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.

On this page you will find two films: The Roar and the Dinosaur SQUAD, as well as The Roar colouring in book and more resources coming soon. 

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. 

Films

We produced two films. The first is The Roar, an animation and reading of the story book. The second film includes the animation and then reflections by members of the Dinosaur SQUAD. 

Colouring Book

A very big thankyou to Drummond Street Services for supporting the production of a colouring in book from The Roar. You can download or print the story by clicking on the image below.

Order copies of The Colouring Book
  • For individual orders please download or print the document below, or pop into Drummond Street Services at 100 Drummond St Carlton
  • For bulk orders please email us at: info@thekindnesspandemic.org

Guide to using the story

Drummond Street Services are currently working on a resource for families, schools and allies who want to faciliate a discussion on the story. More information coming soon 

Events

We are delighted with the interest in the Dinosaur SQUAD and have launched a series of workshops, events and partnerships. We will share information about these here as details are available:
  • The Dinosaur SQUAD - Live: presented by Midsumma Festival, Alice's Garage and Yarra Libraries and supported by the Australia Council for the Arts. This event includes a reading of The ROAR!!! and reflections from members of the SQUAD. Free event on 17 April at the Fitzroy Town Hall from 3-4.30pm. Register here
  • The Dinosaur SQUAD video: presented by Midsumma Festival and Alice's Garage and supported by the Australia Council for the Arts on April 17 - the event is the launch of The Roar!!! video.
  • Better Together Conference, Adelaide 2021 - workshop details coming soon
  • Health in Difference Conference, Sydney 2021 - spotlight presentation details coming 

Update and outcomes

The Dinosaur SQUAD has grown significantly - in numbers and impact. The number of SQUAD members has grown from 16 to 59 in six months and what the SQUAD has been able to achieve has been heartwarming. Check out our evaluation video below left by Mummasaurus. See also below right, reflections by Andy Meddick MP in Parliament House in November 2020. 

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 founding members of 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 

For more information contact
  • Dr Catherine Barrett on 0429 582 237 or info@thekindnesspandemic.org
  • Merrin Wake on 0422 208 776.

Partners

The Dinosaur SQUAD is an initiative of Alice's Garage and the Kindness Pandemic (both part of Celebrate Ageing) and was supported by the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Victoria and Franklin Image.