Meet Jack the Silly-Yak
Music, movement and Coeliac awareness with heart
Our Source Kids Disability Expos aren’t just about discovering products and services—they’re also packed with fun, entertainment, and inclusive activities for the whole family.
One of the highlights? Our vibrant stage program! From music to movement, there’s always something to get involved in. At our recent Adelaide expo, we were thrilled to welcome Jack and Alex’s Silly-Yak Adventure – a joyful, music-filled performance that helped kids learn about Coeliac Disease through creativity, movement and play.
We caught up with Alex, Jack’s creator to find out more about the story behind the Silly-Yak…
What inspired you to create the character Jack the Silly-Yak?
It all started with an idea and stepping outside my creative comfort zone. I realised how little there was out there representing kids with chronic illness and educating them in a “here is how to manage your illness, so you can learn how it fits into your life not having your illness control your life” kind of way. I took a design course while at Uni and that really pushed me into a new creative world, and while trialling collage crafting, Jack was born. It was in that moment, holding his little paper fun self that I knew he had power and a story to tell.
How does Jack help children understand Coeliac disease and what role does music play in Jack’s adventures?
Jack helps children and adults alike understand Coeliac Disease through play, creativity and fun. Music and play are universal, and I strongly believe every child deserves to be seen, have fun and learn. That is what I do with Jack; we make a child with Coeliac Disease feel seen, and every child at our shows be heard. Through music we talk about the glutinous grains – ‘The B.R.O.W’ – and through interaction we learn how we have to work together to find the best gluten free foods and support one another. Through movement and laughter, we get to be our full silly selves and understand that an illness shouldn’t define or separate us.
Can you tell us about the Giggle and Learn series and how it engages children?
Giggle and Learn is an online free mini-series with three episodes and heaps of downloadable activities; it is my way of ensuring that Jack the Silly-Yak is accessible to all kids with Coeliac Disease, and kids who love silliness and creativity wherever they are. Each episode contains easily digestible gluten free information so kids alongside their Big Yaks (aka adults) can start making safe and fun changes. It’s also something their friends can watch to help them understand what their besties are going through. We laughed a lot on set while filming these and I have heard lots of feedback that our audience have done the same while watching them.
What has been the most rewarding feedback you’ve received from parents?
Hearing kids being inspired to write their own books and be empowered through what I have done with Jack the Silly-Yak to tell their Coeliac stories has been so amazing. Also hearing from parents of kids without coeliac disease that they love my music and enjoyed learning at our Jack and Alex’s Silly-Yak Adventure shows is such a highlight, Jack the Silly-Yak is here to represent but also educate our friends and family too.
Are there any upcoming projects or new characters joining Jack’s world?
We have shows happening in Newcastle, Sydney and Melbourne this year and very excitedly I’m doing some work with Coeliac Australia, so stay tuned! I also have heaps of new music to share and am hoping to release that in an EP sometime this year.
Can you share a fun fact about yaks that kids might not know?
I so wish I knew some fun facts haha! All I know is that they are cute and look very cuddly.
Learn more about Jack at jackthesillyyak.com
