This children’s TV show on Australia’s Seven Network originally aired only 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 (pictured below), 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 regular team of reporters, including Eric Summons (the show’s virtual father), Cecelia Martine, Craig Campbell, 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.
Fiona MacDonald died on 3 October 2024 following a battle with motor neurone disease after being diagnosed in 2021. She was 67.
Jamie Dunn died in March 2026, aged 75.
Presenters
Gayle Blakeney
Gillian Blakeney
Fiona MacDonald
Jill Ray
Bob La Castra
Rob Elliott
Laurel Edwards Agro
Jamie Dunn Ranger Stacey
Stacey Thompson
Video
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