John ‘Budgie’ Budge began surfing metro beaches in the mid-1950s, later exploring Mandurah, Rottnest and South West beaches.
An avid photographer, he captured early surf scenes with his Kodak box Brownie camera, including innovative water shots at Yallingup taken from his surfboard with the camera tied in a sock around his neck. His 1950s photos of people, places, and surfing feature in Surfing Down South book (2014, which is now out of stock.
The former Trigg resident, aged 95, maintained a routine of cycling and swimming, and was actively engaged in matters concerning the natural environment. He now resides in an Aged Care facility at Gwelup.
1955 Dapper Budgie posing outside former City of Perth SLSC rooms at City Beach.Photo Ray Geary.
1956 Neil Chapple & John Budge with Budgie’s Morris Minor sedan & Toothpick surfboard at City Beach.Photo courtesy of Budgie.
1950s City Beach Board Club 1st Reunion held at Pagoda Ballroom Como. L-R Budgie, Colin, Jo, Alma, Artie, Mark, unknown, Sandra, Stretch, unknown, Ray Geary & Helen. Photo courtesy ofBudgie.
1956 Budgie riding his homemade ‘Nirvana’ balsa board at Yallingup.Water shot taken by Jim Keenan with Budgie’s Kodak camera.
John ‘Budgie’ Budge began surfing metro beaches in the mid-1950s, later exploring Mandurah, Rottnest and South West beaches.
An avid photographer, he captured early surf scenes with his Kodak box Brownie camera, including innovative water shots at Yallingup taken from his surfboard with the camera tied in a sock around his neck. His 1950s photos of people, places, and surfing feature in Surfing Down South book (2014, which is now out of stock.
The former Trigg resident, aged 95, maintained a routine of cycling and swimming, and was actively engaged in matters concerning the natural environment. He now resides in an Aged Care facility at Gwelup.
1955 Dapper Budgie posing outside former City of Perth SLSC rooms at City Beach. Photo Ray Geary.
1956 Neil Chapple & John Budge with Budgie’s Morris Minor sedan & Toothpick surfboard at City Beach. Photo courtesy of Budgie.
1950s City Beach Board Club 1st Reunion held at Pagoda Ballroom Como. L-R Budgie, Colin, Jo, Alma, Artie, Mark, unknown, Sandra, Stretch, unknown, Ray Geary & Helen. Photo courtesy of Budgie.
1956 Budgie riding his homemade ‘Nirvana’ balsa board at Yallingup. Water shot taken by Jim Keenan with Budgie’s Kodak camera.
Budgie’s vintage WA surf photos have been archived by the State Library of West Australia.
2023 John Budge mural State Library of WA. Photo Chris Holyday.
Bonus pic
1950s Budgie’s pin-up beach girl. Photographer unknown.
Thanks for sharing your photos & memories Budgie.
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