2025 was another remarkable year for pigeon racing in Victoria. The Western Pigeon Federation took a clear leadership position, and I’m proud of what we achieved together, especially our inaugural long-distance combine racing that brought five federations together. Coordinating and transporting the 400, 500 and 600-mile events was a resounding success. It wasn’t without its challenges, bringing multiple federations together is no mean feat—but the collaboration, goodwill, and professionalism shown across the board were outstanding. A big thank you to Marc Tenaglia for making this possible, deploying all available resources across our bottom and top tiers, and ensuring a seamless program throughout.

Importantly, it was great to see that the 600-mile federation winner was not disadvantaged by winning (who was basketed in the top tier), an encouraging sign for competitive integrity and the future of our long-distance calendar.

Strengthening Statewide Collaboration

A highlight this year was the practical benefit of owning our own truck, which allowed us to facilitate pick-ups for Victorian Racing Pigeon Union (VRPU) members in the north. This was warmly welcomed by our friends across town and brought our communities closer than ever. It is initiatives like these that make pigeon racing more viable and more affordable for longer, for all of us. The hospitality shown by the Victorian Racing Pigeon Union to our members who assisted, including Daniel Tenaglia, David Hunter and me, was truly appreciated. Thank you.

Sporting Excellence, Congratulations to Our Winners

• Points Score Champions: The racing partnership of Cachia, Holwell & Cini delivered back-to-back Overall points score average titles with a remarkable 455 points and took out the Short Series; the Long Series and secured Long Series Two bird recognition. An impressive feat, well done.
• Triple Crown Milestone: Michael Portelli elevated performance to a new level, winning the 400, 500 and 600-mile events in succession, a Triple Crown achievement that has never happened before. A big well, done to Michael for five federation wins and securing the west track East section average and equal Long series averages.
• Federation Winners: Congratulations to Mark & Liam Gusman (three federation wins) and David Hunter (two federation wins).
• Sections: Congratulations to all section winners, all the winners can be found enclosed.
• Paul Camilleri Pattaya, Sponsorship of the 350-mile event, adding great value to our racing calendar, Thanks Paul.
• Special Recognition: John Forti, Most Consistent Flier in the 350-mile category, achieving an impressive 24 points and winning the Camilleri Pattaya series.

Volunteers, Officials & Operational Excellence

Our sport thrives because of the dedication of many. This year deserves special recognition:

• BOM of 2025: Marc Tenaglia; Chris Cachia; David Hunter; Daniel Tenaglia; Matt Ciancio; Joe Pulis; Barney Mizzi and Antione Dali for their hard work and tireless dedication.
• Ring Secretary: A big thank you to Pauline Pulis for her 13 years of exemplary service as Ring Secretary, upholding the high standards set by Margaret Tung. Pauline’s induction into the Hall of Fame is richly deserved, thank you, Pauline. We also welcome Charley Abela to the role and have every confidence he will continue the legacy established by Margaret and Pauline.
• Convoys & Drivers: Thank you Bruce Johnson and Rob Marinovic our convoy team and drivers for their professionalism and reliability week in, week out. (We will insert the full driver roster in the final booklet and acknowledge individual contributions.)
• Liberators: A big thank you to Daniel Tenaglia and Matthew Ciancio for diligent weather analysis in the days and hours prior to liberation to ensure safety, and for the liberation videos that opened our eyes to a new dimension of the sport.
• Media & Community: Thank you to Norman Santosa for recording the good work of our board and members throughout the calendar and for keeping everyone updated via Facebook.
• Hospitality & Facilities: A big thank you to the Dalli family (Joseph, Mary Ann, Samuel, Antione)  for the barbecues and for maintaining the cafeteria.
• Cleaning & Stewardship: Thank you Ray Mifsud for cleaning our baskets and rooms; and to Pierre Anistasi and Ray Mifsud for room stewardship.
• Equipment Care: Thank you, Trevor Holwell, for maintaining our baskets.
• Transport Safety: The Transport Committee implemented a new hoist system, making basket loading/unloading safer than ever, with a special thank you to Daniel Tenaglia for the welding and extra mile to get everything safe and in order.
• Clock Marshall Vision clock: Mark Bennett for setting and reading the Vision clocks week in week out.

Our premises and operating standards continue to align with the requirements of our lease at Carrington Reserve, including OH\&S, food safety, and facility stewardship obligations.

Sponsors & Partner Acknowledgements

To our sponsors, thank you for your ongoing support and contribution to race prizes, transport, equipment, and community initiatives. This year we also wish to specifically acknowledge:

• Bob Griffin from Shadie signs who updated our Honour Boards.
• Truck Signwriting: Ace Sign completed the signwriting on our truck. Thank you to Sandy Hui and the team for their work and support.
• Hunter Stock Feeds – Supplying all our high-quality racing grain, valued at over $1,500.
• La Trobe Financial – Providing a signed 2024 Collingwood jumper for fundraising efforts.
• Fortitude Insurance – Providing discounts on our insurance.
• Strait Link – Providing free transport to Launceston, valued at over $1,500.
• CCA Financial Planning – For their ongoing support of the Western Pigeon Federation.

Looking Ahead

• Combined Long Distance Racing: We plan to deepen federation collaboration, refining processes for long-distance combines and strengthening data sharing on weather, liberation outcomes, and bird welfare.
• Safety & Welfare: We’ll continue to invest in safe loading systems, vehicle maintenance, and evidence-based liberation protocols.
• Accessibility & Affordability: With our own truck and cross, federation coordination, we’ll keep working to make racing more viable, more inclusive, and more affordable across metropolitan and regional clubs.
• Community & Media: Expanding video, photography, and social updates so members and families can share more of the magic of our sport.

My heartfelt thanks to every flyer, volunteer, official, sponsor, and partner. 2025 showed what’s possible when we work together,across federations, across roles, and across communities. Let’s carry this momentum into 2026.

John Saggers

President