The North East Fisher Show marked the beginning of the Adult Show season, attracting just over 150 birds and providing a strong start to this important part of the exhibition calendar. The show also created a little bit interest, with four Intermediate exhibitors competing at the same event for the first time this year. The standard across the Intermediate section was excellent, and the competition within the group was apparent.

Major Awards Judge Wayne Bandt was ably assisted on the day by Ian Wise and Troy Holmes, with exhibitors presenting a quality team of birds across the various sections and classes.

Official honours for the day went to Ken & Janet Harris, who were awarded Best in Show with a Normal Grey Green Cock. Best Opposite Sex in Show was awarded to Peter Brumby, competing in his first show as an Intermediate, with a Cinnamonwing Yellow Faced Grey Hen. It was an outstanding result and a great way to begin his time in the Intermediate ranks.The strength in the Intermediate hens was apparent, when Dave Miller achieved Reserve Opposite Sex in Show with a Dominant Pied Spangle Sky hen.

In the Novice section, Patrick O’Rourke claimed Best Novice with a Cinnamonwing Grey Cock, while Pauline Lampre was awarded Best Opposite Sex Novice with a Spangle Grey Green Hen. The Open section was also strongly contested, with Ken & Janet Harris taking out Best Open, and John Mulley awarded Best Opposite Sex Open with a Recessive Pied Dark Green cock.

Congratulations to all exhibitors who supported the show, and thank you to everyone involved in organising, judging, stewarding, benching, and assisting throughout the day. Events like the Fisher Show are only possible because of the continued support and effort of members across the fancy.

A full set of results can be accessed using the link below.

On the broader South Australian front, there has also been significant media attention following the first confirmed detection of H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza, commonly referred to as H5 bird flu, in the state. The case was detected in a vagrant migratory seabird found on the Fleurieu Peninsula. At this stage, the incident is being treated as an isolated case, with no detections in poultry anywhere in Australia at this time.

The South Australian Government has activated preparedness and response arrangements, with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia leading the response. PIRSA is working alongside the Department for Environment and Water, SA Health, the Australian Government, industry representatives, and other partner organisations. The response is taking a coordinated, whole-of-government approach, bringing together animal, human, and environmental health considerations.

While this news has understandably attracted attention across the bird community, the current advice is that there is no indication of spread into poultry. Budgerigar exhibitors and breeders should remain calm, stay informed through official government updates, and continue to maintain strong biosecurity practices within their aviaries.

The ANBC has released the following information from Dr Hamish Baron regarding precautions that should be taken.

Looking ahead, we have the Port Pirie Show this weekend, as well as the Riverland Bird Keeper’s Expo in Barmera. At this stage, the BCSA understands both events will proceed, with appropriate biosecurity measures in place.

Interstate, the Metropolitan Budgerigar Club of WA have their annual Live Auction, and on Sunday, the Riverina Live Auction will be held in Victoria.

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.

The birds on offer cover a broad mix of varieties. The catalogue includes Normals, Spangles, Cinnamonwings, Opalines, Dominant Pieds, Recessive Pieds, Clearwings, Lacewings, Lutinos, Yellow Faced, Australian Golden Faced, Greywings, Violets, Fallows, Crested and other specialist varieties.