The Character:

The iconic character "Blinky Bill" was created in 1933 by Dorothy Wall, a new Zealander who was living in Australia. She published her most famous book, "Blinky Bill: The Quaint Little Australian", based on stories told to her only child, Peter. Successive generations of children have delighted in the mischievous koala with his 'boyish' characteristics of adventurousness, impudence and curiosity.

Yoram and Sandra Gross, who made international headlines with Australia's
first animated feature film, "Dot and the Kangaroo" in 1977, diversified
into producing animated series for television in 1992.

The studio's first series, "Blinky Bill", achieved significant international
success, both as a broadcasting property (seen in 70 countries) and as a
merchandising property and was a major licensing success in Europe.
3 "Blinky Bill" series, totalling 52 half-hour episodes, have been produced as
well as the TV Special "Blinky Bill's White Christmas", 3 CDs, 4 CD ROMS and
numerous DVDs.

On the 11/1/06 the Gross family sold it's remaining share of Yoram  Gross to EM Entertainment. The studio is now called "Flying Bark".

The "Blinky Bill" Series can still be seen repeated on the 7 Network (as well as the subsequent series "Tabaluga", "Skippy" and "Flipper and Lopaka").


Robyn and Yoram Gross have been working together since 1984

 

Robyn and "Blinky":

In 1984 Yoram Gross invited Robyn to audition for "the Bunny" in the animated film "Dot and the Bunny". This lead to Robyn becoming "Dot" in all the subsequent films alongside her long time voice-over colleague Keith Scott. Together they created all the voices for "Dot and Keeto", "Dot and the Whale", "Dot in Space", "Dot Goes to Hollywood"…and "The Magic Riddle". During this time Yoram had secured the rights for the iconic character "Blinky Bill". The drawing of "Blinky" were transformed physically into a 'friendlier" character and his checked pants (a nightmre for animation) were simplified to red pants with a patch. Robyn was asked to be his voice…and the voices of all the female characters in the show. (Nutsy Koala, Mrs Koala , Marcia Marsupial Mouse, Ma Dingo, Daisy Dingo etc).

Creating the voice of Blinky Bill is one of the most rewarding experiences ever for Robyn, as she gets to enchant children and adults aike with this spirited, mischieveous character. However, as National Patron of Make-A-Wish Australia,  she had experienced the real magic of this character, when making "Blinky" phone calls to children with life-threatening illnesses...the results are extraordinary!

"After the "Blinky" phone call telling her she was "extraordinary", her lung function increased dramatically the next day!" 

Other children and parents benefit from these magical "Blinky" phone calls as well!

"After the phone call, all of the children ran out into the playground telling each other “you are extraordinary!”

"Bianca had her arms wrapped around herself, because that's what "Blinky Bill" told her to do."

"A grade 3 boy lifted up a grade one girl so she could see herself in the mirror and say "I am Extraordinary".

"You made the phone call to my most 'extraordinary' kids  leaving them a memorable message on our machine.  Thanks. You opened my eyes to the reality of life today."

 

 

 

Robyn Moore