About the North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS)
Firstly, we advise, mentor, conduct meetings, and organize shows for our members interested in Budgerigars. Located in Kilburn, the North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) regularly holds its meetings at the Kilburn Community Hall, 49 Le Hunte St., every second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM. During these gatherings, guest speakers enlighten members about the latest developments in the budgerigar world and offer invaluable advice on caring for and breeding a diverse array of colors and varieties. Furthermore, we hold a night show competition at some of these meetings, aiming to prepare birds for Major Shows. Notably, we dedicate two monthly meetings to Mini Shows, one to bird sales, and make a special exception in December for a celebratory Christmas function at an offsite location. Additionally, throughout the year, we organize several major shows on Saturdays. The primary goal of these events is to promote the hobby and enhance the quality of our members’ birds. Importantly, anyone affiliated with NEBS or any other club under the umbrella of the Budgerigar Council of South Australia Inc (BCSA) is welcome to participate in all the shows we conduct throughout the year.
Foundation of the North East Budgerigar Society
In the beginning, the North East Budgerigar Society was established in 1974, thanks to the collective efforts of Mr. Bob Hancock, Mr. Alf Harrison, Mr. Kelwyn Kakoschke, and Mr. Gordon Lowe. Upon its inception, the club boasted 28 Foundation members. Soon after, they held their inaugural general meeting in April 1974 at the Para Hills Community Hall and established a monthly tradition. The first Executive Committee, a robust team of 12 members, convened in May 1974, with Mr. Bob Hancock taking on the role of President. Impressively, by July 1974, the member tally surged to 52, which necessitated a shift of meetings to the more spacious Para Hills Kindergarten. In a show of commitment, members purchased 2,100 rings in just that initial year.
Early History
Transitioning through its formative years, the club often changed its meeting spots. Starting with the Tea Tree Gulley Institute in February 1975, they moved on to the Druids Hall, Collinswood in May 1975, then the Northern Masonic Hall, Broadview, in March 1978. Eventually, in April 1981, they found a permanent home at the Kilburn Hall, Kilburn. Since that pivotal shift, the Society has loyally held its general meetings at the Kilburn Community Hall, 49 Le Hunte St, Kilburn.
In the realm of finance, fundraising initiatives kicked off in the early 1980s with ventures at Trash and Treasure Markets. Starting in 1985 and for nearly a decade thereafter, the Society fortified its financial standing via active participation at the Junction Market. At this venue, dedicated ladies contributed by baking and vending cakes, while breeders chipped in by selling birds, giving a 10% commission to the club. However, in a brief phase in the mid-1990s, bird sales transitioned to the Brickworks Market. Subsequently, the club adopted regular sausage sizzles as their fundraising mainstay whenever opportunities presented themselves.
Historically, the Society has primarily catered to budgerigar enthusiasts residing in both the inner and outer northern areas. As time went on, some other clubs in the vicinity closed down, leading many of their members to merge with the North East Budgerigar Society. Over the decades, membership figures have fluctuated, but in recent times, it has found a steady number around 60, with an impressive sale of approximately 3,500 rings annually.
North East Budgerigar Society Meetings
Our general meetings, aside from administrative matters, serve as a learning platform. Members benefit from the wisdom of seasoned breeders, gaining insights on breeding exhibition budgerigars, covering aspects from colors to genetics, and standards. These meetings also foster a sense of community, providing ample opportunities for members to interact. As an added perk, we routinely hold small night shows during these general sessions.
Anticipation runs high among our members for the Annual Adult and Young Bird Shows. Equally, the annual State Show is a highlight, where we select the best birds to represent the State at the esteemed annual National Show. Through thick and thin, our society’s members have shown unwavering support for both the State and National events.
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