Looking ahead to this Sunday, United Birds will convene for their AGM in Payneham, bringing the local bird community together once again. United Birds is a great advocate for bird clubs within the state, and it’s critical that we continue to support them.

On a sad note, we received the news this week that the North East’s sponsorship of Adelaide Zoo’s budgie exhibit has come to an end, following the passing of the sole bush budgie on display. While this is a sad moment for the exhibit, rest assured that we will be advocating for replacements to ensure birds remain part of the zoo’s attractions.

Zoos play a crucial role in sparking people’s interest in birds and aviculture. For many, a visit to the zoo is their first encounter with native bird species, sparking a lifelong fascination. Exhibits like the budgie display provide an accessible and engaging way for people—especially children—to experience the beauty and diversity of birds up close. These interactions often serve as the first step toward nurturing an appreciation for birdkeeping, conservation, and even more specialised interests like breeding and aviculture. Ensuring birds remain a prominent feature at the zoo helps foster the next generation of budgerigar enthusiasts.

Shifting our focus interstate, a significant gathering of enthusiasts came together in South Queensland for the highly anticipated All-Queensland Super Show. This two-day event drew a crowd of fanciers and featured interstate judges and guest speakers in Peter Thurn from the BCV and our very own Troy Holmes. They joined Gary Menzies and Neale Love from South Queensland on the judging panel.

The presentations were a highlight of the event, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response. Peter delivered an insightful talk on genetics, focusing on genetic improvement and gains, while Troy offered a captivating virtual tour of his bird room, providing an in-depth look at his breeding setup. It was an enriching experience for all who attended!

At recent club meetings, we’ve been working hard to secure trophies, and now it’s time to gather commitments from those willing to participate. The show committee has ribbons available, and there’s even prize money up for grabs!

This event will serve as a wonderful display of our hobby, especially for Port Pirie Members, and with enough involvement, it could become a flagship event for the club. In the future, we might even aim for STATUS movement, depending on the turnout.

This is a great opportunity to represent our club and also a fantastic chance to boost membership. Your participation can truly make this a standout event!

Entries close on September 20th at 9 AM – Show Book 2024 FINAL.pdf (balaklavashow.com.au)
Entry form is via the link – General-Entry-form-2024.pdf (balaklavashow.com.au)

The evening will showcase an exciting BUY-SWAP-SELL event, where members and guests are invited to bring along a variety of items—including birds, cages, books, seed hoppers, and just about anything else (except budgie smugglers!)—to trade, sell, or swap. It’s a fantastic opportunity to find new treasures or share your extras with fellow enthusiasts.

Additionally, the club is thrilled to offer giveaway birds, generously provided by our Open and Intermediate breeders, for Junior and Novice fanciers. It’s a great chance for newcomers to expand their collections and learn from experienced breeders. Its a great way to overcome the barriers to entry on the exhibition side of the hobby.

For more details or to secure your spot, RSVP using the link below. Don’t miss this great opportunity to connect, trade, and take home something special!

NEBS Meeting – Meet the Bird Vet with Dr. Marijke Mellor

🗓 Date: Wednesday, 9th October 2024
📍 Location: Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville

Do you love budgerigars and want to ensure they’re living their healthiest, happiest lives? Then don’t miss this exciting opportunity to meet Dr. Marijke Mellor, the renowned avian expert from Unusual Pet Vets in Adelaide!

Dr. Mellor will be presenting a comprehensive session on Budgie Health, including crucial tips on preventative care, essential medications, and how to spot early signs of illness in your feathered friends. Whether you’re an experienced breeder or a new bird owner, this event is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss!

Why Attend?

• Free Admission – No cost to attend this expert-led event.
• Open to Everyone – NEBS invites members from all clubs and bird lovers of any level to join in.
• Exclusive Insights – Learn directly from one of the top bird vets in the region!

This is your chance to gather with fellow bird enthusiasts, expand your knowledge, and ensure your budgies thrive!

🌟 RSVP Now and Join Us for a Night of Avian Education and Fun!

PPBS Meeting & Show

🗓 Date: Sunday, 20th October 2024
📍 Location: 12 Barkla Road, Kadina, SA

Join us for an exciting day at Bob Simpson’s with the Young Birds and UBCs 2024 event! All 2024-rung birds are welcome, and Bob is aiming for 5 birds per member to ensure a good competition, as well as adequate staging. PPBS are extending a warm invitation to guests from other clubs to participate—no need for pre-entry, just bring your birds on the day for an 11 AM start.

Compete for fantastic prize money for both the Best UBC and Best Young Bird! It’s a great opportunity to showcase your birds, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy a spirited competition.

Additionally, the day will include a Special General Meeting (SGM) ahead of the General Meeting, so there’s plenty to look forward to at Bob’s. Don’t miss out on this eventful and rewarding day!

For more information, contact Bob – 0407 189 975

The North Queensland Budgerigar Zone extends a warm invitation to all budgerigar enthusiasts, their families, and friends to join them in Cairns, North Queensland, for the 2025 Australian National Budgerigar Council (ANBC) Championship Show. This exciting event takes place at the Brothers Leagues Club, a premier venue perfect for our championship. For your convenience, accommodation is available at the Cairns Colonial Club Resort, just 600 meters from the venue, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all attendees. Join them for the 2025 ANBC Nationals in Cairns for a spectacular showcase of the finest budgerigars, engaging activities, and the chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts in the beautiful setting of Cairns. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be part of a memorable event!

There is a discount code of CAMP-SHOW25 that you can use when booking for the event!

Register using the link below.

Exciting Announcement!

The North Queensland Budgerigar Zone Inc. is thrilled to announce an incredible opportunity for all bird enthusiasts!

Mark and Rebecca Fellows have generously donated an outstanding budgerigar, which will be raffled off to raise funds for the A.N.B.C. Nationals 2025 in Cairns. Don’t miss your chance to own this exceptional bird while supporting a fantastic cause!

Details of the Budgie:
Normal Grey (cock bird) MRF 146/23. Hatched early December 2023. Not sure if you can tell off the pics but looks to have the added bonus of Violet. Out of one of our better producing cock birds.
Father: Normal Grey Green (split Cinnamon) MRF 026/21
Mother: Normal Dark Green MRF 051/22
Tickets: Only $20.00 each!

The lucky winner will be responsible for arranging transportation from the aviary of Mark and Rebecca Fellows to their property.

For ticket purchases or more information, please contact:
Bruce Schuster: 0426 731 339
Michelle Vidler: 0457 088 108

Help support the Nationals 2025 and grab your chance to win this amazing bird! Good luck!

The 2024 event will span three exciting days, from October 24th to October 26th, culminating in a spectacular finale on Saturday, October 26th, from 12 Noon to 3 PM at the Campbelltown Convention Centre, 172 Montacute Road, Rostrevor. This is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of our shared love for these wonderful birds. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something truly special!

We’re excited to run our Pet Bird Competition alongside the inaugural BCSA Tri-Club Cup Interclub Challenge! This special young bird show, featuring current year rung birds, will see a friendly yet fierce competition between Port Pirie, the BSSA, and the North East Budgerigar Society, in a format similar to the prestigious Logan Shield.

Entries are now Open, and the form can be found via the link below.

For the pet bird section of the event, entries are now open. The pet budgies will be judged against the following awards criteria, so get your budgie ready!

• 🌟 Chirpiest Chatterbox: For the best talking budgie or vocal imitation!
• 🌈 Most Fashionable Feathers: Recognizing the budgie with the most vibrant plumage.
• 🤝 Best Budgie-Buddy Award: For the friendliest and most sociable budgie.
• 🎬 Scene Stealer Award: For the budgie that loves the spotlight!
• 💏 Sweetheart Pair Award: Honouring the inseparable duo with a special bond.
• 🎓 Whose A Clever Bird Award: For the budgie with the most impressive tricks.
• 🐦 Tweet-heart Award: For the best children’s pet budgie, open to 12-year-olds and under.
• 📷 Social Media Star: For the budgie with the largest social media following.
• 🥇🐦 Chirp-Champion: The ultimate Best Pet Budgie of 2024.

For the first time ever, Budgie Fest will feature three exciting “pre-events” leading up to the big day! These exclusive events are designed to build the anticipation and excitement, offering unique opportunities to connect with fellow enthusiasts and our special guests. These pre-events are the perfect lead-in to Budgie Fest, so don’t wait—secure your place now and join in the fun!

Pre-Event #1 – Discover Hentley Farm
🗓 Date: Thursday 24th October, Noon to 3 PM
📍Location: Cnr Gerald Roberts Road & Jenke Road, Seppeltsfield, SA 5355
SOLD OUT

Pre-Event #2 – Track Experience at the Bend Motor Sport Park
🗓 Date: Thursday 24th October, 6 PM Track
Dinner: 7 PM at APEX Bar
📍Location: 543 Dukes Highway, Tailem Bend, SA 5260
Book directly using the link in the details provided below.

Pre-Event #3 – Richard Miller Presentation 
🗓 Date: Friday 25th October, 6 PM
📍Location: The Maid, 1 Magill Road, Stepney, SA 5069
Tickets still available on the Budgie Fest Page of the BCSA Website.

Unleash Your Inner Speed Demon at The Bend Motorsport Park!

Date: Thursday, 24th October, 6 PM
Location: 543 Dukes Highway, Tailem Bend, SA 5260

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Get ready for a heart-pounding evening of speed, thrill, and racing glory at South Australia’s premier racetrack, The Bend Motorsport Park!

Join Richard Miller, Peter Thurn, and Gary Gazzard as they take on the ultimate Mustang Drive and Holden Racing Car Experiences. Feel the roar of the engines, the rush of the track, and the exhilaration of high-speed corners as these racing veterans put pedal to the metal. Think you’ve got what it takes to beat the judges? Book your own drive experience and line up alongside them on the track!

Make It an Unforgettable Evening!

After the race, refuel at the APEX Bar with a delicious dinner from 7 PM. Relax, swap stories of the day’s racing, and relive the excitement over drinks and fantastic food. Please note that dinner is pay-your-own-way, but the memories are on the house!

Ready to Race?

Secure your spot on the track by booking your racing experience now using the link below. Don’t miss this rare chance to race with the pros, enjoy the thrill of the track, and make your mark at one of Australia’s most famous motorsport parks.

Cost: Pay Your Own Way (Book using the link below)

Book Your Racing Experience Now and Take on the Judges!

Richard, along with his wife Sarah, is eagerly anticipating his first visit to Australia, and he’s determined to make this presentation unforgettable. He’s not just excited—he’s ready to deliver a knockout session on everything exhibition budgerigars. And when it comes to credentials, Richard’s are second to none. At just 41, he’s already a four-time world champion, a title he’s earned in partnership with his father, Michael Miller. Beyond that, he’s an international judge and keynote speaker, having shared his expertise across Europe, the US, and the Middle East.

This year, Richard will be judging the World Championships in Austria, alongside Australia’s own Stephen Mow, making this event even more special. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear from one of the UK’s leading breeders in person. Richard will delve into the intricacies of exhibition budgerigars, the challenges of the field, and his vision for the future, all in a presentation unlike any other. This is your chance to learn from someone at the top of their game, so make sure you’re there to catch every insight.

Join us for an unforgettable evening, beginning with a warm and welcoming meet and greet from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM. This is your chance to mingle and connect before we transition to a sumptuous three-course meal designed to delight your senses. To complement your meal, a variety of drinks will be available at bar prices, ensuring you have the perfect pairing for every course. This event promises to be an evening of great food, great company, and unforgettable memories—don’t miss out!

Cost: $55 per person including food and presentation.
Join us in the Terrace and Chamber Rooms.

For those attending Budgie Fest and seeking accommodation in Adelaide, we’re excited to offer an exclusive deal through our partners with purpose at Cruise Advisors. Alex and his team at Cruise Advisors are the stellar company who are making Richard’s trip to Adelaide possible, and we thank them for their support of Budgie Fest 2024. When you book through Cruise Advisor’s principal, Alex Prez, you’ll enjoy a luxurious stay at the Pullman Adelaide with some fantastic perks.

This special offer includes a complimentary room upgrade upon check-in (if available), daily breakfast for two, and a $100 USD hotel credit to enhance your stay. Plus, you’ll benefit from early check-in and late checkout (subject to availability), allowing you to make the most of your time in Adelaide. And to top it all off, you’ll be greeted with a welcome amenity on arrival, setting the tone for an exceptional stay. Don’t miss this opportunity to combine comfort and convenience during Budgie Fest!

The Pullman Adelaide is conveniently located in downtown Adelaide, 2.1 km from The Maid, and 8.4 km from Saturday’s festivities at Campbelltown Function Centre.

For more details, contact Alex Prez on 0434 774 830 or [email protected]

Note – this booking must be made through Alex, and is not available through direct bookings with the Hotel.