| Welcome to this week’s edition of the Budgie Bulletin! |
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| The BSSA recently hosted their eagerly awaited “Gather Around” event, a dynamic information-sharing exercise designed to foster learning and collaboration within the budgerigar breeding community. During the event, experienced members moved between tables, each focusing on a specific aspect of budgerigar breeding. Think of it as a unique twist on speed dating—except, in this case, each participant held a nest box or breeding cage! Presenters had 15 minutes at each table to impart their expertise, engage in lively discussions, and answer any questions from the participants.
This year’s lineup of presenters was exceptional. Ken Harris and Bryce Wheaton led a discussion on crop feeding, feeding regimes, and the use of additives and supplements in breeding. Troy Holmes provided valuable insights into nest box design, upkeep, bedding materials, and how these factors impact egg quality and hatchability. George England shared his expert knowledge on breeding strategies for various budgerigar varieties, while Sue Adams elaborated on her techniques for pairing and fostering pair bonding among birds.
The success of the “Gather Around” event was on show through the thoughtful and insightful questions posed by members throughout the night. Particularly notable were the questions posed by the novice breeders, who showed a genuine eagerness to learn and engage. The atmosphere fostered a sense of camaraderie and openness, creating a safe and supportive environment where even the most challenging questions could be asked and answered. This collaborative spirit was a testament to the event’s effectiveness in nurturing both experienced and budding budgerigar enthusiasts alike. |
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| Looking ahead, the North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) has a special treat in store for members. Former NEBS member and ANBC winner Rob McKie will be returning to share his personal journey in the world of budgerigar breeding. Rob will discuss how his passion for breeding began, the lessons he has learned along the way, and what the hobby has meant to him over the years. It promises to be an inspiring session for both new and seasoned breeders alike. |
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| Our friends at Media Stable have done a wonderful job in highlighting the virtues of budgies, with this press release going out this coming weekend.
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. |
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| Budgie Fest Accommodation for Interstate Visitors
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. Lists inclusions as 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 |
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| In other news across borders, SQBBA have announced that Ali Bouresli from Kuwait has been invited to attend the 2026 Nationals! This is a huge milestone for the Australian budgerigar community and will bring a wealth of international experience and knowledge to our event. Coupled with the previously announced appointment of Richard Miller as a judge, the Nationals will now host two of the world’s leading budgerigar figures. Ali Bouresli will give a keynote talk, similar to the one he presented at the World Budgerigar Organisation Show earlier this year, while Richard Miller will also take the stage, making Saturday evening a true highlight of the weekend.
The ANBC has also released the details of a new category of Logie Sponsors. The Logie Sponsorship Program has been designed with these realities in mind. By introducing a single, comprehensive package, we are ensuring that every sponsor receives recognition at every level of the event – from the live presentation of awards to the online platforms where our hobby is growing rapidly.
Every Logie Sponsor will receive:
- Social Media Recognition – Your name will be featured across ANBC’s official social media platforms, where our reach continues to expand each year.
- Presentation of the Award (Logie) – Sponsors will have the honour of presenting the Logie to the winning exhibitor during the National. This is a moment of visibility and pride, shared in front of the nation’s most passionate breeders and fanciers.
- Dinner Inclusion – With each sponsorship bundle (3 for $1,000, or scaled at 4 for $1,500), seats at the ANBC Presentation Dinner are included, allowing sponsors to join in the evening’s celebrations with fellow enthusiasts and industry leaders.
- Photograph in the National Results Booklet – A professional photograph of the sponsor presenting the award will appear in the Results Booklet, a record that becomes part of the historical archive of the ANBC.
- Live Feed Recognition – With more people than ever tuning in to our livestreams, sponsors will also be acknowledged during the live broadcast of the Nationals, reaching audiences well beyond the show hall.
This package brings together all the essential touchpoints of recognition – in person, in print, online, and live – making it one of the most comprehensive sponsorship programs the ANBC has ever offered. These have been selling fast, so to sign up as a Logie Sponsor, contact Neale Love, ANBC Secretary, using the link below. |
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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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We might have thought the dust had settled on the live auction scene, but the online auction scene has really heated up, with the BSSA and NEBS both hosting online Auctions, as well as interstate, Eric Whitton and Andrew & Wayne Cusack holding some clearance events.
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BSSA Auction 24 for 2025🦜
Closing Date: September 8th 2025
Lots Available: 10
This auction opens 1 September 2025 and will close at a special time on Monday, 8 September 2025 to allow everyone to enjoy Father’s Day on the Sunday. A total of 10 birds are on offer from Trevor Goodenough, Tony Van den Brink, George England and Chris Murphy. Varieties include Lacewings, Spangle Double Factors, Sky Violets, Normal Greys, and Normal Grey Greens.
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NEBS Mega Auction September 2025🦜
📅 Closing Date: September 7th 2025
Lots Available: 54
The North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) proudly presents our September Mega Auction, showcasing outstanding birds from respected South Australian breeders. This month’s line-up features birds from leading names including Geoff Edwards, Holmes Family, Kelwyn Kakoschke, Peter Glassenbury, D & R Lange, and Ian & Gina Wise. The event features the best of the Peter Glassenbury dispersal sale.
The event has been lined up to coincide with picking the birds up at the NEBS Meeting on Wednesday September 10th.
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Wayne & Andrew Cusack Auction 3 2025🦜
📅 Closing Date: September 7th 2025
Lots Available: 20
Auction 3 from Wayne & Andrew Cusack is now live, showcasing 20 quality birds. Varieties on offer include Black Eyed Self pairs, Clearwings, Lutinos, Dilutes, Saddlebacks and more. This auction highlights cull birds from strong, well-established lines that continue to produce consistency and type. Birds are located at 109 Birch Avenue, Dubbo, NSW 2830. For further information or enquiries about the birds, please contact Andrew directly on 0437 017 112.
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Eric Whitton Variety Auction 3 2025 🦜
📅 Closing Date: August 31st
Lots Available: 9
Running from 4 September to 9 September, this auction features a total of 12 carefully selected birds. In this auction, you will find an impressive mix of varieties, including Golden Faced Blues, Greywings, Australian White Caps, Dominant Pieds, Lacewings, Clearbodies. These birds come directly from Eric Whitton’s stud in Temora, NSW, as well as from well-known names in the hobby such as M & R Randall, Dean Walsh, Clay Borg & Skivington, and Ray Slade. This broadens the opportunity for buyers to access bloodlines that are proven and highly sought after.
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🐦 Rob McKie: My Journey In Budgerigars, & How It All Began
📅 Tuesday, 10 September
📍 NEBS Meeting, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville, SA 7:30 PMThe North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) is excited to announce that Rob McKie will be their guest speaker at the September meeting. Rob and his wife Wendy were a well-known partnership in the budgerigar fancy during the era of the English imports and the formation of the BCSA. Rob served as Vice President of NEBS and represented NEBS as a delegate to the BCSA in its formative years. Together, Rob and Wendy were highly regarded breeders of Normal Grey Greens, Dominant Pieds, and Spangles, achieving a highlight win in the Opaline class at the 1997 Nationals in Melbourne. Although they later stepped away from the hobby to focus on fishing, Rob reconnected with NEBS at their 50th anniversary meeting last year, making this return to speak with the Club even more special. Don’t miss the chance to hear Rob’s story — from his earliest days in the fancy to the experiences that helped shape the budgerigar community we know today.👉 Join the North East on 10 September for what promises to be a memorable night! Entry is free! |
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🐦 Balaklava Agricultural Show
📅 Saturday September 27th
📍 BalaklavaHelp us make the Balaklava Agricultural Show a Status Movement Show for Budgerigars, by benching 80 budgerigars! Entries close Friday September 12th. For more information, contact Bob Simpson. |
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🐦 Budgie Fest 2025
📅 Saturday October 25th
📍 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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The “Gather Around” event was a resounding success, offering an invaluable opportunity for members to exchange knowledge and insights on the art of budgerigar breeding. With expert-led discussions on key topics ranging from feeding regimes to pairing strategies, the event fostered a spirit of collaboration and learning.
Be sure to get along to the Rob McKie event this coming week at the North East meeting in Hectorville.
Until next week. |
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September
- Wednesday 10th September – Rob McKie Presentation, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville
- Friday 12th September – Entries Close – Balaklava Show
- Saturday 27th September – Balaklava Show
October
- Tuesday 7th October – BSSA Monthly Meeting, Unley Community Centre, 18 Arthur Street Unley
- Wednesday 8th October – NEBS Monthly Meeting, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville
- Sunday 19th October – Port Pirie Meeting, Aviary Visit & Show, Maitland
- Saturday 25th October – Budgie Fest/Tri Club Cup/Interclub, Campbelltown
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