This week marks the start of an exciting new era for the North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS), as they host the first of many meetings at their new home—the Hectorville Community Centre at 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville. The event promises to be a fantastic evening, kicking off at 7:30 PM.

One of the highlights of the night will be a live Zoom interview with none other than ANBC Hall of Fame inductee Peter Thurn. Peter will be sharing his expert advice on how to keep and breed exhibition budgerigars on a budget, a timely topic given the ongoing cost-of-living challenges many Australian households are facing. With his wealth of experience and innovative breeding strategies, Peter will offer practical, cost-effective insights drawn from his own program—one that earned him two prestigious Logies at this year’s National Titles in Launceston.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from a legend in the budgerigar world while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow members in NEBS’ brand-new venue. We look forward to seeing you there!

BCSA Member Polos

Last week, we gave you a sneak peek into the excitement building up to the highly anticipated Budgie Fest. This week, we’re thrilled to unveil the official Sponsor and Member shirts—now available to order online! These fantastic polos, available in both Men’s and Women’s sizes, are the perfect way to show your support and be part of the buzz. Don’t miss out—place your order now and snag one of these amazing shirts before they fly off the shelves! There is a 5-week lead time on production of these, and we will be placing the order in the coming days, so get in quickly if you’re eager to be in the official BCSA kit. We’ll be confirming the final order today, for the lead up to Budgie Fest, so if you would like to buy a top, get in quickly. 

Bruce Sheppard, in collaboration with his lifelong friend Col Flanagan, has achieved unparalleled success in the world of Budgerigars, with 36 ANBC Class wins, including 9 wins in the Crested class. This auction offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire birds from this prestigious stud.

Date: September 11th 2024
Location: 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville (note new location)
Time: 7:30 PM

The North East Budgerigar Society warmly welcomes members to the Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Ave, Hectorville for their next, and subsequent meetings! Please note the change of venue.

Our next meeting will be Wednesday September 11 at 7:30 PM, and will feature Peter Thurn Zooming in from Victoria to discuss his simplified feeding and preventative medication program. It’s a chance to discover how to keep and breed exhibition budgerigars on a budget.

Date: 15th September 2024
Location: 74 Dartmouth Street, Port Augusta

The Port Pirie Budgerigar Society of South Australia Inc. has organized a unique opportunity for bird enthusiasts in South Australia. Members are invited to visit the extensive aviaries of Brian and Beverley Reichelt on the 15th of September from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at 74 Dartmouth Street, Port Augusta.

Following the aviary tour, there is an option to arrange a luncheon at the Arid Gardens, subject to the number of participants. Brian and Beverley’s operation features 78 covered aviaries housing approximately 240 birds, including Macaws, Amazon Parrots, Asiatic Parrots, Conures, African Parrots, and Budgerigars. This is a rare chance to see the latest colour mutations in parrots that are seldom viewed by the public. Recognizing that the travel distance may be a concern, we highly recommend carpooling to enhance the travel experience with conversation and camaraderie.

This special event is not limited to Port Pirie Club members but is also open to members of Adelaide clubs. Please notify Peter Glassenbury by the 30th of August if you wish to attend the aviary visit and the luncheon. Contact him at 0409 288 710 or [email protected] to confirm your participation and secure bookings for both the tour and the luncheon. This is an opportunity not to be missed!

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)

If you can’t make it to Austria in September, one might be wise to consider registering for the 49th Annual ANBC National Titles in sunny North Queensland next year. You won’t need your passport to get there.

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!

Register using the link below.

We understand that there’s been quite a bit of information shared recently regarding the ANBC and our privacy policy. This is because we’re excited to introduce a new monthly ANBC newsletter, tailored specifically for fanciers and enthusiasts across the country. Up until now, the ANBC has communicated directly with the States and Zones, but we want to connect with you personally through this newsletter, which will be launching later this month.

The newsletter will be available in electronic format, making it easy for you to access and enjoy. For those who prefer a physical copy, you can simply print it out and savour it over your favourite cup of tea or coffee – we won’t be making hard copies available.

While many small businesses and not-for-profit organisations with an annual turnover of $3 million or less don’t need a privacy policy, we made one, only because we wanted to be completely transparent with and clarify our intentions. We’re only using your information to send you the newsletter – nothing more. Rest assured, we’re not selling your data, or worst still, sharing it with anyone else. Plain and simple, we’d just like to send you a newsletter, to keep you up to date. And if you’d prefer not to receive the ANBC newsletter, that’s perfectly okay too – we won’t take it personally.

To ensure we have your permission to send the newsletter directly to you, we’ve asked the states and zones to confirm that their members are happy for us to communicate with you. So, you might see something from them, with an Opt In option for the ANBC. That’s going to allow them to pass your email address onto us. You can also opt in directly using the link below, which will allow you to subscribe to the newsletter audience.

If you decide later that the newsletter isn’t for you, there will be an easy unsubscribe button at the top of the email, and we won’t bother you again. Again, we wont take it personally, but we secretly think you’ll love it once you see it. We’re really looking forward to having you be part of this new chapter for the ANBC!

Over the course of three delightful hours, you’ll be treated to expertly paired wines, with our friends at Hentley Farm promising to sneak in a few hidden gems that will have Peter Thurn grinning like a kid in a candy store. But this is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of exceptional company, world-class wine, and the pure pleasure of savouring life’s finest moments, as Hentley Farm showcases the Barossa Valley.

You’ll also embark on a condensed yet impactful journey through Hentley Farm’s renowned Discovery Menu. This carefully curated selection of courses, crafted by Chef Kyle, offers a harmonious blend of seasonal ingredients, each dish a masterpiece paired perfectly with Hentley Farm wines. It’s a rare opportunity to experience the essence of Hentley Farm’s culinary artistry in a succinct, yet deeply immersive way.

When booking, please ensure any health-related allergies are noted at the time of booking. Hentley Farm’s philosophy is to take guests on a culinary journey that challenges preconceived ideas about ingredients and their potential combinations, offering a dining experience that is as innovative as it is indulgent.

Cost: $200 per person inclusive of degustation and paired wines

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.

The culinary journey kicks off with a shared entrée that includes a selection of Penfield olives, spiced roasted peanuts, freshly baked focaccia, tender calamari, and spiced arancini—each bite a taste of perfection. For the main course, you’ll have the pleasure of choosing from six mouthwatering options, each crafted with the finest ingredients to suit every palate. The evening will conclude on a sweet note with a shared dessert duo featuring a decadent bread and butter pudding and a silky panna cotta.

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.