For all enquiries and phone bidding, contact Victor Maitland-Smith on 0427 510 775 or via email at woodyduck973@gmail.com.

The Auction brings together birds from an outstanding list of respected breeders including Alan Baxter, Tony Butt, Mark Chandler, Ewing Cooke, G & P Dickson, G & H Hibberd, Mike Huth, Jeff Orlandi, G & D Pymont, Ray & German, David Spink, Peter Thurn, Norm Wheatley, John Boss, Wayne Cachia, Charlesworth Family, D.A.D Budgerigars, John Ennis, Bruce Hiskins, Meney & Muller, Ken Pullen, M & R Randall, Ray Slade, Bernie Thomson and B & M Wise.

The catalogue includes a wide variety of  Normals, Spangles, Dominant Pieds, Recessive Pieds, Cinnamonwings, Opalines, Lutinos, Fallows, Lacewings, Clearbodies, Dark Eyed Clears, Yellow Faced, Golden Faced, Greywings, Violets. In addition, there are Dilutes, White Caps, Black Eyed Selfs and more represented throughout the sale.

This year’s catalogue features an outstanding line-up of birds from highly respected breeders including A & C Druery, Anthony Starcevic, Boal Family, Craig Buckingham, D.A.D Budgerigars, Daniel Child, G & H Hibberd, Holmes Family, I & K Manton, J & W Weidenhofer, James Matthews, Jeffrey Leong, John Barden, John Boss, John Ennis, Mario Capasso, Mick Gearing, Norm Wheatley and Pam Hewitt.

With 147 lots catalogued, the sale includes a wide selection of exhibition budgerigars including Normals, Spangles, Lacewings, Fallows, Clearbodies, Recessive Pieds, Dominant Pieds, Clearwings, Opalines, Cinnamonwings, Greywings, Yellow Faced and Golden Faced varieties.