'Yamba the Honeyant' star reflects on 27-year kids’ Australian show

Julie McAllan, creator and voice of Yamba the Honeyant, reflects on the beloved Australian children’s show that educated and entertained kids for nearly three decades.

Friday, May 30th 2025, 8:51 am

By: Brooke Cox

TULSA, Okla. -

Originally from Australia, Julie McAllan began her career as an early childhood educator and ESL teacher, using music and movement to teach indigenous children.

That experience led to a creative leap into television, where she became a producer, writer, actor and voice artist in children’s programming. She has since written hundreds of songs for kids' TV and now lives in Tulsa.

The Rise of Yamba the Honeyant

McAllan produced several children's shows, but her most notable work was Yamba’s Playtime, which became a household name in Australia and aired in the U.S. on First Nations Experience (FNX) through PBS.

She played the lead character, Yamba, from 2007 onward, bringing the character to life as a friendly, energetic five-year-old honeyant who encouraged healthy habits and learning.

A Show With a Mission

Set in the Central Australian desert, Yamba’s Playtime followed Yamba and best friend Jacinta, along with characters like sock puppets Chabba and Flopp, big sister Cecilina the ballerina, and the Honeyant grandparents.

The show broke new ground as the first indigenous-themed Australian television program to earn a P Classification for preschool audiences.

Giving Yamba a Voice

Though silent for the first 14 years, Yamba began to speak, sing and dance when McAllan became producer, transforming the character’s appeal and expanding the show's reach.

Its popularity grew to include parents and grandparents, and it was a finalist for multiple Deadly Awards, recognizing excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entertainment and health education.

Health Advocacy on the Road

McAllan also produced Yamba’s Roadshow, a touring musical with the message “Stay Healthy and Strong.”

The show visited 90 remote communities and towns over five years, reaching around 15,000 children with messages about hygiene, nutrition and trachoma prevention.

Resources like toothbrushes, water bottles and educational CDs were distributed after performances.

A Lasting Impact

The show's influence extended far beyond entertainment. Children adopted Yamba’s healthy habits, even reminding adults to brush their teeth and exercise.

One health organization said the show achieved more in two years of trachoma prevention outreach than they had in a decade.

Fan-Favorite Performances

Public appearances often drew crowds so large that McAllan sometimes needed police or bodyguard protection. Children eagerly awaited Yamba's arrival, chanting the character's name and swarming for hugs and photos.

A Legacy That Lives On

Yamba’s Playtime aired from 1995 to 2022, starting as a goodnight segment on Imparja Television and growing into a national phenomenon. A spinoff series, Grandpa Honeyant Storytime, continues to air on ABC in Australia.

October 2 was once celebrated as National Speak Like Yamba Day, encouraging children across the country to embrace health and kindness with “ANTastic” spirit.