| Welcome to this week’s edition of the Budgie Bulletin! |
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It’s been another busy week in budgerigars in South Australia. The BSSA kicked the week off with their Come & Try Night, which also featured a presentation on their Melton bus trip and group discussions.
A feature event of the evening was the exhibition budgerigar giveaway to Novice and Junior members. This is designed to help Novices and Juniors overcome some of the barriers to entry to exhibition budgerigars and is only possible through the generosity of our Open and Intermediate breeders who lean in, and donate exhibition quality budgerigars. Congratulations to all who made that give away possible. |
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| Brice Wheaton delivered an engaging presentation on the Club’s recent trip to Melton, sharing a collection of photos that captured the aviary visits undertaken during the tour. Members enjoyed exploring the impressive setups at Alan and Sandra Rowe’s, Hedra Kamel’s, and Steve Grech’s properties. Our South Australian cohort was warmly welcomed and exceptionally well looked after throughout the visit. |
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| The evening concluded with group discussions centred on breeding challenges and strategies to overcome them, encouraging members to share ideas collaboratively. Chris Murphy prepared a thoughtful series of conversation starters that sparked lively engagement among the groups. The energy in the room was high, and the discussions that followed were both insightful and productive, so much so that we had to be reminded to pull things up before we went too far over time. |
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| The very next evening, the North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) hosted their Colin Flanagan Virtual Aviary Tour, followed by a question and answer session. Colin was excellent, and extremely well prepared, delivering an insightful tour of his facility in Neerim South from Victoria via Zoom Link. Colin talked through his lines, and strategies for optimizing his 72 cabinets. He also delved into his recent trip to the Europe, and his insights into the birds that are now being bred over there, specifically on the width of head, and his take aways from that. The question and answer session also provided some great insight, with lots of great questions asked around things like the synergies of being in a partnership, how far behind our birds really are, and his thoughts on the National Show format, versus the likes of a World Show in the UK. |
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The night concluded on a light-hearted note, with the meat tray raffle won by Nigel Tonkin and collected on his behalf by Beau Schutz. Nigel may have a challenge prying the meat tray away from Beau’s daughter, who was very happy with her win.
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| This week also saw several other great radio interviews in the lead up to Budgie Fest – the Tribe FM interview was released, as well as a fantastic interview with Bec Seabrooke at Life FM. |
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| In the week ahead, we have the ANBC delegates meeting. We will be working together with the other states to make some adjustments to the Bylaws, as well as looking at the Victorian motions for announcing the ANBC judges earlier than January 1st of each year, and the motion for the Service Section of the Hall of Fame to be recognized in the same banner format at ANBC National events as the Breeder’s Excellence Division.
Next weekend, we also have the Port Pirie Meeting, which will include an aviary tour of Doug & Ruth Lange’s, and their annual Juvenile and UBC Show. The Club is asking each member or guest to bring along five nest feathers, and five current year rung juvenile birds, to help bolster the show numbers.
During the week, keep an ear out for us, as we announce several more media engagements. |
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From Cage to Centre Stage – the Quest to Find Australia’s Ultimate Pet Budgie
Is your budgie a born performer? Can your feathered friend do chin ups? Ride a tiny bike? Chirp the national anthem? Play budgie soccer? Speak Japanese? Whatever their talent Budgie Fest 2025 is looking for Australia’s ultimate pet budgie and it could be yours.
This year, you can enter by submitting a video of your budgie’s best moment—talking, playing, or showing off those clever moves. These videos will be featured throughout the festival, and the most impressive performances will take home the glory.
Budgie Fest 2025 grand finale will happen on Saturday afternoon at the Campbelltown Convention Centre, 172 Montacute Road, Rostrevor. It’s more than an event—it’s a nationwide celebration of our love for these incredible little birds.
Join us between Noon and 3 PM at the Campbelltown Function Centre for a FREE FAMILY FUN DAY filled with all things budgies. Kids can enjoy face painting, magic shows, colouring competitions, and even free 5-minute vet checks for feathered friends. Adults can relax with a Barossa wine tasting thanks to our partners at Hentley Farm and enjoy a live art demonstration inspired by—you guessed it—budgies!
This year’s awards will be based on your video entries, so get filming! Be in the running to be
🥇🐦 Chirp-Champion 2025 – The Ultimate Best Pet Budgie of the year
Grab your camera, capture your budgie’s personality, and be part of Australia’s biggest celebration of budgies. Don’t miss out—Budgie Fest 2025 is your bird’s moment to shine!
🎥 Film your budgie: Record a short video (30–90 seconds) of your budgie talking, playing, or performing tricks.
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| For those of you joining us from interstate, you may like to take the opportunity to join fellow fanciers for an all day, best of the Barossa tour. Or why not join us on the Friday evening, for a buffet style dinner and dessert at the home of Budgie Fest, Campbelltown Function Centre, with Master of Ceremonies Graeme Goodings. Our first event kicks off on Friday, 24th October, with a luxury day trip through the stunning Barossa Valley wine region. For those of you who joined us last year with Richard Miller, Peter Thurn, and others, chauffeur Andrew Dunn is back and has organised complimentary tastings and a delicious regional platter for lunch. He’ll be picking up from Adelaide and returning you just in time for the second part of our festivities.
Spring in the Barossa is nothing short of magical—rolling green vineyards, fragrant cellar doors, and world-class wines, all served with the warmest country hospitality. This small-group, relaxed tour will visit a curated selection of boutique and heritage wineries across Tanunda, Seppeltsfield, and beyond. Think generous tastings, fascinating stories from the winemakers, and plenty of time to savour the views. Your day includes comfortable return transport, guided tastings, and a regional lunch platter showcasing local produce. Andrew might even treat us to a sweet stop for artisan chocolate—because why not?
The cost is $118 per person, and tickets are strictly limited. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience!
Next up, we’re changing things up with our Budgie Fest Dinner this year. Hosted at the Campbelltown Function Centre, home of Budgie Fest, our dinner will feature a buffet dinner and dessert, all provided by our dedicated cohort of volunteers.
The evening will be hosted by Graeme Goodings, the beloved former Channel 7 news anchor and current FiveAA radio personality. Graeme will guide us through heartfelt conversations with passionate budgie breeders, including Garry and Helen Hibberd from Toowoomba, Mitchell Boal from Queensland, James Bader from Victoria, and others, as they share their personal stories, challenges, and triumphs that go on behind their budgerigars.
This isn’t just about the birds; it’s about the amazing people behind them. Graeme will bring their stories to life, offering you a rare and insightful look into their world. Enjoy the buffet-style dinner, filled with delicious options, and cap off the evening with a decadent dessert. It’s sure to be a night to remember, filled with good food, great company, and inspiring conversations. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or just love great storytelling, this event is for you!
Location: Campbelltown Function Centre, Home of Budgie Fest, 172 Montacute Rd, Rostrevor. Tickets: $35 per person—limited tickets available. Secure yours today! |
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| Budgie Fest Accommodation for Interstate Visitors
Alex Prez from Cruise Advisors has an excellent package for anyone planning to attend Budgie Fest in October. For those arriving on Thursday, 23 October, and departing on Sunday, 26 October, to take advantage of the proposed aviary visits, the packages are priced at $1,131.30 for a Superior King room and $1,239.30 for a Deluxe King room. For attendees arriving on Friday, 24 October, and leaving on Sunday, 26 October, the rates are $799.20 for a Superior King and $880.20 for a Deluxe King. These rates cover the full stay period and include a room upgrade at check-in if available, breakfast for two daily, a US$100 hotel credit, and early check-in and late checkout where possible. To book, contact Alex Prez, Independent Travel Specialist at Savenio – Signature Travel Experiences and Independent Travel Designer Solutions, via mobile at 0434 774 830 or Email alex.prez@savenio.com.au |
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| Budgie Fest Tri Club Cup Show Schedule Released
The Interclub and Tri Club Cup are always a highlight of the South Australian exhibition calendar. With classes now confirmed, members can begin planning their entries and preparing their birds for competition. The release of the schedule also underscores the collaborative nature of South Australian clubs, as the Tri Club Cup brings together the BSSA, North East and Port Pirie Clubs to showcase the very best of the fancy. Exhibitors are eager to see how their birds will perform, while the friendly inter-club rivalry ensures a spirited and enjoyable event. |
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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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| A much quieter week on the auction front this week, with BSSA Auction 27 for 2025 happening. |
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BSSA Auction 27 for 2025🦜
Closing Date: October 12th 2025
Lots Available: 17
The Budgerigar Society of South Australia (BSSA) is proud to present BSSA Auction 27 for 2025, running from October 6th to October 12th. This online auction features an exceptional selection of budgerigars offered on behalf of BSSA members, giving fanciers across Australia the opportunity to secure top-quality birds from respected breeders. Featured Sellers include Marie & Kerry Murphy, Ken & Janet Harris, Dave Miller & George England. Varieties on Offer include Spangles, Normals, Opalines, Opaline Cinnamonwings, and Inos.
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🐦 Doug & Ruth Lange Aviary Tour & PPBS Meeting
📅 Sunday October 19th 2025, 10:30 am
📍 Maitland (Yorke Peninsula)Join the Port Pirie Budgerigar Society (PPBS) for an exciting day at Doug & Ruth’s with the Young Birds and UBCs 2025 event! All 2025-rung birds are welcome, and the Port Pirie Club is aiming for 10 birds per member (5 UBC’s and 5 Young Birds) to ensure a good competition, as well as adequate staging. PPBS are extending a warm invitation to guests from other clubs to participate—no need for pre-entry, just bring your birds on the day for an 10:30 AM start.This is a great opportunity to compete for both the Best UBC and Best Young Bird. It’s also a chance to showcase your birds, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy some spirited competition over some great catering and even better banter.
The day will also include an aviary tour of Doug & Ruth’s, which is always a great time. |
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🐦 Budgie Fest Barossa Valley Wine Tour
📅 Friday October 24th
📍 Departing AdelaideSpring in the Barossa is pure magic—rolling green vines, fragrant cellar doors, and world-class wines poured with warm country hospitality. Join us on Friday, 24 October for a relaxed, small-group day out visiting a hand-picked selection of boutique and heritage wineries across Tanunda, Seppeltsfield and beyond. Think generous tastings, stories from the winemakers, and plenty of time to savour the views. Your day includes comfortable return transport, guided tastings at multiple cellar doors, and a delicious regional lunch platter showcasing fresh local produce. We’ll also weave in a scenic lookout (perfect for photos) and a sweet stop for artisan chocolate—because why not?Cost is $118 per person. Tickets strictly limited. |
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🐦 Budgie Fest Dinner
📅 Friday October 24th, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
📍 Campbelltown Function Centre, 172 Montacute Rd, RostrevorJoin us for an unforgettable evening at the Campbelltown Function Centre on Friday, 24 October, from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, as we explore the fascinating human stories behind budgerigars. This special dinner event will be expertly hosted by none other than Graeme Goodings, former Channel 7 news anchor and current FiveAA radio personality, who will guide us through intimate conversations with passionate budgie breeders. Hear from Garry and Helen Hibberd from Toowoomba, Mitchell Boal from Queensland, James Bader from Victoria, and others as they share their unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs in this hobby. It’s not just about the birds—it’s about the people behind these amazing creatures, and Graeme will bring their stories to life, offering a rare glimpse into their world. Enjoy a buffet-style dinner filled with delicious options and a decadent buffet dessert to cap off the evening. This will be a night to remember, full of heartwarming tales, good food, and great company. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, a lover of great storytelling, or just looking for an evening with something special, this event promises to deliver. Limited tickets available—secure yours today and join us for an evening of conversation, camaraderie, and celebration of the human stories behind budgerigars. Location: Campbelltown Function Centre, Home of Budgie Fest, 172 Montacute Rd, Rostrevor.Cost is $35 per person. Tickets strictly limited. |
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🐦 Budgie Fest 2025
📅 Saturday October 25th, 12 pm – 3 pm
📍 Campbelltown Function Centre, 172 Montacute Road, Rostrevor |
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🐦 Budgie Fest 2025 Interbranch & Tri Club Cup
📅 Saturday October 25th, 9 am – 3 pm
📍 Campbelltown Function Centre, 172 Montacute Road, Rostrevor |
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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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Thank you to those who made it out to the BSSA and North East meetings this week. Both providing great learning opportunities, from novices right through to our most senior breeders.
Be sure to get your entries in for the Tri Club Cup. They close in a little over a week’s time.
Until next week. |
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October
- Sunday 19th October – Port Pirie Meeting, Aviary Visit & Show, Maitland
- Friday 24th October – Budgie Fest Barossa Wine Tour
- Friday 24th October – Budgie Fest Dinner & Human Stories
- Saturday 25th October – Budgie Fest/Tri Club Cup/Interclub, Campbelltown
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