Rob shared his journey, beginning by reflecting on his early days in the hobby. With no spare space at home, he converted his children’s cubby house into his first bird room. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was enough to ignite a passion that would shape much of his life. He laughed as he recalled the sight of mentor Nigel Tonkin, already a well-known name in the fancy, crawling on hands and knees through the cubby house just to inspect the birds. That image, Rob said, summed up both the smallness of his start and the generosity of mentors who supported him.

One of the key themes of Rob’s talk was perseverance. He told the story of a hen that ran second at the Nationals and later produced only one chick – a splay-legged chick. Rather than giving up on the line, Rob bred from that chick and, against the odds, went on to produce his next Grand Champion. The message was clear: never underestimate what persistence and patience can achieve in this hobby.

Of course, the highlight of Rob’s career was his 1997 National win with an Opaline cock. Sadly, Rob was in hospital recovering from back surgery at the time. He spoke of the bittersweet memory of receiving a late-night phone call with the news. At first, he thought it was his Pied cock that had won, but to his surprise, it was the Opaline—“a bird that came from the clouds to win the class.” Though he celebrated alone in a hospital bed, it remains one of his proudest moments.

At his peak, Rob managed three aviaries with over 300 birds and 48 breeding cages. He specialised in Spangles, Grey Greens, Opalines, and Dominant Pieds, and proudly recalled breeding a particularly outstanding Dominant Pied with exceptional directional feather. His set-up at Redwood Park was even featured in Budgie World Magazine—something Rob remains very proud of.

He also shared details of his feeding methods, including Golden Cob mix, soaked grains, silver beet, and even raspberry cordial in the water. Members smiled at these touches of ingenuity from another era of the fancy.

Rob’s fondest memories weren’t trophies but the friendships and trips—especially the Mt Gambier shows, the bus rides filled with birds and laughter, and BBQ breakfasts at Nigel’s. He also fondly recalled international visitors like Leo and Hilda Endres from Germany, who he once took shark fishing.

Rob admitted to a regret: not establishing the line of unusual brown wings and Inos with no iris rings that he had started to work with before his health declined. Yet he was quick to shift focus back to the joy and mateship the hobby gave him.

To close, Rob offered advice to novices: buy the best birds you can afford, learn about genetics, and above all—enjoy the hobby. Winning, he said, will come eventually, but it’s the companionship and memories that make it truly worthwhile.

Though Rob can no longer keep birds, his wisdom, humour, and passion left members inspired and grateful for the reminder of what makes our hobby so special.

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 entrants are being encouraged to send in a short 30-90 second video showing off their bird’s talent, to win big prizes. “We’re excited to showcase the talent of Australia’s best budgies,” Budgie Expert Troy Holmes said. “They’re such clever birds, and this removes performance anxiety on the day in front of a crowd for the budgie and its owner, plus we get to share these videos and bring some joy back into people’s lives.” So, get your quirky, chirpy bird ready to roll in front of the cameras and let’s find Australia’s most talented budgie.

Alex Prez from Cruise Advisors has a fantastic package on offer, for anyone looking to come in for the weekend for Budgie Fest in October. If you’re looking to come in on the Thursday, and take advantage of our proposed aviary visits, leaving on the Sunday, the following packages are on offer:

23-26 October

• Superior King – $1131.30
• Deluxe King – $1239.30

If you’re coming in on the Friday, and out on the Sunday, the following is available.

24-26 October

• Superior King – $799.20
• Deluxe King – $880.20

Rates are total for the stay period. List inclusions are an upgrade at check-in if available, breakfast for 2 daily, US$100 Hotel credit, as well as early check in and late checkout if available.

To book, contact:
Alex Prez
Independent Travel Specialist
Savenio – Signature Travel Experiences
& Independent Travel Designer Solutions
Mobile 0434 774 830
Email alex.prez@savenio.com.au