Yamba's Playtime facts for kids

Yamba's Playtime is a fun Australian TV show made for young children. It first started in 1995 and is produced by Imparja Television. Since 2010, it has also been shown on the Nine Network, and later on 9Go! and National Indigenous Television.

Each 30-minute episode follows the adventures of Yamba, a friendly honey ant, and his best friend Jacinta. The show was the first program for young children with Indigenous Australian themes to get a special "P" rating. This means it is approved for preschoolers.

Yamba the Honeyant comes from Central Australia. He is very curious and loves to learn new things. He is also active, energetic, friendly, and outgoing. Yamba and Jacinta have many friends. However, they do not seem to know about the odd sock characters, Chabba and Flopp, who live in the sock drawers.

About Yamba's Playtime

Every episode of Yamba's Playtime is both educational and entertaining. The show shares unique qualities found in the red centre of Australia. It is popular with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous young viewers. Many people watched Series 1 when it aired in January 2012.

Cameron Clarke, a former screenwriter for the show Hi-5, shared his thoughts. He said that Yamba's Playtime is mainly for young Indigenous audiences. But with its energy, music, and fun stories, it appeals to many different people. He also mentioned that the show is enlightening in many ways.

Yamba's Roadshow

Because the TV show was so popular, Yamba was used to share important health messages. This led to the creation of "Yamba's Roadshow." In 2011, the Roadshow crew started traveling. They visited remote towns and communities in the Northern Territory and Queensland. They performed stage shows that taught kids about healthy living.

During these roadshows, Yamba is treated like a celebrity. People wave at him in the streets. Fans gather around him, excited to see the Honeyant Rockstar. Before the performances, the crowd often chants Yamba's name over and over.

Meet the Characters

Yamba the Yerrampe

Yamba is a honey ant from Central Australia. A person in a honey ant suit plays him. The Imparja website describes Yamba as energetic, friendly, and eager to learn.

Jacinta

Jacinta is Yamba's best friend. She is a human character played by Jacinta Price.

Chabba and Flopp

Chabba and Flopp are two "odd sock characters." They live in the sock drawers. It seems the other characters do not notice them.

Cecilina the Ballerina

Cecilina the Ballerina is Yamba's older sister. She loves ballet, fruit salad, and visiting Yamba and Jacinta.

Grandma & Grandpa Honeyant

Grandpa Honeyant is Yamba and Cecilina's grandfather. In Series 1 and 2, he had a part called 'Grandpa Honeyant's Storytime'. Grandma Honeyant is Yamba and Cecilina's grandmother. She is a wise woman who loves her grandchildren very much.

Miss Honeypot

Miss Honeypot is Cecilina's ballet teacher.

Yamba's Adventures

The show has many fun episodes. Here are some examples from Series 1, which first aired in January 2012.

Series 1 Highlights

• 3 Wishes: Yamba finds a magic lamp and makes three "ANTastic" wishes.
• The Holiday: Yamba takes Jacinta on a holiday to an imaginary place called Yambaland.
• Superheroes: Yamba the Superant loses his X-Ray vision glasses, and Jacinta helps him find them.
• Robots: Yamba wants to be like Robbo the Robot, a clown robot. But Jacinta gets tired of all the jokes.
• It's Hot Today: Yamba wants to play outside, but it is too hot. Jacinta shows Yamba many ways to stay cool.
• Magical Day: Yamba's big sister, Cecilina, disappears. Yamba thinks a magic trick made her vanish. Did Yamba make her disappear, or did he make two Cecilinas reappear?
• The Treasure Map: Grandpa Honeyant gives Yamba a map. Yamba and Jacinta think it is a treasure map. They have a great time trying to follow the directions.
• Communication: Yamba needs to send Cecilina a message quickly. Jacinta helps Yamba find ways to send a message.
• Wheels Go Round: Jacinta helps Yamba try to find the right shape for a wheel on a toy train.
• Birthday Party: It is Grandma Honeyant's birthday. Yamba comes up with a party theme. But not everyone understands his plan.
• Yamba Gets a Pet: Yamba has a wonderful dream about owning a pet. Jacinta enjoys hearing all about his dream.
• The Desert: Yamba needs to sing a song about the desert for preschool. Jacinta helps Yamba write the song.
• A Home: Yamba is very cold. Jacinta shows how different homes keep animals warm by building them in the Playroom.
• Sports Day: Yamba went to a Preschool Sports Day and enjoyed various races. But how did Yamba's head get a big bandage around it?

Holiday Specials

These special episodes have been shown on the Nine Network and Imparja Television during holidays.

• Yamba's Easter Adventure: Join Yamba the Honeyant and Jacinta on an Easter holiday adventure as they travel to Yambaland.
• Yamba's Christmas Surprise: Come along on a fun and engaging journey with Yamba the Honey Ant. Discover what Yamba's Christmas surprise truly is!