This is an extraordinary thing - a beautiful, creative and powerful piece of storytelling that is so much more. Such an innovative way of creating change, of building community and, ultimately, of saving lives. I love it. Would be great if you could give it half an hour of your day. Congratulations everyone and nice work ...all The Squad. xx Jac Tomlins

The Roar!!!

The Roar!!! is a story about dinosaurs and Pride. It was written by Sally Conning and Jax Wake - who have a 58 year age difference and a love of dinosaurs. The story reflects their own journeys to pride and what they have learned from each other. In the process of writing their stories we needed to set up a Dinosaur Squad.

The Dinosaur Squad

Dinosaur Squad is a group of Story telling QUeers Against Discrimination, who helped to write the Roar!!! When we were writing the story, we realised the fairy tale ending we wrote for the 12 year old Jax didn't reflect his reality. He experienced difficulties at school. So, we gathered a Dinosaur Squad to help write a happy ending and make it come true. The Dinosaur Squad includes a local Member of Parliament, Police Officer, School Principal, teacher, community leaders, family and friends. 

When we wrap ourselves around people who are doing it tough - then we are strong - then we can call ourselves community.

We made a film about the Dinosaur Squad and the Roar. Thanks to award winning film maker Chris Franklin from Franklin Image for his amazing work. Thanks also to Ferne Millen from Ferne Millen Photography for the beautiful stills.

The Dinosaur Squad in Parliament House

Thanks to Andy Meddick MP for paying tribute to the wonderful work of the Dinosaur Squad in Parliament House on Monday 28th November. We love your work Andysaurus.

Acknowledgements 

​The Roar!!! is an initiative of Alice’s Garage and was supported by the Department of Premier and Cabinet Victoria. Special thanks also to all our Dinosaurs and the Dinosaur Squad:
  • Sally Conning (Salosaurus Rex), teacher and storyteller
  • Jax Wake (Jaxosaurus) is a proud 12 year old trans boy
  • Dr Catherine Barrett, Founder/Director Alice’s Garage and the Kindness Pandemic
  • Jay Glascott, Masters Student, Melbourne Institute of Experiential and Creative Arts
  • Jo Bangles (Bangosaurus) president Dykes on Bikes Melbourne, Co-President Geelong Rainbow Inc and Founder The Jo Bangles Project.
  • Jacinta Stevens (Constable Cintasaurus), Senior Constable of Victoria Police GLLO/LGBITQ+ Liaison Officer
  • Merrin Wake (Mummasaurus), proud mother of Jaxosaurus
  • Gavin Wake (Pappasaurus), proud dad of Jaxosaurus
  • Imi Wake (Imisaurus), proud sister of Jaxosaurus
  • Kiah Wake (Kiasaurus), proud sister of Jaxosaurus
  • Ash Pike (Ashteryx), teacher and health promotion practitioner with a passion for human rights, social justice and inclusion.
  • Jess Kelly (Jessophus), Principal of Torquay College
  • Andy Meddick MP (Andiplodicous), Animal Justice Party Member of the Legislative Council for Western Victoria.
  • Samantha J McGowan (Samaraptor), non-native local with a passion for people
  • Rachel Shankland (Rachasaurus), proud friend of Mummasaurus

We would also like to thank Ferne Millen from Ferne Millen Photography for the beautiful images you seen in the film. 

Very special thankyou 

We are very appreciative of the support from the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Victoria - for supporting this project and all for their commitment to Dinoversity. As a token of appreciation Jaxosaurus has drawn dinosaur portraits (left to right below) for Premier Daniel Andrews, Minister for Equality Martin Foley, Commissioner Ro Allen and the Commissioner's Advisor Kenton Penley Miller. 

For more information 

Contact Dr Catherine Barrett at: info@thekindnesspandemic.org