Port Pirie Club has also been in contact with Mark Kirchener from Wanderah Aviaries, and a date has been set for a visit on Sunday, July 20th, at the Wanderah farm property. The property is located 25.6 km from Port Broughton on the Spencer Highway (Port Broughton to Port Pirie main road) and is numbered/signed as 3371. Mark has kindly offered to host a barbecue luncheon for our members. However, to avoid inconveniencing Mark, Doug Lange requests that attendees confirm their interest by Monday, June 23^rd directly to himself.

For the upcoming annual show, Port Pirie will be serving a chicken and salad lunch instead of dispersing to local hotels in Crystalbrook. Doug Lange needs numbers for those attending and staying for lunch. If you’d like to participate, please notify the secretary, with a cost of $10 per head.

The prize draw was a highlight of the afternoon: the Meat Tray didn’t have far to travel, being won by the hosts Malcolm & Jill Loveridge; the rare Mottled Pied Budgerigar went to Tony and Angela Vandenbrink; Geoff Edwards won the wine; Shiralee Reardon claimed the seed; and Tony and Angela also took home the bag of wheat. A fantastic afternoon was enjoyed by all!

This week, the Australian National Budgerigar Council (ANBC) held its Annual General Meeting, where Garry Hibberd was appointed as the new ANBC President from South Queensland, the region that will host the 2026 Nationals. Unfortunately, the South Australian motion to add an additional angle to the pictorial Standard was narrowly defeated, with a vote of 3 to 4.

However, all was not lost. A decision was made to form a working group within the next 30 days, consisting of Senior Judges and Colours & Standards experts, to begin the process of reviewing the pictorial Standard. This group will work on refining what the new pictorial should look like. It’s expected that the new angle will be incorporated to address any concerns and to emphasize the shoe-horn formation on the bird’s rump, formed between the wings, flights and tail cushion.

This week the NEBS committee also met, to finalise plans for the highly anticipated 50th anniversary show this weekend. Judges Kelwyn Kakoschke, Ian Marshall, and Shiralee Reardon will be presiding over the event, which has received an impressive 180+ entries. A delicious lunch will be provided for attendees, and members are encouraged to join in what promises to be a fantastic day of celebration. Don’t miss out on being part of this milestone event!

Looking ahead, we also have the Animal Expo running over the weekend (June 21 and 22). Unfortunately, due to the overlap with the NEBS 50th anniversary show, we were unable to accept the offer to participate. However, the BCSA strongly encourages members to attend and support the event in any way they can. The Animal Expo will be held at the Wayville Pavilion at the Adelaide Showgrounds – don’t miss the opportunity to get along!

A reminder that entries for the Port Pirie Hutchinson Show close today. This is your final opportunity to get involved and showcase your birds before the big event on Saturday, 29 June. Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or a first-time participant, don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting show. Get your entries in today and join the Port Pirie cohort for what promises to be a fantastic day of competition, camaraderie, chicken and side serving of salad. Make sure you’re a part of the action for a great day out in Crystalbrook.

This significant progress marks a major milestone in the fight against avian influenza, bringing us closer to Australia’s claim to freedom from high pathogenicity bird flu. It is a testament to the hard work of those involved in the eradication efforts, and it offers a sense of relief to bird owners and the wider agricultural community. While vigilance remains crucial, this achievement offers hope for a bird flu-free future.

Successful interstate events like Budgies in the Bool, Newcastle, 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 an evening where members can connect, catch up, and celebrate the hobby. Mark your calendars – Saturday 2nd August, and let’s make it a weekend to remember!

Latest Update on Bird Flu (H7N8)

The most recent information on Bird Flu (H7N8) is outlined below.

Don’t Miss the North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) 50th Anniversary Show

Celebrate a milestone with the North East Budgerigar Society’s 50th Anniversary Show on Saturday, 21 June 2025, at the Hectorville Community Centre, SA. Open to all financial members of any bird society, this all-ages show welcomes adult and young birds alike, competing under NEBS rules and recognised by the BCSA Status Movement System. Exhibitors can enter for just $1 per bird (max $20), with powder-coated cage fronts required. Entries close on Saturday, 14 June, so don’t miss your chance to showcase your birds in this prestigious event. Judging starts at 9:30 a.m., with public viewing from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. followed by presentations. Whether you’re a novice, intermediate, or junior exhibitor, this is a fantastic opportunity to connect, compete, and celebrate five decades of budgerigar excellence with fellow enthusiasts. Plan ahead and get ready for an unforgettable day!

Join the Port Pirie Club for the 2025 Any Age Hutchinson Show

Celebrate the Port Pirie Hutchinson Annual Show on Saturday, 29 June 2025, at Crystalbrook. This eagerly awaited event welcomes exhibitors of all levels to showcase their finest budgerigars in a well-organised and friendly competition. Open to all financial members, the show offers a great opportunity to connect with fellow bird enthusiasts, share breeding achievements, and enjoy expert judging. With categories for novice, intermediate, and junior exhibitors, everyone has a chance to shine. Mark your calendar, prepare your birds, and join the vibrant Port Pirie community for a memorable day of budgerigar excellence and camaraderie. Don’t miss out on this highlight of the local aviculture calendar!

🐦 Ron Norman 76th Annual Show – 2025
📅 Sunday, 6 July 2025
📍 Ascot Park Scout Hall – 51 Sixth Street, Ascot Park

The BSSA is proud to host the Ron Norman 76th Annual Show, continuing a proud tradition that has run every year since 1948 (with just one exception in 2020).

This OPEN SHOW welcomes all financial members of the BSSA and other recognised bird societies. It’s a fantastic opportunity to give your show team a final outing before the breeding season begins.

🏆 Trophies, prize money, and prestige are up for grabs, with major awards for Grand Champion, Intermediate, Novice, Junior, and Best of Variety categories. Full class schedule and prize list can be found in the show catalogue.

📝 Entries Close:
All entries must be emailed to bssashowentry@gmail.com by Monday, 30 June 2025.
For questions, contact Show Manager George England on 0418 819 705.
💲 Entry fee: $1.00 per bird (first 20 birds), payable on the day.

🎁 Travel Bonus:
Exhibitors showing 15 birds or more and travelling 50+ km will receive a $25 travel allowance.

⏰ Schedule:

• Benching from 9:30 a.m.

• Judging begins at 10:30 a.m.

• Trophy Presentation at 2:00 p.m. (no early removal of birds)

🥪 Lunch provided for all exhibitors.

Don’t miss this key event on the BSSA calendar – we look forward to seeing you there with your birds benched and ready!

🎄 July 2025 Monthly Meeting – Christmas in July!
📅 Tuesday, 8 July
📍 Goodwood Hotel, 75 Goodwood Rd, Goodwood
📝 Please note the date change due to room availability.

Following the success of last year’s Christmas in July celebration, we’re excited to do it all again! Join us on Tuesday, 8 July for a relaxed and social evening in the private function room at the Goodwood Hotel.

This informal gathering is a great chance to catch up with fellow members, share stories, enjoy a meal, and celebrate mid-winter with a festive twist.

🎁 Kris Kringle Fun!
This year, we’re adding a surprise Kris Kringle gift exchange. Everyone is kindly asked to bring a wrapped present valued at $10, which will be randomly gifted to another member on the night. Please make sure your gift is suitable for anyone to receive.

👥 Limited Seating – RSVP Essential
Seats are limited to just 30 attendees, so please confirm your spot early by contacting our Social Representative:
Janet Harris – 0456 160 553

We’re looking forward to a joyful evening filled with good company, great food, and a bit of festive fun. Don’t miss out!

🎄 July 2025 Monthly Meeting – Christmas in July!
📅 Wednesday, 9th July
📍 Windsor Hotel, North East Rd, Windsor Gardens

The North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) is excited to host a festive Christmas in July celebration at the Windsor Hotel! Join the Club for a cheerful evening filled with good company, great food, and a little Christmas magic – midyear style.

Keeping with the spirit of giving, the North East will be running a Kris Kringle raffle with an equal number of prizes available for both members and guests. Each person attending will receive one free raffle ticket on arrival – no cost, just a bit of festive fun!

🎁 Raffle: Free entry – one ticket per attendee

To help us finalise numbers, please contact Con Orfanos on 0448 740 645 to confirm your attendance.

The NEBS community welcomes members and guests to come together for some midyear cheer – we look forward to celebrating with you!