THE Melbourne Pigeon Society (MPS) is one of the oldest pigeon clubs in Australia, established in Victoria in 1913. It was founded to encourage the breeding and exhibiting of all varieties of pigeons and to foster friendliness and good fellowship between fellow members and other breeders.
Mark Tung the current President of MPS gave of his time to visit the Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea Inc. to give members a comprehensive overview of pigeons and the various activities of owners and club members. Mark is dedicated to the objectives of the club and is a renowned judge at the five annual shows. The most recent was the 37th Australian National Pigeon Society Show, held at the new showgrounds in Ballarat from July 18 to July 20, 2025
He took up the pigeon hobby at 12 years old in the footsteps of his grandfather and four years later became an individual racer at the age of 16. He has been involved with racing pigeons ever since, which started with the Western Pigeon Federation, of which Mark is a life member and now for the last 15 years has been competing in the Victorian Homing Association (VHA), which was established in 1900 and is currently serving the position of vice president.
In its pinnacle the VHA had a membership of 600 members. The membership has now evolved into four separate organisations, and the total membership has lessened, but is still vibrant.
Pigeons are born with an instinct to return to their home loft, but scientists believe it’s more than just instinct. They seem to have a natural toolkit for finding their way. One major theory is that they can sense the Earth’s magnetic field. It’s thought that pigeons have tiny magnetic sensors in their beaks or brains that help them detect direction, almost like they have a compass built into their bodies.
To be a pigeon owner needs much dedication and self-discipline. Mark had been on his feet since before daylight, not only looking after his pigeons but also another passion of Greyhound racing. Pigeon lofts need to be cleaned twice a day and each day their diet varies. The training is a long-term commitment commencing with short “return home” practices which are extended until a competitive long distance is attempted.
Even with all these natural abilities, racing pigeons don’t just wake up one day ready to fly hundreds of miles. They need practice. Owners usually start by letting them fly short distances, gradually building up to longer flights. This training helps the birds become familiar with different routes and conditions. The connection to their loft also plays a huge part. It’s not just where they sleep, it’s where they feel safe. The bond they form with their home gives them a strong reason to return.
The racing pigeon originated in Belgium and spread through England and Europe and then to the new world. But in recent times the westernised China has more of less taken control of premium breeding stock and prices as high as 1.8 million Euros are attained for a female bird. Aggravating the situation is quarantine regulations. Up until three years ago Australian breeders were major importers of desired blood lines, but the avian flu outbreak meant a cessation and continuing constraints.
We learnt about the manner in which competitions are conducted and the distances that some routes cover. The VHA start races as far away as Berri in South Australia, and Tasmania. There is an Alice Springs to Adelaide event organised in South Australia.
Many slides showing the multitude of Pigeons that exist were shown. Including two Australian breeds the Australian Saddleback Tremblers and the Australian Performing Tumblers originating in 1860 but not recognised as a breed until the early 20th century.
Speciality follows exotic breeding, and this is true with pigeons. Two Australian veterinarians are world renowned. One mentioned was Dr Colin Walker OAM. Dr Walker has raced pigeons since 1969 and has won numerous racing events. He also breeds and shows exhibition pigeons and has had numerous national champions.
In 2000, he was inducted into the VHA Hall of Fame for “his contribution to the Association over a long period of time as Honorary Veterinarian. Further to his contribution to the sport in general by removing myth and replacing them with proper health procedures and practices.”
Time was on the wing [pun intended] and Mr Tungwas only able to gloss over the involvement of pigeons in World Wars.
Mr Tung was presented with a small token of appreciation and resounding applause from the attentive audience.
