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🦘 Australian-Made · Clinician Co-Developed · Years K–3

Where big feelings
find their footing.

An Australian children's wellbeing program built on story, science, and characters kids actually love.

Developed with Dr Philip Tam, FRANZCP — Child Psychiatrist

The Roo Crew's Race Against the Storm — Book 1
The Roo Crew — 14 (mostly) native Australian animal characters
1 in 7 Australian children has a diagnosable mental health condition  ·  K–3 is the single most critical window  ·  50+ years combined clinical & education expertise

Something has shifted.

Higher numbers of children are arriving at school anxious, needing support to understand and manage their feelings, and socially underprepared. Teachers are stretched. And most programs available aren't creating change — here's why.

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Generic programs that lack cultural connection

Most SEL programs are culturally disconnected from the children they're meant to serve — built without the local stories, landscapes and language that make learning stick.

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Platform-dependent delivery

Digital-first programs require devices, logins and screen time — the opposite of what early years children need for embodied emotional learning.

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No narrative hook

Abstract concepts on worksheets rarely hold young children's attention. A beautifully illustrated story with characters they love is a different thing entirely.

The pressures upon even young people are at high levels, and mental health problems and disorders are at an all-time high, both nationally and globally.

— Barican et al. (2021)

Wally the Wombat

Built for classrooms.
Backed by science. Loved by kids.

A flexible, fun, and easy to deliver 8-module social and emotional learning program for Years K–3, built around original illustrated Australian adventure stories featuring the Roo Crew.

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Relate — Connect to the story

Students identify feelings and 'Choice Moments' in the story. They are helped to relate to the situation, how the character is feeling in the story and why they feel that way.

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Own It — Reflect on yourself

Students reflect on times they've faced similar choices and feelings. There's no judgement, just honest recognition of real experiences.

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Overcome It — Practise Pause Power

Students build their 'Toolbox of Traits.' They practise Pause Power and ask themselves "If I react like this… what might happen next?" — building predictive thinking and responsible decision-making.

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Australian-Made Stories

Original illustrated adventures with characters and settings Australian children instantly recognise.

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Clinician Co-Developed

Every module co-designed with Dr Philip Tam, FRANZCP, Cert. Child Psych — one of Australia's most respected child psychiatrists.

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Physical Resources Included

Physical books, puppets and hands-on resources — no screens required. Evidence-backed for K–3.

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Minimal Teacher Prep

Each module follows a simple, repeatable structure. Ready-to-use lesson plans — no preparation required.

Week 1

Team Builders

The Roo Crew's Race Against the Storm

Week 2

Big Feelings

Week 3

Healthy Habits

Week 4

Screen Smarts

The Roo Crew's Dingo Dilemma

Week 5

Navigating Relationships

Week 6

Helping Hands

Week 7

Practice Week

Week 8

Gratitude & Celebration

Every child will see
themselves in at least one.

The Roo Crew
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Tradie Roo

Leader & Builder

People pleaser who often over commits.

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Fitz the Cockatoo

Lookout & Delivery

Easily distracted but wants to do the right thing.

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Junior the Possum

Apprentice

Eager, anxious; overthinks everything

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Cookie the Red Heeler

Chef & Adventurer

Creative, independent; brings everyone together with her delicious cooking.

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Sparkles the Koala

Optimist & Glue

Sensitive and caring; struggles to ask for help herself

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Mr Tawny Frogmouth

Gruff Boss

Bossy on the surface; secretly supportive

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Emma the Emu

Engineer

Meticulous planner; struggles when plans change

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Rollo the Lizard

Scaffolder & Roofer

Music and climbing is his thing, not reading or tests.

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Wally the Wombat

Excavator Driver

Quiet, steady powerhouse

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Ali the Ibex

Stonemason

Strong and proud. Always carries a comb.

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Piper the Platypus

Plumber

Class clown with a big heart. Keeps everyone laughing — sometimes when they really shouldn't be.

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Eddie the Echidna

Security Guard & Part-Time Detective

Takes the job very seriously. Always watching, always listening. Has never actually solved a crime — but lives in hope.

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Raja the Tiger

Tiler & Artist

Creative visionary; turns every job into a masterpiece

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Hootie the Kookaburra

Surveyor & Navigator

Resident comedian; keeps the crew laughing through anything

Fitz the Cockatoo Sparkles the Koala
The Roo Crew's Race Against the Storm — Book 1

The Roo Crew's Race Against the Storm

Tradie Roo and the Roo Crew race to finish Billabong HQ before a monster storm hits. When Fitz the Cockatoo faces a big Choice Moment under pressure, the whole crew must decide: do they build trust — or break it?

A heartwarming Australian picture book that gives children a language for big feelings before those feelings take over.

Hardback · 34 pages · Full-colour illustrations
Ages 3–8 · Australian characters & settings
Anchor book for the R.O.O. Wellbeing Program Module 1
Developed with Dr Philip Tam, FRANZCP, Cert. Child Psych
Get your free sample →

Pilot Program — Now Rolling Out in Primary Schools

We'd love to send you a complimentary sample — a teacher guide and storybook from Module 1 — so you can see the quality and approach for yourself.

What's in the Pilot Pack

Hardback copy of The Roo Crew's Race Against the Storm
Module 1 full resource pack
Sticker sheet & Home Dispatch letter for families
Direct access to our clinical and education team
No commitment required beyond honest feedback

Program Pricing

Pilot Pack — Module 1 $295/class

Call us for a no obligation chat about how our program can adapt to the needs of your school.

+61 411 785 136

Developed by Lynne Jackson, MMHSc, Dr Philip Tam, FRANZCP, Cert. Child Psych and James Headlam, MA, BEd. Over 50 years combined clinical & education expertise.

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Fitz the Cockatoo

We'd love to
hear from you.

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Web: tradieroo.org
For school enquiries, mention your school name and year levels and we'll be in touch within 24 hours.

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