| Welcome to this week’s edition of the Budgie Bulletin! Â |
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| It has been a quieter week on the South Australian budgerigar calendar, but certainly not a quiet one when it comes to reading material. Two major publications have landed this week, with the Spring 2026 edition of Chatter Magazine released by the BCSA, followed by the October 2026 edition of the ANBC Gazette. Between them, there is plenty covering breeding, history, genetics, judging, standards and the wider direction of the Australian budgerigar fancy.
Chatter Spring Edition
The latest edition of Chatter Magazine is now available, and the Spring edition again brings together a broad mix of stories and educational articles from South Australia, Australia and overseas. One of the feature articles looks at the remarkable story of the Marshall Family, adding another chapter to Chatter’s ongoing effort to preserve the people and history that have shaped our hobby.
For breeders interested in genetics and breeding methods, John Mulley returns with the second instalment of his series on inbreeding and line breeding, exploring an area that continues to generate plenty of discussion amongst breeders. There is also an international flavour in this edition with a feature on the M.J.B. Breeding Partnership in Belgium, providing readers with a look at budgerigar breeding beyond Australia and another perspective on how successful studs are developed and managed.
With the breeding season well underway for many, the edition also looks at preparing for breeding, while another practical article focuses on pet budgie safety and some of the everyday risks owners need to be aware of. Variety enthusiasts are also catered for, with an article examining the history and development of the Australian White Cap, one of the distinctly Australian varieties that has generated considerable interest in recent years.
It makes for a particularly varied edition, covering history, genetics, practical breeding information, international breeders, varieties and pet ownership. For those keen to read more, please use the link below: |
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October ANBC Gazette Released
The October edition of the ANBC Gazette has also been released this week, providing plenty of national news and several issues that could have a longer-term impact on the fancy. The ANBC provides an update on the newly supported ANBC Events Management Group, which has been established to assist with the organisation and delivery of future ANBC National Shows. The group will assist New South Wales with the 2027 National Championship before the transition takes full effect for the 2028 Nationals in Western Australia. There are also several motions still progressing through the ANBC process, including matters relating to the ring issue date, ANBC National Show date, a Service Hall of Fame for Judges, and the Normal class arrangements for Olives and Mauves.Colours & Standards
There is plenty happening within Colours & Standards this month. Work continues on a proposed new ANBC Pictorial, with renowned artist Roy Aplin approached to review the proposed suggestions and assist with the project. A South Australian motion proposing that the term “Cinnamonwing” be changed to “Cinnamon” has also been forwarded for consideration, with the proposal aimed at bringing Australian terminology more closely into line with terminology used internationally.Progress is also being made on the Darkwing Standard, where a group of variety specialists working with the National Judges Coordinator has been considering issues including allowable variety combinations. Meanwhile, breeders working with Spangle Melanistics are being encouraged to document their matings and breeding outcomes. Colours & Standards continues to examine breeding results, but greater feedback from breeders will be important in building a clearer picture of how the variety behaves genetically.The Reward of Judging
National Judges Coordinator James Bader has contributed an article titled “The Reward of Judging”, looking at the pathway and responsibility involved in becoming a judge. His message centres on continuing education, seeking advice from experienced breeders and judges, finding good mentors and being prepared to accept constructive feedback. Importantly, the message applies not only to trainee judges. Even experienced judges are encouraged to continue learning, developing their understanding of varieties and challenging themselves through opportunities such as the ANBC Judges Examination.
Around Australia and the World
The Gazette again includes reports from the States and Zones, providing a snapshot of what is happening around the country. Victoria is preparing for the return of its show season while also developing a Bird Flu Risk Mitigation Plan for upcoming events. Tasmania has cancelled its Future Champions Show amid concerns surrounding H5N1, while New South Wales, South Queensland, North Queensland and Western Australia all provide updates on shows, club activities and upcoming events. South Australia’s report reflects on September activities including club meetings, auctions, the BCSA AGM and the release of this latest edition of Chatter.
The World Budgerigar Organisation report also contains several interesting developments internationally, including work surrounding a proposed WBO Colour Budgerigar Pictorial Ideal, along with changes being considered to WBO membership arrangements and the annual updating of information from affiliated national societies.
You can read the full ANBC Gazette using the link below: |
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Looking Ahead
The BSSA will hold its October meeting on Tuesday, 6 October, with another entertaining and informative evening planned for members at their Unley home. Budgies with Brice returns, with Brice Wheaton taking a closer look at Opaline and Opaline AOSV budgerigars. The presentation will explore these varieties from the perspectives of colour, genetics and breeding, while also giving members the opportunity to better appreciate what makes them so distinctive.The popular Member on the Couch segment will also return, with George England interviewing Wayne Weidenhofer. George will delve into Wayne’s experiences, interests and involvement in the hobby, giving members the chance to hear a few stories and learn more about one of South Australia’s well-known budgerigar enthusiasts. It promises to be another relaxed night of budgerigar knowledge, conversation and club camaraderie.We’ll have more from around the South Australian budgerigar scene in next week’s Bulletin. |
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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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| Just the one auction to highlight this week, with the BSSA hosting event #20 for 2026. The Rare Budgerigar Club of South Australia has also announced an auction in November of birds from the Eastern States. |
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BSSA Auction 20 for 2026🦜
Lots Available:Â 12
Ends:Â Sunday, 4th of October at 7:00 PM ACDT plus extended biddingBSSA Auction 20 for 2026 is now underway, featuring another strong selection of exhibition budgerigars from Marie & Kerry Murphy, George England and Chris Murphy. The auction includes a broad mix of varieties, including Spangles, Cinnamonwings, Lacewings, Inos, Dilutes, Normal Grey Greens, Lutinos, Opaline Cinnamonwings, Spangle Opalines and Spangle Cinnamonwings. Bidding closes on Sunday, 4 October at 7:00 pm ACDT, with extended bidding applying where required. |
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BSSA Monthly Meeting
đź—“ Date:Â Tuesday, October 6th, 7:00 pm
đź“Ť Location:Â 18 Arthur Street, UnleyJoin us on Tuesday 6 October for an evening of budgerigar knowledge, stories and club camaraderie.
Budgies with Brice. Brice will take us on a closer look at the fascinating Opaline and Opaline AOSV budgerigars. Whether you’re interested in colour and variety genetics, breeding, or simply appreciating these beautiful birds, this promises to be an informative and engaging presentation. Our popular Member on the Couch session returns, with George England interviewing our guest member, Wayne Weidenhofer. |
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NEBS Monthly Meeting
đź—“ Date:Â Wednesday, October 14th, 7:30 pm
đź“Ť Location: 47 Reid Avenue, HectorvilleThe next North East Budgerigar Society meeting will be held on 14 October. The planned presentation is local John Smith speaking on native budgies, with the possibility of also covering Rainbow Budgerigars. At this stage, however, John has not yet been able to be contacted to confirm the presentation. If John is unavailable, the backup program will be John Mulley presenting two topics: “Why Are Green Budgies Green: The Short and the Long Story” and “Understanding the Matrix.” The night will also serve as the hand off point for the North East’s October Mega Auction. |
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Port Pirie Aviary Visit & Show
đź—“ Date:Â Sunday, October 18th, 10:30 am
đź“Ť Location:Â Doug & Ruth Lange’s, MaitlandThe next Port Pirie Budgerigar Club meeting will be held on 18 October and will feature a Mini Show for members. Each member can enter up to five 2026 juvenile birds and five unbroken cap birds, with an entry fee of $1.00 per bird. Entry money will be returned as prize money for the winners, with the amount depending on the total number of birds entered. To help with staging and organisation on the day, members are asked to please let Doug know in advance how many birds they intend to bring. |
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| The Budgerigar Society of NSW and the ANBC are pleased to announce that the Canberra Rex Hotel has provided them with the following link for those who wish to make reservations now to secure their rooms at the venue of the 51st Annual Trill™ Expert ANBC National Championships, 21 to 23 May 2027.
Rate Access Code: EVENTS
Discount Code: BUDCHAMP27
Guests may also call on (02) 6248 5311 or email the hotel reservations@canberrarexhotel.com.au to make a booking. Their guest service agents will be happy to assist you with making a booking. Discounted rates open for 2 days prior and 2 days post event for those who wish to stay longer. Registration will officially open early next year but if you wish to secure a room at the venue, please take advantage of this discounted offer now as the rooms are all likely to be booked out. We look forward to seeing you there! |
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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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A quiet weekend in the budgerigar calendar might actually be well timed this week. Put the kettle on, find yourself a comfortable chair and work your way through the new Spring edition of Chatter and the October ANBC Gazette. There is a considerable amount of information in both, whether your interest is breeding, varieties, judging, history or simply keeping up with what is happening around Australia. And with the BSSA meeting coming up next week, there is still plenty happening locally even as the show calendar begins to slow. The show benches may be quieter at the moment, but the conversations, ideas and work shaping the future of the hobby certainly are not.
Enjoy the reading, and we’ll be back again next week with another BCSA Budgie Bulletin.
Until next week.
Edition 139 |
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September 2026
- Tuesday, 6th October – BSSA Meeting, Budgies with Brice & Wayne Weedo “On the Couch”, 18 Arthur Street, Unley, 7:00 pm
- Wednesday, 14th October – NEBS Meeting, Native & Rainbow Budgies, or Why Are Green Budgies Green, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville, 7:30 pm.
- Sunday, 18th October – PPBS Aviary Visit & Mini Show, Doug & Ruth Lange’s, Maitland.
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