Budgie Bulletin March 20 2026

https://mailchi.mp/6897e1f955ce/budgie-bulletin-october-18th-12771429


 

BCSA Budgie Bulletin: Weekly Wrap & Look Ahead

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Budgie Bulletin! Β 

This week was a busy one on the committee front, with multiple meetings taking place across the hobby. On Monday evening, the Budgerigar Society of South Australia (BSSA) came together to plan and refine upcoming initiatives and events. A key area of discussion centred around member engagement, with the committee proposing a variety survey to better understand what members are currently breeding and will have available for interclub and state selection shows. Β Planning was also discussed for a scaled-down southern suburbs Budgie Fest, with ideas shared on how to maintain the spirit and community feel of the event while tailoring it to venue capacities. In addition, the committee reflected on the recent BSSA Auction successes, acknowledging strong participation and quality birds, which continue to build momentum within the club. Finally, attention turned to preparations for the upcoming Murphy Classic, now just two weeks away. Final logistics, entries, and event coordination were discussed to ensure another smooth and enjoyable show for exhibitors and attendees alike. Wayne Bandt and George England will be the Major Award judges for the event.

The North East Budgerigar Society also came together for its monthly committee meeting, with a strong focus on preparations for the upcoming β€œBudgie Blast from the Past” event, featuring guest presenter Bill Davis. Attention then turned to the Society’s auction program, where momentum is building ahead of the April Mega Auction Event. With over 20 quality birds already secured, the committee are optimistic about another well-supported sale that will attract both local and interstate interest. The structure, timing, and promotion of the auction were reviewed to ensure a smooth and successful rollout. In addition, the meeting covered practical arrangements for upcoming events, including audio-visual requirements at the Hectorville Community Centre.

Interstate, the Budgerigar Council of Victoria (BCV) has finalised its leadership team for the 2026 year, with election of their new office bearers. The positions have been filled as follows: President – Malcolm Randall, Vice President – Vacant, Secretary – Ray Slade, Treasurer – Robin Kirby. Congratulations to Malcolm Randall on his appointment as BCV President. A special thank you to outgoing President Peter Thurn for his service and dedication during his tenure. His contribution at the helm has been greatly valued, and his efforts have helped support the continued strength and development of the hobby as a whole.

Further afield, congratulations to Matt Wedrat from Cairns who picked up the Sunshine Coast Super Raffle winner with ticket #30. Thank you to everyone who supported the Club in their fund-raising endeavors.

Looking Ahead

This weekend marks the first Port Pirie club visit to the Longbottom Family in Spalding, with members invited to attend on Sunday at 11:00am for what promises to be an enjoyable and informative day. The visit will feature a presentation from John Mulley on Show Preparation, offering valuable insights into getting birds ready for the show bench. In addition, attendees will be treated to an aviary tour, providing a firsthand look at the Longbottom setup, followed by a shared lunch, which will be a great opportunity to connect with fellow members in a relaxed setting. Detailed directions are included in the meeting minutes; however, Jason has also provided the following guidance:

Head to Spalding and drive north through the main street. Continue past the shop and the hotel/pub, then follow the dirt road heading north. At the crossroads, continue straight ahead and keep driving until you see pine trees surrounding the property. As you approach, the house will come into viewβ€”turn right into the driveway and follow the track on the right-hand side down to the designated parking area, which will be clearly signposted.

If you happen to lose your way, Jason is happy to assistβ€”simply give him a call on 0407 979 326.

πŸ“ Address: 2987 Belalie Road, Hacklins Corner SA 5454

It’s shaping up to be a fantastic day of learning, socialising, and enjoying the hobby. Like all of the Port Pirie aviary tours, it will be well worth the trip.

Changing gears, entries also close this weekend for the Murphy Classic, so members are reminded to finalise their submissions ahead of the deadline. The Murphy Classic serves as the BSSA Future Champions Show, placing the spotlight firmly on developing exhibitors. The show will feature Junior, Novice, and Intermediate classes only, with no Open section, creating a supportive environment for up-and-coming fanciers to gain experience on the show bench. In addition, the day will include a β€œCome & Try” morning, designed to introduce members of the public to the hobby. To support this initiative, members are encouraged to bring along suitable budgies that can be used to engage visitors, provide hands-on interaction, and help showcase the appeal of exhibition budgerigars. It’s a fantastic opportunity not only to compete, but also to grow the hobby and inspire new participants, so be sure to get your entries in and support the day.

Interstate, it’s shaping up to be a busy and exciting weekend across the budgerigar fancy, with several key events taking place around the country. In Queensland, the Wynnum Redlands Showcase Auction will be held on Saturday, offering fanciers the chance to secure quality birds and connect with fellow breeders. 214 birds will be on offer at this live auction.

Meanwhile in Victoria, a double-header weekend is on the cards with the United Diploma Show on Saturday, followed by the Border & Districts Diploma Show on Sunday. Both shows are important fixtures on the Victorian show calendar and well supported by exhibitors across the state.

With auctions and shows running right across the country, it highlights the strength and activity within the hobby, with plenty of opportunities for members to get involved, whether competing, buying, or simply enjoying the camaraderie.

Finally, tickets are still available for the BCSA 30th Birthday Lunch. We’re inviting the entire South Australian budgerigar community to help us celebrate this special milestone.

For three decades, the BCSA has been the organisation bringing our clubs together, coordinating our state teams, supporting our shows, and representing South Australia on the national stage. Now it’s time to take a moment, look back on the journey, and celebrate the people who have helped shape our fancy.

We’re inviting everyone to join media personalities Graeme Goodings and Nic Hayes for this relaxed and enjoyable lunch as we bring together fanciers from across the state, past and present, to share stories, memories and a few laughs about the hobby we all love. BCSA members can attend free, while guest tickets are available for $25, making it easy to bring along a partner or friend to join in the celebrations. Tickets are strictly limited due to venue capacity.

Events like this don’t come around often, and 30 years is a milestone worth celebrating properly, so we encourage everyone involved in the South Australian fancy to be part of the event.

Whether you’ve been involved since the early days or you’ve only recently joined the hobby, this is a great opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and celebrate the community that makes the budgerigar fancy so special.

🎟 Secure your ticket and join us in celebrating 30 years of the Budgerigar Council of South Australia. For the first 30 members to register, you will get a FREE 30 year commemorative hat, courtesy of the BCSA.

Saturday 18th of April 2026, Max Amber Community Hall – Wayikuu, George St Athelstone, between Noon and 2 PM.

LINK TO SECURE YOUR TICKETS

Check out the collaboration between our partners Hentley Farm, and Budgie Fest’s own artist, Dr. Daniel Connell!

Budgie Auctions & Sales

A quiet week for online Auctions, with just BSSA Auction 4 running. This weekend also sees the Wynnum live auction on the Saturday, with 214 birds being auctioned off.

BSSA Auction 4 for 2026🦜
End Date:Β Sunday 22nd March 2026
Lots Available:Β 9The BSSA Auction 4 2026 is now live, running from March 16th to March 22nd. The event showcases 9 carefully selected birds from Chris Murphy, Marie & Kerry Murphy, and George England. Varieties include Inos, Cinnamonwings, Dominant Pieds, Normals, Opaline Cinnamonwings, and Recessive Pieds.

LINK TO BSSA AUCTION 4

Wynnum Redlands Showcase Auction 2026🦜
Date:Β March 21st 2026
Lots Available:Β 214Featuring birds from notable breeders and well known studs from across the country, the Wynnum Redlands Showcase Auction promises to be a great day. This live event is one of the top auctions in the country.

LINK TO WYNNUM REDLANDS AUCTION 2026

Club Calendar

Sunday, 22 March 2026

PPBS
Aviary Tour – Longbottom Family, 11 am
πŸ“ Address: 2987 Belalie Road, Hacklins Corner SA 5454

A fantastic opportunity to view quality birds up close and connect with fellow fanciers in a relaxed setting.

Head to Spalding and drive north through the main street. Continue past the shop and the hotel/pub, then follow the dirt road heading north. At the crossroads, continue straight ahead and keep driving until you see pine trees surrounding the property. As you approach, the house will come into viewβ€”turn right into the driveway and follow the track on the right-hand side down to the designated parking area, which will be clearly signposted.

If you happen to lose your way, Jason is happy to assistβ€”simply give him a call on 0407 979 326.

Sunday, 29 March 2026

BSSA Murphy Classic
πŸ“ Ascot Park Scout Hall

One of the highlights on the BSSA calendar β€” don’t miss this competitive and well-supported show, specifically for Juniors, Novices and Intermediates.

Tuesday, 7 April 2026

BSSA Budgie Varieties Night – White Cap, Yellow Faced & Golden Faced
Presented by Wayne & Kelwyn
πŸ“ Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur Street, Unley

An informative evening focusing on these increasingly popular varieties.

Wednesday, 8 April 2026

NEBS Blast From The Past – Budgie Bill Davis
πŸ“ Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville

A nostalgic and educational session revisiting birds and stories from years gone by.

Sunday, 12 April 2026

BCSA Judges Meeting
πŸ“ Enfield Community Centre, Regency Road, Enfield

Saturday, 18 April 2026

BCSA 30th Anniversary Celebrations
πŸ“ Venue Athelstone Football Club – Max Amber Community Hall

A major milestone for the Budgerigar Council of South Australia β€” more details to be announced soon. This will be a celebration not to be missed!



ANBC Nationals Spotlight

The ANBC is currently seeking photographs of recipients listed on its Service Division Honour Roll, including one of South Australia’s own, Mr Gordon Lowe. Gordon was recognised as one of the founding fathers of the ANBC, making his contribution to the national budgerigar fancy both significant and historically important.

If any members have a photograph of Gordon Lowe in their collections or archives, the ANBC would greatly appreciate a copy so it can be included in the official Honour Roll records. If you are able to assist, please contact BCSA President Troy Holmes, who will coordinate forwarding the image to the ANBC. Preserving these pieces of history helps ensure the contributions of the pioneers of our hobby are properly recognised and remembered.

LINK TO EMAIL BCSA PRESIDENT

Order Your Official ANBC Merchandise Here

πŸ‘•Missed Out on the Nationals ANBC Merchandise? Here’s Your Chance! πŸ‘•
Did you love the look of our ANBC Polos at the 49th Annual Trill Expert ANBC National Titles?

You weren’t the only one! 😍

Now’s your chance to own a piece of Nationals history – grab your very own official ANBC Polo, as worn by the team carers at this year’s event. Whether you’re a breeder, exhibitor, or proud supporter of the fancy, these polos are the perfect way to show your passion in style.

βœ…Comfortable fit
βœ…Striking design
βœ…Perfect for club events, shows, and everyday supporter wear

These will be pre-ordered with the carers shirts in early 2026. Get your orders in now.

πŸ‘‰To order yours, use the link below:

LINK TO ORDER SHIRT

The ANBC has received advice from Mantra Sharks, the venue for the 2026 SQBBA Trill National to be held on the Gold Coast, that accommodation is already filling quickly. Zones are therefore encouraged to make early arrangements for their carers and preparers, to ensure suitable accommodation is secured.Please contact Mantra Sharks, Gold Coast, on (07) 5603 3200 to confirm and book your accommodation requirements. Don’t forget the DISCOUNT CODE 15% SSANBC26 – this code is not available for online bookings.

It is also recommended that all attendees consider making their general accommodation and travel bookings at this time to avoid disappointment.

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.

ANBC NEWSLETTER SIGN UP PAGE



In Closing

As we head into another action-packed weekend, the momentum across the hobby continues to build, with strong committee work, exciting events, and growing participation at every level. From local meetings to interstate shows and auctions, the passion for budgerigars remains as vibrant as ever. With the Murphy Classic fast approaching and milestone celebrations on the horizon, now is the perfect time to get involved, support your clubs, and enjoy everything the fancy has to offer. Make sure you take advantage of the early ticket offering for our 30th birthday celebrations, and I hope to see many of you in Spalding this weekend.

Until next week.

2026Β Key Dates

March 2026

  • Sunday 22 March 2026 – Aviary Tour – Longbottom Family – Spalding.
  • Sunday 29 March 2026 – BSSA Murphy Classic – Ascot Park Scout Hall.

April 2026

  • Tuesday 7 April 2026 – Budgie Varieties Night – White Cap, Yellow Faced & Golden Faced (Wayne & Kelwyn) – Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur Street, Unley.
  • Wednesday 8 April 2026 – Blast From The Past – Budgie Bill Davis (NEBS) – Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville.
  • Sunday 12 April 2026 – BCSA Judges Meeting – Enfield Community Centre, Regency Road, Enfield.
  • Saturday 18 April 2026 – BCSA 30th Anniversary Celebrations – Max Amber Community Hall, Athelstone



facebook

Website

Email

YouTube

Instagram

Copyright Β© 2026 Budgerigar Council of South Australia, All rights reserved.

You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:

Budgerigar Council of South Australia

6 East Terrace

Kensington Gardens, SA 5068

Australia

Add us to your address book

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp