By Josh Donnelly
BELLINGEN, NSW — The 2025 Bellinger River District Annual Show soared to new heights over the weekend, drawing a record 41 exhibitors and an impressive 470 birds to become a standout event on the national poultry calendar.
The 2025 Bellinger River District Annual Show proved a standout success over the weekend, drawing 41 exhibitors and showcasing an impressive 470 birds across soft feather, hard feather, and waterfowl classes — including feature breeds from across Australia.
The event highlighted a significant increase in junior participation, with young exhibitors not only turning up in strong numbers but also performing exceptionally well in both junior and open classes, “batting well above their weight,” according to show organisers.
Exhibitors travelled from far and wide to attend, with entries coming from as far north as Lismore, south to Taree, and west to Uralla — underscoring the show’s growing prestige in the poultry community.
Over the past five years, the Bellinger River District Poultry Club has grown significantly, solidifying its position on the show calendar as a must-attend event for breeders and enthusiasts alike. Birds exhibited in the area are now being recognised among the best in the country — a testament to the club’s dedication to quality and community.
This year marked a particularly special occasion for the club, as long-standing member Rex Larcombe was awarded life membership in recognition of his more than 30 years of dedicated service. Rex has served on the executive committee for many of those years and has made lasting contributions to the club and the wider poultry community. Throughout his poultry-keeping career, he has bred many different varieties but is best known for his exceptional Black Leghorn bantams.
On the show bench, club veteran Ted Vaughan impressed in the hard feather section, taking out multiple top awards with his powerful Pit Game fowl. Meanwhile, Kempsey poultry legend Bob Forrest enjoyed great success in the soft feather classes, showing high-quality Langshans that turned heads among the judges and spectators alike.
Organisers credited the event’s success to the generous support of local sponsors, including Elders Coffs Harbour and Norco Rural Bellingen, whose contributions made the day possible.
With record participation, top-tier birds, growing junior involvement, and a heartfelt tribute to a life member, the 2025 show cements the Bellinger River District Poultry Club’s reputation as one of Australia’s premier regional poultry events.