Wayne recalled the extraordinary size of budgerigar shows in those early days, with the BSSA exhibiting at the old City Poultry Hall and shows attracting upwards of 1,000 birds. There were only Junior and Open exhibitor sections, and Wayne quickly progressed through the ranks, enjoying considerable success on the Show bench. He developed a particular interest in Australian Golden Faced budgerigars, achieving four consecutive Gardiner Shield wins between 1977 and 1980. The Gardiner Shield was the predecessor to today’s ANBC National Championships, with Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia competing against each other in what is now the pre-selection show for the Victorian team for the ANBC Championship Show.

Away from the birds, Wayne entertained members with stories of joining the South Australian Police Force at just 17 years of age. His father had given him the choice of finding employment or completing Year 12. His first police interview was unsuccessful, with the interviewing Inspector considering him too young. However, after seeking advice from a local policeman in Woodside, Wayne returned better prepared and successfully gained entry. With his police career developing, Wayne eventually made the difficult decision to sell his entire budgerigar stud. His reputation on the Show bench meant his birds were keenly sought after, with some finding their way to Queensland.

Following police service in Adelaide, Wayne was transferred to Victor Harbor, where he and his family settled. His breeding equipment remained stored at his father’s property in Woodside, until years later, when his son Jason began exploring his grandfather’s shed and discovered the old budgerigar equipment. That discovery would eventually reignite Wayne’s involvement in the hobby and begin one of South Australia’s most successful father-and-son breeding partnerships.

Wayne discussed the development of the Jason and Wayne Weidenhofer stud, the importance of carefully selected outcrosses and his approach to improving particular varieties over a three-year period, with the ultimate ambition of producing a National winner. That approach has certainly paid dividends. Jason and Wayne recorded their sixth National win in the modern era at the 2026 ANBC National Championships on the Gold Coast, winning the Normal Violet class and adding another achievement to an already impressive record.

Wayne also reflected on the friendships developed throughout his involvement in budgerigars, his judging career, interstate travels and his close friendship with fellow South Australian breeder and judge Kelwyn Kakoschke. His contribution to the BSSA has extended well beyond the Show bench, including ten years as Show Manager, and he spoke fondly of his involvement with the Club and his current role helping with the Trading Table.

It was a fascinating insight into the history of both Wayne and the budgerigar fancy in South Australia, reminding members just how much the hobby has changed over the past five decades. A special thank you to George and Wayne for providing such an entertaining evening, and to our Roving Reporter Sue Adams for sharing the highlights and photographs with the Budgie Bulletin. It’s stories like these that remind us that budgerigars are about far more than winning on the Show bench. They’re about the people, the friendships, the families and the memories that last a lifetime.

Thsi week, Malcolm Loveridge announced his retirement from the BCSA Judges Panel, bringing to a close a remarkable judging career believed to have spanned approximately 46 years. Malcolm has been involved in the exhibition budgerigar fancy for more than five decades, having first joined the BSSA in 1971. Over the years, he has established himself as a highly respected breeder, exhibitor and judge, contributing enormously to the hobby in South Australia and nationally.

One of the highlights of Malcolm’s judging career was achieving ANBC National Judges accreditation in 1993, going on to officiate at three Australian National Budgerigar Championships. His appointments included Perth in 1994, Hobart in 2002 and Rockhampton in 2010, before retiring from the National Judges Panel in 2015. Malcolm continued to serve the South Australian fancy as a Major Awards Judge, generously giving his time and sharing his considerable knowledge and experience with exhibitors and fellow judges.

Now representing the Port Pirie Budgerigar Society, Malcolm remains a familiar face around South Australian shows, having enjoyed considerable success with his own birds over many years. His passion for breeding quality exhibition budgerigars, particularly Albinos and Recessive Pieds, continues to be an important part of his involvement in the hobby.

Judging is an enormous commitment, requiring not only a thorough understanding of The Standard, but also countless hours spent travelling, assessing birds and supporting our affiliated clubs. To give approximately 46 years of service in this capacity is an extraordinary achievement. On behalf of the BCSA, our affiliated clubs and the wider South Australian budgerigar community, we sincerely thank Malcolm for his dedication, commitment and contribution to judging over so many years. Congratulations, Malcolm, on a remarkable judging career, and thank you for everything you have contributed to our wonderful hobby.

The North East Budgerigar Society will hold its October monthly meeting next Wednesday, October 14th, at the Hectorville Community Centre, commencing at 7:30 pm. This month, BCSA Judges Coordinator and NEBS Life Member John Mulley will present two fascinating topics, “Why is a Green Budgie Green?” and “Understanding the Matrix”.

John will explore the science behind the colours we see in our budgerigars, including how pigments and feather structure combine to produce the familiar green colour, before moving into the Australian Standard and the Matrix, explaining how varieties and colours are classified.

With John’s extensive knowledge of genetics, breeding and the Australian Standard, this promises to be an informative evening, and an opportunity for members to gain a better understanding of some of the science behind the birds we breed and exhibit.

The evening will also serve as the hand-off point for the North East’s October Mega Auction, which features 35 budgerigars from Malcolm Loveridge, Doug & Ruth Lange, Dave Miller, Hayley Lewis and Vic Kokoski. Successful purchasers are encouraged to make arrangements with vendors for the collection of their birds.

As always, visitors and members from other clubs are most welcome. Come along, learn something new, catch up with fellow fanciers and enjoy another evening at the North East!

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!