| Welcome to this week’s edition of the Budgie Bulletin! |
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| This week the Budgerigar Society of South Australia (BSSA) came together for their monthly meeting, and members were treated to two engaging and educational presentations. The evening opened with a detailed talk from John Mulley, one of South Australia’s most experienced and respected bird carers. John shared valuable insights on what fanciers can be doing right now to improve their chances of success when May arrives and the race toward the Nationals begins. His presentation covered a wide range of practical management topics — from artificially inducing the moult to ensure birds peak at the right time, through to strengthening tail growth and maintaining overall feather quality.
John also discussed the importance of timing when it comes to show cage training. He explained when birds should begin becoming accustomed to the show cage, and when it is best avoided, particularly while tail sheaths are still dropping and feathers remain vulnerable to damage. The presentation struck the perfect balance between technical detail and practical advice, offering useful takeaways for beginners while still providing valuable reminders and refinement for seasoned Open exhibitors. |
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| Following John’s presentation, George England took to the stage in a more relaxed and conversational format, interviewing Novice fancier Tom Sismey “on the couch”. Tom has been involved with birds for many years and also has a background working as a stockman. Through George’s questions, Tom shared stories from his journey in the hobby, the challenges he has faced, and the determination that continues to drive his competitive spirit on the show bench. It was an enjoyable and personable segment that gave members the opportunity to learn more about one of their fellow fanciers. |
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| On Wednesday evening, the ANBC Working Group also met to continue discussions around the future delivery of the ANBC National Titles. A key focus of the meeting was refining the role the working group will play in supporting and executing the national event each year. The intention is to provide a more consistent national framework for managing the Nationals while also improving the professionalism, promotion and sponsorship opportunities surrounding the event.
By centralising some of the planning and coordination, the working group hopes to reduce the financial risk and administrative burden placed on host States, particularly smaller states that can find the scale of the Nationals challenging. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure the ANBC National Titles continue to grow and develop as the pinnacle budgerigar exhibition event in Australia. |
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| Interstate this week, the Budgerigar Council of Victoria (BCV) held their Annual Adult Bird Shield show. The event attracted an impressive entry of 880 birds with 16 clubs represented, reflecting the strong support for competitive exhibition budgies across the Victorian clubs. Congratulations go to Ian Hunter, who took out the major individual honours, and to the Riverina Club, who secured the Club Shield for the event. |
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| Looking ahead to the week to come, BCSA President Troy Holmes will be interviewed live in the studio with the team at Tribe FM in Willunga later this morning. If you’re tuning in this morning, be sure to listen to 91.1 FM at 9:30 am, where Emcee Blaze and Trevor Garard will be chatting with Troy about all things budgerigars and the activity currently happening across the hobby here in South Australia and beyond.
The coming week also leads into the North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) March meeting, which promises another excellent night of education for breeders. John Mulley will present on the topic of Line Breeding versus Inbreeding, contrasted against a presentation from Troy Holmes exploring the more recent strategy of feature breeding. As always, the North East will have the ever-popular meat tray raffle on offer, making the evening both informative and enjoyable for members and visitors alike. The meeting will also serve as the hand-off point for this month’s NEBS Mega Auction, which continues to attract strong interest from breeders around the country.
This week also saw our Autumn edition of Chatter Magazine released. For those hard copy subscribers, you should have received this in the post during the week. For those who are receiving it via email only, this should have been in your Inbox on Monday. |
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| Finally, the BCSA is pleased to announce that Graeme Goodings will be joining us as the official host for the BCSA 30th Anniversary celebrations on 18 April. With preparations continuing to gather momentum, the event is shaping up to be a memorable occasion celebrating three decades of budgerigar exhibition in South Australia. |
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| Check out the collaboration between our partners Hentley Farm, and Budgie Fest’s own artist, Dr. Daniel Connell! |
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| This week, we have several auctions that have been released online, with the G & A Hand Auctions 2 & 3, the NEBS Mega Auction for March, the South Queensland Fundraising Auction, and the Sinclair Budgerigar Auction. We also have the Wynnum Redlands live auction catalogue, featuring 214 lots. The event will be held on Saturday March 21st at the Cleveland State School Hall in Queensland, featuring birds for sale from some of the country’s top breeders. |
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NEBS March Mega Auction 2026🦜
End Date: Sunday 8 March 2026 at 8:00 pm ACDT, with extended bidding applied where required
Lots Available: 45The NEBS March Mega Event 2026 is now live, bringing together 45 quality budgerigars from respected breeders across Australia. This March auction features birds from well-known vendors including Geoff Edwards, the Holmes Family, Schutz & Tonkin, John Mulley, Shiralee Reardon, Vic Kocoski (NSW) and Kevin O’Callaghan (QLD). This year’s March Mega Event includes Violets, Crested, Clearwings, Spangles, Cinnamonwings, Recessive Pieds, Dominant Pieds, Clearbodies, Normals and more. |
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G & A Hand Auction 3 2026🦜
End Date: March 6th 2026
Lots Available: 18Auction 3 of 3 for 2026 is now live, featuring 18 quality exhibition budgerigars. For health reasons Geoff and Ann have decided to massively reduce their numbers and varieties of birds being kept. Only keeping a small number of 2025 bred birds and their Cleartail / Melanistic lines. The sale birds have been housed at a fellow breeders Avairies since last year – and have now been made available- all birds are in full feather -tail/ flights unless stated otherwise in the description. |
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SQBBA Fundraising Auction 2 for 2026🦜
End Date: March 8th 2026
Lots Available: 19The SQBBA Fundraising Auction 2 for 2026 is now underway, offering 19 quality budgerigars from respected breeders across the region. This online budgerigar auction commenced on 1 March and concludes on 8 March 2026. This fundraising auction plays an important role in supporting the Nationals in May. Every bid has been donated and contributes directly to the event.
This catalogue brings together a diverse and experienced group of contributors, including Geoff & Jenni Smith, Brian Harms, Shaw Family, Jason Hockey, Garry & Helen Hibberd, Ian & Jill Spann, Barlow & Jane’s Budgies, Keevers & Hoskinson, Terry & Marilyn Benbow, Trevor Turner, G & T Buetel, and Angela & Kaitlyn Edser. |
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G & T Sinclair Auction 2026🦜
End Date: March 12th 2026
Lots Available: 20The SIN Budgies Auction 2026 begins on 5 March and runs until 12 March, closing with extended bidding where required. The sale features 20 birds, including birds bred by G & T Sinclair and two birds from Peter Baker. Varieties featured in the auction include Normals, Lutinos, Spangles, Cinnamonwings and other quality varieties. |
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Wynnum Redlands Showcase Auction 2026🦜
Date: March 21st 2026
Lots Available: 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. |
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| Wednesday, 11 March 2026
NEBS
Inbreeding vs Line Breeding – Understanding the Difference
📍 Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville |
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| Sunday, 22 March 2026
PPBS
Aviary Tour – Longbottom Family
📍 Spalding
A fantastic opportunity to view quality birds up close and connect with fellow fanciers in a relaxed setting. |
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| Sunday, 29 March 2026
BSSA
BSSA Murphy Classic
📍 Ascot Park Scout Hall
One of the highlights on the BSSA calendar — don’t miss this competitive and well-supported show, specifically for Juniors, Novices and Intermediates. |
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| Tuesday, 7 April 2026
BSSA
Budgie Varieties Night – White Cap, Yellow Faced & Golden Faced
Presented by Wayne & Kelwyn
📍 Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur Street, Unley
An informative evening focusing on these increasingly popular varieties. |
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| Wednesday, 8 April 2026
NEBS
Blast From The Past – Budgie Bill Davis
📍 Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville
A nostalgic and educational session revisiting birds and stories from years gone by. |
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| Sunday, 12 April 2026
BCSA
BCSA Judges Meeting
📍 Enfield Community Centre, Regency Road, Enfield |
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| Saturday, 18 April 2026
BCSA
BCSA 30th Anniversary Celebrations
📍 Venue Athelstone Football Club – Max Amber Community Hall
A major milestone for the Budgerigar Council of South Australia — more details to be announced soon. This will be a celebration not to be missed! |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| This week served as a reminder of what makes the budgerigar hobby so special – the sharing of knowledge, the stories behind our birds, and the friendships that continue to shape our community. From John Mulley’s wisdom earned across decades in the bird carers room, to Tom Sismey reflecting on his journey in the hobby, the BSSA meeting captured the spirit of learning that passes from one generation of fanciers to the next. Interstate shows and ANBC planning continue to build toward the future, while the week ahead promises more conversation, education and connection as preparations quietly gather pace for the BCSA’s 30th Anniversary celebrations.
Until next week. |
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March 2026
- Wednesday 11 March 2026 – Inbreeding vs Line Breeding – The Difference (NEBS) – Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville.
- 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
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