Wombat

1 9 7 9 – 1 9 9 0 (Australia)

This children’s TV show from Australia’s Seven Network was originally only broadcast in Brisbane. From 1983, it aired nationally on weekday afternoons (and later on Saturday and Sunday mornings).

Several presenters appeared on the magazine-style show throughout its run – including Fiona MacDonald, Jill Ray and twins Gayle and Gillian Blakeney – but they were always accompanied by Agro, a glove puppet controlled and voiced by comedian Jamie Dunn, hidden out of sight under tables and behind furniture.

Gravel-voiced Agro was often belligerent and in a bad mood. His humour was “adult” in nature and included as much sexual innuendo as Dunn could get away with on children’s television. The character also regularly broke the fourth wall, making reference to the fact that he was a puppet, that his limbs did not move, and that he had a hand up his back.

Short editorial segments featured a team of regular reporters, including Eric Summons, Cecelia Martine, Craig Campbell, Fiona MacDonald, Fran Morrison, Bob La Castra, Tony Gordon, Sam Harvey, Scott Williams and Gary Hardgrave.

Wombat received four Logie Awards for Most Popular Children’s Programme between 1987 and 1990. Agro went on to host Agro’s Cartoon Connection and The Super Sunday Show.

Presenters
Gayle Blakeney
Gillian Blakeney
Fiona MacDonald
Jill Ray
Bob La Castra
Rob Elliott
Laurel Edwards
Agro
Jamie Dunn
Ranger Stacey
Stacey Thompson

Video