Photo of Tara Oldfield

Author: Tara Oldfield

Senior Communications Advisor

“Yabba Dabba Doo!”

Children ruled in 1979 in Australia. It was International Year of the Child, the Bee Gees were bopping, Mr Squiggle was in colour, yo-yos were back and Milkos were the go!

Kicking the year off in style, Fred, Barney, and the rest of the Flintstones flew to Australia. The troupe sang and danced for children of all ages,  all across the country, finishing the summer holidays off with a bang and a Yabba Dabba Doo.

According to the official program and reviews found online The Fabulous Flintstones on Parade was a traveling stage show featuring the Flintstones as well as other popular Hanna Barbera characters including Scooby Doo, Huckleberry Hound, Snagglepuss and Dick Dastardly among others, performing musical numbers with titles such as “Infernal Disco” and “We Will Always Be Friends”.  It was the biggest and most expensive show ever to grace Australia at that time. There were high wire acts and special effects, and of course merchandise for parents to spoil the kids with on the way home. 

 

photo of a magazine featuring the show
Australian Women's Weekly 10 January 1979

 

photos of the characters
Australian Women's Weekly 10 January 1979

 

Public building tent files

In our collection we have a series of files called ‘Public Building Tent Files’ containing records related to amusement and circus tents in Victoria between 1974 and 1988. Tents put up for entertainment, amusement or recreation purposes were classified as public buildings under the Health Acts and were subject to approval by the existing health authority, the General Health Branch. 

“From the town of Bedrock, they’re a page right out of history.”

Within the series is a file for The Fabulous Flintstones on Parade. The file includes sketch plans showing a total seating capacity of 5206 people, correspondence around requirements for instance “exit” signage, certificate of safety forms, among other documentation. 
 

plan for the inside of the tent including seats on the edge of a large circle and stage in the middle
The Fabulous Flintstones tent plans, vprs8050 p1 unit3

 

detailed plans of the exterior of the tent
The Fabulous Flintstones tent plans, vprs8050 p1 unit3

 

Also within the series

plans for the wax works tent, a square shaped, very simple drawing
Sketch plans for Wax Works Tent, Tom Wittingslow Pty. Ltd, Public Building File 1976, vprs8050 p1 unit3

 

swatches of fabric, blue and green with the word berkmier on the green one
Sample tent materials, flamed under test, Silvers Circus Tent, Public Building File 1978, vprs8050 p1 unit3

 

colour sketch drawing of what looks like a carnival
Drawings for the Australian 1988 Bicentennial Touring Exhibition, Public Building File 1988, vprs8050 p1 unit2

 

photograph of a long grey and white striped tent
Photograph of tent for the Footsbarn Travelling Theatre Company, Public Building File 1985, vprs8050 p1 unit2

 

Simply type Public Building Tent Files into search to view the full series. They are physical records, not digitised, so need to be ordered and viewed in our North Melbourne Reading Room. 

 

Material in the Public Record Office Victoria archival collection contains words and descriptions that reflect attitudes and government policies at different times which may be insensitive and upsetting

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be aware the collection and website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

PROV provides advice to researchers wishing to access, publish or re-use records about Aboriginal Peoples

Learn more