BSSA Committee Reviews November Interclub

The Budgerigar Society of South Australia Committee met on Monday night, with one of the key discussions centred around the proposed Interclub Show scheduled for November. Earlier this year, the decision had been made not to proceed with the event during 2026. However, in light of more recent developments surrounding avian influenza and the changing situation affecting bird gatherings, the BSSA Committee has now adopted a wait-and-see approach. Rather than ruling the Interclub out completely, the Club will continue monitoring developments before making a final decision closer to the proposed event. It is certainly a positive sign that the possibility remains open, and hopefully conditions continue moving in a direction that allows our clubs and exhibitors to safely come together again.

ANBC Event Management Group Holds First Meeting

At national level, the newly approved ANBC Event Management Group, or EMG, came together for its first meeting this week. The group has been established initially around planning and management for the upcoming Western Australian Nationals and will continue working on future ANBC National Championships during its three-year tenure. The formation of the EMG represents another step towards providing continuity in the planning and delivery of Australia’s premier budgerigar event, with knowledge and experience able to carry across multiple National Championships rather than effectively starting again each year. There will no doubt be plenty more to come from the group as preparations continue towards WA and the Nationals beyond.

The Australian National Budgerigar Council has also released an important notice regarding welded wire show cage fronts currently being supplied within Australia. The ANBC has received correspondence concerning variations in the colour and finish of powder-coated welded wire show cage fronts available in the market.

While the ANBC has made it clear that it does not wish to become involved in individual matters between suppliers and purchasers, it has reminded Zones, clubs and members that an existing ANBC Standard applies to welded wire show cage fronts used for ANBC competition. The approved powder-coating specification is:

Colour: Precious Silver Pearl
Gloss Level: Satin
Brand: Dulux
Line No: 272
Shade No: 57225

Anyone purchasing powder-coated show cage fronts intended for an ANBC National Championship or other competition requiring ANBC-standard cages is encouraged to check with the supplier before purchasing and establish that the product complies with the current Standard.

The ANBC has also acknowledged that it does not control what cages individual clubs choose to use at their own events. However, where a show schedule specifically states that ANBC show cages are required, the appropriate ANBC specifications should be followed. Where there is uncertainty, purchasers are encouraged to first seek clarification from the supplier and, where necessary, refer the matter to the ANBC against the published Standard.

The relevant information can be found on pages 51–54 of the current ANBC Standard:

The ANBC and Budgerigar Society of New South Wales have also released a discount code for those planning to attend the 51st Annual Trill™ Expert ANBC National Championships in May next year. With the countdown to the 2027 Nationals continuing, those considering making the trip should keep an eye on the official ANBC and BSNSW channels for accommodation, event and booking information as preparations continue.

Closer to home, the United Bird Societies of South Australia will hold its Annual General Meeting this weekend. The AGM will take place on Sunday, September 20, at the Payneham Library, 2 Turner Street, Felixstow, with the meeting commencing at 1:00 pm. The UBSSA plays an important role in bringing South Australia’s different avicultural organisations together, making the AGM an important fixture on the wider bird fancy calendar.

South West Live Auction in Western Australia

Interstate, Western Australian fanciers have the South West Live Auction coming up on Sunday.
The auction will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Coodanup Community Centre, Wanjeep Street, Coodanup, Mandurah, beginning at 10:00 am. Live auctions remain a great opportunity for breeders to catch up in person while also getting the chance to secure birds from a range of established studs.

BCSA Annual General Meeting

The Budgerigar Council of South Australia Annual General Meeting will be held next Wednesday, September 23, commencing at 7:30 pm. This year’s AGM will be held online via Zoom, allowing members and representatives to participate remotely. The Zoom meeting can be accessed here:

Dr Ann Fowler Speaking in the Barossa on Bird Flu

For those interested in avian health, another event worth putting in the diary is a presentation from Dr Ann Fowler at the Barossa Bird Club. She will be speaking on Thursday, September 24, at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Tanunda. Dr Fowler is well known throughout Australian aviculture, and opportunities to hear from experienced avian veterinarians are always valuable for anyone interested in improving bird health, husbandry and management.

Budgies Available for Rehoming

💚 LOVING HOME WANTED – BENNY & LAVEY | MURRAY BRIDGE, SA 💚
We have been contacted by an owner in Murray Bridge, South Australia, who has made the difficult decision to find a new home for her much-loved bonded pair of English Budgerigars, Benny and Lavey. The pair are being offered free to a genuinely good and caring home, with the owner’s main priority being that they stay together and are well looked after.

🐦 Benny
Benny is the darker (grey) green male and is approximately one year old. He has a blue leg band marked 65 LP. Benny knows his name and will often chatter back when spoken to. He enjoys being around people and watching everything happening around him, although he does not like being handled.

🐦 Lavey
Lavey, short for Lavender, is the lighter cinnamonwing (grey) green female and is believed to be close to one year old. She does not have a leg band. Like Benny, she enjoys company and being spoken to but prefers not to be handled.

💕 A Bonded Pair
Benny and Lavey are very closely bonded and are almost always together. They feed and groom one another, play with their toys together and clearly enjoy each other’s company.

They can live around other budgies; however, during warmer weather, moulting periods and breeding season they can become territorial and aggressive towards the owner’s smaller budgies. This is the reason their owner has reluctantly decided that rehoming them together is the best option. Neither bird is hand-tame and both can bite quite hard if caught, so they would be best suited to someone comfortable and experienced with budgerigars.

When left to enjoy their surroundings, however, they are described as quiet, relaxed birds who love being talked to and will even settle down and fall asleep while listening to a calm voice. And one thing they both absolutely love? Broccoli! Apparently they devour it as though they have never been fed before! 🥦 Their owner would dearly love to see Benny and Lavey remain together and go to a home where they will continue to receive plenty of care, attention and companionship.

📍 Location: Murray Bridge, South Australia
🏠 Rehoming: Free to a suitable, loving home
🐦 Preference: Benny and Lavey must remain together

If you believe you could offer this beautiful bonded pair the right home, please get in touch with Ebony on 0423-663-285, or email swampymarsh1998@gmail.com

Locally, BSSA Auction 19 is underway with birds from Kylee Walsh, Dave Miller, and Chris Murphy while the NB4 Breeders Auction features a strong selection of 15 birds offered by Nash Beniamin and representing bloodlines from breeders around Australia.

Also running this week is the Eric Whitton Sale Birds Auction, with 14 birds on offer, including birds that have either been used or will not be required in Eric’s breeding program going forward. The sale includes a broad mix of varieties and breeding from Eric Whitton, Alan & Chris Druery, Chris Rogers and others.

Over in Western Australia, breeders also have the South West Live Auction taking place in Mandurah this Sunday, giving WA fanciers the chance to get together in person and bid on birds live.

With online and live auctions both featuring this week, there is certainly plenty for breeders to look through. As always, make sure you check bird locations, freight arrangements and auction closing times before placing your bids.

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!