Although overall bird entries were slightly down, with 355 birds entered compared to 429 last year, this was largely due to many birds undergoing their moult. The challenging drought-like conditions South Australia has faced in early 2025 have affected the timing and condition of many birds, impacting the numbers this year.

Congratulations to the North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS), who won the Logan Shield with 607 points, with followed by Port Pirie on 347 Points, and the BSSA on 250 points.

Much of the week was dedicated to the meticulous care and preparation of the 87 birds heading north to Cairns. Both current and former bird carers committed significant time and effort to ensure each bird was presented in peak condition. Several team members took annual leave, while others adjusted their work schedules, coming together with invaluable support from retired bird carer Doug Lange. Doug expertly guided the team through each bird’s preparation, helping to ensure they were show-ready and poised to perform at their best.

Now safely arrived in Cairns, the birds are primed and ready for the biggest event on Australia’s exhibition budgerigar calendar, an event eagerly watched by enthusiasts worldwide via the YouTube live feed.

In the lead-up to the event, Media Stable has worked tirelessly to generate buzz and media coverage across the country. Budgerigars have been featured on major outlets such as 3AW Radio, ABC, and regional news programs. BCSA President Troy Holmes was featured on ABC Regional Drive earlier this week with Narelle Graham. Be sure to tune in today at 8:20 AM to 1395 FiveAA, where Pembo and Will cross live to Cairns to speak to the South Australian bird carers. The event will also be spotlighted on Channel 7’s Lunchtime News nationwide. For those in regional areas, last night’s WIN News provided additional coverage, helping to raise awareness and celebrate the humble Australian budgerigar. We extend our gratitude to Media Stable for their dedicated efforts in promoting this beloved avian pastime.

The weekend’s schedule features two judging sessions on Saturday and a morning session on Sunday. Sunday afternoon will see the prestigious ANBC National Auction, showcasing prized pairs from some of Australia’s top breeders. The weekend will conclude with the presentation dinner, where the winners will be honoured for their remarkable achievements. Attendees will also get an exclusive preview of what to expect from the South Queensland Nationals in 2026 — an event sure to build on this year’s momentum.

We look forward to a thrilling weekend of competition, camaraderie, and celebration of everything that makes the Australian budgerigar community so special.

Looking ahead, a reminder that expressions of interest are now open for the BCSA Annual Auction, this year to be held two weeks later than normal on Sunday August 3^rd.  Expressions of interest close a week from today on Friday May 30^th, with final entry details due Friday June 20^th. Members are invited to submit an expression of interest via email for up to eight lots, with the possibility of additional entries if space permits. The focus this year will be on quality over quantity, following the strong success of the 2024 auction. Submit your expressions of interest via email to president@bcsa.com.au and be a part of one of South Australia’s key budgerigar events for the year.

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!

As we head into this weekend, a reminder to all members: no photos of winning birds from the Logan Shield or those selected for the State Team are to be shared until after the classes have been judged. It’s important we uphold the integrity and secrecy surrounding the South Australian team. This includes maintaining radio silence on both results and bird identities until after the ANBC National Show.

This policy helps preserve the excitement and fairness of the national event for all states and competitors. If you’re unsure about any part of this process, please refer to the ANBC Social Media Policy or speak directly with one of your Club’s BCSA delegates for guidance.

Thanks for helping keep the spirit of the competition strong.

Latest Update on Bird Flu (H7N8)

The most recent information on Bird Flu (H7N8) is outlined below, which hasn’t changed now since May 5th. The key takeaway for bird owners is the importance of maintaining strict biosecurity measures. The good news is that it looks like the controlled area has reduced, which means that they’re getting on top of things. Vigilance is still required:

✅ Keep sheds, yards, aviaries, and equipment clean
✅ Ensure footwear is clean before entering bird areas
✅ Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling birds or eggs

Staying vigilant with hygiene practices is essential in protecting your birds and preventing the spread of disease. Note that poultry and bird sales, shows, markets and auctions or other gatherings within the control and restricted areas are prohibited until further notice.

🚚 Freight to the winner is fully covered by NQBZ Inc.
📅 Drawn at the Presentation Dinner – Sunday, 25th May 2025, Cairns
🎟️ Tickets are just $10 each

To purchase tickets, please contact:
📞 Michelle Fidler – 0457 088 108
📞 Bruce Schuster – 0426 731 339

Don’t miss your chance to win this top-quality, fully mobile flight cage — and we can’t wait to see you in Cairns!

Drawn during the ANBC Presentation Dinner – Sunday, 25th May 2025, in Cairns
You won’t want to miss your chance to win from this incredible prize pool!

🔹 First Prize: $1,000 CASH
🔹 Second Prize: $500 CASH

🎁 Plus, a fantastic selection of additional prizes generously donated by our sponsors:
🍷 Individual bottles of Hentley Farm Wine – from the renowned Barossa Valley
🧪 Anpario Pack – featuring Salgard and Orego-Stim
🐾 Carlingford Animal Hospital Pack – includes Zade Liquid and Quikgel, thanks to Dr. R. Marshall
🌿 5 TummyRite Packs – Prosperity & TummyRite Plus
☕ Cairns & District Budgerigar Club Inc. – handmade tray and cups crafted by Gloria Buffa
🔨 Capricornia Budgerigar Society Inc. – Bunnings vouchers
🛠️ Mackay City Budgerigar Society Inc. – Bunnings voucher
🏡 North Queensland Budgerigar Breeders Club Inc. – Bunnings voucher
🥃 Townsville & District Budgerigar Club Inc. – a stunning engraved Yeti set (coffee cup, water bottle, wine glass, scotch, rum, and stubby holder)
🖼️ Two hand-beaded, framed artworks – flowers and parrots, lovingly made by a 92-year-old budgie enthusiast
Australian Bird Keeper Packs

🎟️ Tickets are just $5 each

To secure your tickets, please contact:

📞 Gloria Buffa – 0428 772 147
📞 Bruce & Sylvia Schuster – 0426 731 339

Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, there are plenty of amazing prizes up for grabs. Don’t miss out – support your Zone and be in the running to win!

ANBC Trivia

In the lead-up to the Nationals, the ANBC has been sharing Throwback Thursday trivia each week—have you been keeping up? Are you a true budgie buff with the knowledge to answer these fun and challenging questions? It’s a great way to test your memory, learn some history, and get into the Nationals spirit!

This week’s question relates to a change that was tabled by South Australia at the ANBC meeting, and involved (and here’s the hint!)… standardising scoring, and establishing a clear criteria for judging. Can you guess what the change was, and what year it happened?

To answer the trivia question from last week was (c) Western Australia.