Little Steps

South Australia currently does not have a local chapter of the International Betta Congress. Any breeder or enthusiast living in South Oz, and wants to be part of the growing Betta movement around Australia, must join another states chapter, or, more likely, join the Betta Australis chapter - which is based in Queensland.

But interstate members cannot attend meetings (unless you happen to be visiting the state your IBC chapter is in), and lack that community of like-minded hobbyists to talk to face-to-face.

But don't get me wrong - the Australian Betta scene has a lot of wonderful people in it, who are more than willing to help out anybody interested in the scene. I have found lots of great advice from lots of very experienced individuals. But I would like to see a local chapter established so South Aussies can help develop the Betta scene and knowledge base in Australia, and so locals can also have that tactile community and local friends in times of need.

So, to begin the journey to the IBC, we need to bring together those in South Australia. There are two steps which need to be done to initiate this:

1. To create the South Australian Betta Breeders & Enthusiasts Association Facebook page
2. To encourage all new members of the above page, to join the SA Aquarium Society

I'd also be looking to gain support from some local aquarium and fish supplier around town. Having gained some second/third-hand insight into other chapters around Australia, and how they hold their monthly meetings, support of local businesses would be a good thing to lock down.

But we also need some sort of constitution, some sort of committee, a bank account, etc, etc - it's a long list of things to do...and I am by no means suggesting that I'll be the one leading the charge or holding the reigns as this moves forward, but I'm happy to start the ball rolling, or possibly get it restarted (this may have been attempted before).

So if you live in South Australia, or knows someone who does, then head on over to the Facebook page and join the rest of your fellow South Aussies in getting the local Betta scene organised, or in touching base with others who hold a similar interest and may be able to help you out with a suggestion on where to get that elusive something for the tank, or that perfect specimen for your projects, or simply a handy tip.