Status Of Betta Clubs In Australia

[Fishchick]

Ok, time to open a controversial can of worms. Australia currently has two Betta Clubs – Betta Australis and Australian Betta Club (formerly AusBetta, formerly Australian Betta Association) Both have essentially ground to a halt. While Betta Australis has run 4 (maybe 5? Shows) and produced 3 (4?) magazines (I will check these figures later) it currently has no secretary. I do not have time to run shows and handle the paperwork at the same time. If more help is not forthcoming there will be no more shows – Todd and I cannot “do it all” (especially as we are also the only 2 IBC judges). This is a pity as we have had an offer from a Singapore IBC Area 6 judge to judge our next comp (plus pay their own way over – huge plus) Am not sure what the situation with the ABC is – but believe funds have been withheld by a previous committee member? As the most malevolent, destructive and self-serving identity in the Betta World seems to have pulled its head in, now may be the time to start getting a united front going. So, where to from here? Do we combine the clubs, members and committee? What do people want from a Betta Club? For the record, BA has quite a few IBC CDs, reference books, posters, mousemats, and show equipment. Plus is currently being assessed for membership into QFAS. (Queensland Federation Of Aquarium Societies) (membership will give the club access to a light projector, insurance and the protection and guidance of a large governing body) Is a National Club feasible? Should we go for state based clubs with “in the flesh” meetings? IBC Area 6 is developing a show circuit. There is a lot of discussion and controversy with this (naturally!) – but suffice to say Australia has nothing to offer at present. There is a lot of interest, with many breeders asking about the next Australian show. It would be nice to be able to offer one international show a year. So, over to you. Please keep your suggestions logical and unemotional. THINK first! (and remember your IP address is logged!) Cheers, someone :notsure:

[Chuckie]

I am so glad you posted this JL. I have been wanting to approach BA and the Australian Betta Club and ascertain status and what can be done to get things happening but didn't want to dredge anything up and didn't want to imply that anything that could be done wasn't already being done.

I have actually been compiling random ideas, here are some of them.

Campaign for better drugs to treat stuff like columnaris.

Create a proper breeder exchange program.

Create a species preservation program.

Create a betta colour diversity program

Create a Betta Pals type thing - supplying a good pair to people new to the hobby to get them started with breeding.

Publish betta care sheets and tail type guides for LFS,

Have betta awareness pavilions at pet shows, market stalls (or similar),

Have a proper breeder registry where people work on dedicated colour lines.

On a selfish level, I want to know that if one day I want a MG or an opaque HM, I can get one

a "betta awareness stall" eg at a local market. I'd like to see a stand where there are some bettas on display and some for sale, display tanks of ideal/recommended set ups and betta care sheet handouts (and some info on AAQ), breeder details etc. The idea would not be to make money, but to spread awareness.I am thinking some bare cube tanks, galv shelves, a table, some chairs and stuff for carding. Maybe a tank of females? Maybe some local breeders may have fish they'd like to put on display. imagine the attention you could get with black CTs, dragon DTs and copper PKs!!!

If we had local branches we could have table shows, genetics experts available to question etc. It's just an issue of where and how.

Abbey suggested to me the idea of garage shows, which I think sounds like a great idea!! we could give everyone a "critique" card with scoring out of 10 for caudal, anal, deportment etc and at the end of the day add up the scores. Start basic in terms of classes - best DT, best CT, best HM, best HMPK, best traditional PK, best VT (we should have VTs). The winner of each class goes into the Champion round and for fun we let people have a "wild card" vote for favourite fish overall, the winner of which is also entitled to enter the Champion class. People could vote by secret ballot, with a ballot box for each category. It would need tanks and stands and lights and ballot boxes and invigilators ... But it’s possible. Using 'hobbyists scorecards' at non-IBC accredited shows would really help get people thinking about what is a good characteristic in a fish. We could have "ask me" people to walk around and advise the scorers whether, say, a black fish with the shiny iridescence is a better "colour" than a matt black one for show purposes. Or we could do a talk-through presentation before the beginning of the show, running people through that.

We could auction bettas, like they do at the KSA and cichlid society meetings.

if people are serious about line breeding, don't like to cull and have excess stock over and above what they can sell/keep for breeding, maybe they could send them across to WA, where getting good bettas is pretty difficult without enormous expense, perhaps funded or subsidised by the club. Even getting some great locally bred bettas into WA LFS's for the wholesale price of $2 each will get people's attention - I can imagine a reaction of "I didn't know you could get fighters like THAT!!" and bang, another new hobbyist hooked.

Anyway, some food for thought. I am really keen to see where this goes and while I have extremely limited time (to my enormous regret) I would love to be involved in some way if there is a unified betta club in Australia.

[NICK1960]

I'm all in favour of improving the situation and getting our act together so that we can enter the grown up world of Betta Fanciers. I think Lisa's ideas are inspired and make a great place to start, in regards to a new structure. I'm really please JL that you have "opened the can of worms" because it certainly needed to be opened in order to let in some fresh air :notsure:

[Fishchick]

well done on the ideas front Lisa.

The display concept works well. This is a pic of a 20 tank stand at the Beenleigh show last year. It displays all the different tail types.

Mick (Bakerman) set up the display this year. As Todd and I were O/S, Mick took on this venture himself, using just his own fish. I believe the theme was "Rainbow Reflections" using as many different coloured bettas as he could find. Hope he took pics.

It's quite a simple stand to set up, and may work well with the Shopping centre idea. Even 2 stands plus tanks fit into the average sized car. Just need the centre to provide tables or benches. If not, may need 2 trips! We also have acrylic pamphlet holders, posters etc to snazz a display up.

As with most things though, the hardest ingredient to find is manpower.

We were thinking of running this stand at the "Pets in the Park" event, or even in conjunction with an RSPCA function.

The shows here all run a popular choice category, the winner getting a small prize. It is interesting to see what the public thinks sometimes!

I like the idea of 'everyone judge'. May help to improve understanding of standards and terminology.

[Chuckie]

That display looks great!

[Jess]

I agree. Merging is a Great idea. (if both clubs/committees are happy with the idea) This way you get the best of both clubs We are at a time where I think needs to happen. I would very much like to see that engery and enthusiasm we had a few years ago!! I think state clubs could be doable now or in the near future. The idea of being under QFAS sounds really positive for the reasons you listed. With alot of help and resources I am sure anything is poosible You have my vote :)

[RedDragon]

I maybe able to help out with the Shopping center idea....one of my friends organises all the retail rentals etc in the Shopping Centers managed by Stocklands......I'll have a chat to her and find out what's possible with doing displays in the centers. She has also worked as an Events Co-ordinator and organised the Battle of the Bands here is Brissy the last couple of years.....she might be willing to give us a hand with organising shows and displays....if nothing else she should be able to give us some advice.

[Fishchick]

neat!! yay! some enthusiasm and direction again! :)

[Figure_8]

This is fantastic! I am so glad to see some positive movement again A merger between the two clubs would be a great way to go if possible.

[TraceBruno]

I like the "sending fish to WA idea" but that's just me

Great ideas everyone! I like the idea of doing something with RSPCA - seeing that another issue that we have in Australia is the ignorance and lack of knowledge by LFS (and therefore new pet owners) with regards to keeping healthy bettas.

Another website we could possibly work with is someone like http://www.petrescue.com.au .. maybe adding fact sheets, etc. to their database.

That display for Betta Awareness market stalls is a great idea - I know you can "rent" a space at the Canning Vale markets here in Perth for not much at all, and there is already an aquarium "stall" there that sells bettas occasionally, albeit in little takeaway containers, and they are quite popular so it might be something to consider!

I am/was a member of the Australian Betta Club but have not received much correspondence since I joined up (mostly my fault as I disappeared for a while) and have no idea what is going on now I don't think I am qualified enough to give an opinion about whether both clubs should merge, but I'll support anything that is a positive step forward for the hobby in Australia!

[Em]

I'm liking everyone's ideas. Sadly I don't really have any ideas of my own at the moment and the fact I live in a rural area doesn't help lots. And I agree with everyone that the situation needs to be improved.

[Callatya]

We need standards too. IBC standards are not available to everyone and I have a hunch they'd frown on them being handed out willy nilly so we need something to educate people on what is what in that regard. I'm happy to do more stuff on this, manning stalls and doing leaflets etc, but I can't really put my all into it just yet as I'm totally snowed under. Myself personally, what I'd like to see is have AAQ be the communication area with a bunch of useful freebies, and then have the clubs focus on showing, displays and that sort of stuff. It'll cut down on the work the clubs have to to in the start and let them concentrate on doing the things that are not being covered elsewhere. It would also pull in the newbies via the forum so that there is a nice gentle way for people to have a taste of the club and then jump in and help out. I do have a bit of self-interest at play here *pats the AAQ baby and makes gaga noises* but for now at least I think there would be little benefit in doubling up when there are many more things that need to get off the ground.

[Mishy]

They're all great ideas everyone. Sadly though, after a few of us getting burnt by the last attempt, not many will be willing to go back for the experience of sitting on a committee. For the future, I'm keen to lend a hand to run the shows (more excuses to fly around Aus), do the paperwork, running around after contacts but I will not be doing it as an official. Down here in Melb, there's a couple of aquariums who are keen to be involved and have so much as promised us some floor space to hold a display to the public. If we can somehow utilise it, it'll be great.

[Celeste84]

i've personally held back from joining either club as i'm moving and was going to look into it after my move (ie. what's available for the tassie's and what can be done there). i'm more than willing to help promote things down there and help out with shows and stuff once i'm down there and join the clubs i think lilli's ideas are great, i know a lot of people have asked about those topics when first coming into the hobby but what about our ideas of transhipping and keeping count of who's doing what lines in aus?? maybe it would be easier to get them running if we did them through the clubs?? also, what kinda paperwork is involved in helping the clubs in a position like secretary or whatever else needs doing?? i'd be willing to help with those if it's not too complicated; and i'd be more than willing to set up information sheets/pamphlets/posters/etc.. for show standards, tail types, health and care, colours, genetics, etc, and stuff to go into LFS'/aquarium stores :)

[RedDragon]

I haven't had anything to do with either club yet, so the question is academic for me........but what I'd really like would be for more shows......either club branch, state and / or national.... Unfortuntily, I wouldn't be about to help the club(s) in a offical capacity due to work commitments (as a consultant I go where I'm sent around Aus. ..... usually without much notice). But I'm more then willing to lend a hand where ever possible.

[Chuckie]

Sadly though, after a few of us getting burnt by the last attempt, not many will be willing to go back for the experience of sitting on a committee.

I was so affected by my innings with the ABA that I couldn't even bring myself to join either club - so I absolutely know where you are coming from Mish. Certain elements will not be at play going forward that should make it a far more pleasant experience for everyone next time around. First and foremost, a unified hobby rather than a divisive one, and no axes to grind. *smothers the politics so we can get back to the fish*

[candra]

a show would be cool, although i'm not quite sure how it works. eitherway, i'd send 2 or 3 of my fish if we have a show now :-) other than that, my timings sux, so i won't be able to contribute much (unless i find another job)

[marc]

I am willing and keen to join a betta club.. ideally a face to face one, a local chapter close to me. If i new of one in Brissy i would be a member in a flash. Definately count on me for assisting in matters of lifting heavey things ..I am also happy to promote and liase wherever i can ... I am not so keen on the committee duties though however this may change in the long term.. I love the sound of many of those ideas already put forward . Ultimately i see formost the need for local betta chapters promoting the hobby the right way and i think that by concentrating on the evolution of the betta enthusists first, will leed to naturally improving standards and husbandry in aussie show betta later .

[Callatya]

AFAIK you only need the 3 key positions filled on the comittee for a functioning club, and I think we could share the work out a little bit so its not a burden. I'm in the same boat though, I'm not game to get back on a comittee just yet.

[Chuckie]

the thing needs to have liability of members and committee limited, whatever it is (incorporated association, trust, company etc). That's the extent of the advice I can give on that issue, unfortunately - I over-specialised long ago :)

[Robbies Betta]

Love all the ideas was thinking tho, I think a merged single club would be better than seperate state clubs, as I'm not sure club numbers would be all that good otherwise but still, i reckon it's a great idea :(

[Jess]

One club - with monthly meet ups. Perhaps there could be a few members per state who can be a contact for a club. i.e has forms, information, stock etc.. too cut down time and energy for one specific committee member who may be in another state altogether!

[fightingfishfancier]

I think all the discussions are great, and would love to be part of a club that is particular to my obession with Bettas. I totally understand what it's like to get burned in these situations and it does take time to get over. If this is set up with an agreement which, everyone has to sign or agree to then putting expectations of how people conduct themselves is an option I would think. It's also an important step to provide education to the wider community about caring for both fancy species and conserving native species. It would also support of the great work that Aussie breeders are doing. I would put my hand up to help out in a local chapter and I'm sure if the workload is shared it would make it enjoyable for all and a great way to promote what we all know about these wonderful fish. Cheers, Heidi

[Berryfriendly]

Although I am not a member of either club I must say that I do like the idea of joining. There have been some great ideas but who are the members of the existing clubs and how do they feel about the proposed "merger"? Also what have they done / failed to do that we can learn from and improve on? As for having monthly meetings for an Australia Based Club, wouldn't monthly meetings be a little taxing on people's time? What about where the meetings are held? Would they be held alternatively between states every month? Even with a good solid base of members that are willing to help it could become a little caotic without even trying to address the real issues at hand. As for volunteers, although I already have a few things on my plate, I would be happy to help if I can !

[crdave]

Heidi basically summed it up for me too. If the enthusiasm I have seen here can be harnessed it has to be a good thing. I totally agree with your comment on educating people. When got my first Betta I had no idea but have since learned so much from people here. I have been able to pass some of this on and helped some freinds out with their fish. This has to be good. The idea of a state chapter with maybe monthly get togethers sounds good and I too would put my hand up to help out. Cheers,Dave :(