Chair’s Annual Reports – Australia National Racing Pigeon Board Incorporated

Chair’s Annual Report 2023 to 2025

Introduction
I joined the Australian National Racing Pigeon Board (ANRPB) as chair in 2023. The aim of the Board was to
build on the good work of previous Boards. And to actively promote The Charter of the ANRPB.

I was reluctant to provide commentary until this year because I felt a lot of issues were in motion but not
closed out. The current group of Board members from across Australia have provided selfless service in a
cooperative and collegiate environment to “make things happen”.

The Board comprises:
Vince Pedavoli, President and Chair
Stephen Shears, Vice Chair, Public Officer, NSW Delegate
Gavin Harri,s Treasurer, SA Delegate
Paul Gibb,s Publicity Officer, NSW Regional Delegate
Nick Mitchell Secretary
Russell Sommerville SA Regional Delegate
Tony Price VIC Delegate
Leo Turley WA Delegate
Andrew Coothers WA Regional Delegate
Philip Almond, QLD Delegate
Eric Abel, QLD Regional Delegate
Robin White TAS Delegate

Affiliation with Federation Colombophile Internationale (FCI)
The ANRPB has achieved FCI membership. This allows us to draw upon the strength of the FCI
worldwide when we make a representation to the government.

Stephen Shears put together a thorough submission to the FCI. And behind the scenes
Dr Colin Walker promoted our credentials. Also invaluable was the support of Nicholas Gyselbrecht, PIPA, and
David Madera, Portugal.

National Ace Pigeon Awards
With the tireless contribution of Paul Gibbs, the Board’s Ace Pigeon Awards continue to gain momentum and
participation. The Board will continue to refine these awards as we gather feedback from all States.

National Races
Through a direct donation to the Board specifically for this, the Board was able to provide sponsorship to
special ANRPB races in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. Queensland will
participate in 2026. This sponsorship aims to raise awareness surrounding the Board and its activities.

Australian War Memorial
The Board has continued to strengthen our relationship with the Australian War Memorial. Nigel Allsopp, The
President and CEO of Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) has this year agreed to
become a Patron of the ANRPB. This relationship will continue to give racing pigeons exposure to the
broader community as we join celebrations across Australia.

We were represented at the inaugural Australian Distinguished Service Award on the 24th February 2025.
This is an annual event, and the Board will be present again in 2026. In 2026, two certificates will be presented
posthumously to the 2 Australian pigeons who were awarded the Dickens Medal. Another certificate will be
presented to acknowledge the service of all pigeons in wartime

The Board participated in the 100th anniversary of the Australian Signal Corps at Victoria Barracks in Sydney,
with a liberation of pigeons from a WWII cane basket and a parade of Pigeoneers Anzac banner celebrating the
Proud history of homing pigeons had for the Signal Corp.

National Code of Practice
This continues to be updated with input from around Australia.

Sydney Convention
The ANRPB participated in the convention with a fundraising sale. Many Board members contributed birds.
All proceeds went into our general funds.

Promotion
A special mention to Paul Gibbs. He continues to write articles for both the Australian Racing Pigeon Journal and
publications abroad at a prolific rate.

Thank you to Len VanderLinde for maintaining and updating our website.

Health and Welfare of Australian Racing Pigeons
One of our most important aims is contained in the Charter.
The Board is meeting regularly with Dr Colin Walker to prepare for the challenges once the current strain of
avian flu reaches mainland Australia. He has already had meetings with Victorian veterinary representatives.
I urge all flyers to read Dr Walker’s articles in the Australian Racing Pigeon Journal.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the Board. I’m looking forward to your
contributions in 2026.
Sincerely,
Vince Pedavoli
Chair, ANRPB