2015 BizCover NEIS Change Award Winner

Posted on December 14, 2015August 5, 2020 by Brett Hansen

On Monday 12th of October 2015, Brett Hansen, Elissa Jenkins and Troggg flew down to Melbourne to attend the Small Business Development Conference 2015 Gala Dinner for presentation of the National NEIS Association Awards. The Awards Dinner was held in the Limelight Room at Etihad Stadium in Docklands, Melbourne.

Brett had been nominated for the BizCover NEIS Change Award by his NEIS business mentor Sandra Gartner. Larrikin Puppets was set up under the NEIS programme in 2012. To explain what NEIS is, here’s a description from the National College of Business Management website:

“NEIS is an Australian Government initiative to assist eligible job seekers who are interested in starting and running a small business. NEIS commenced in 1985 and is currently the longest running and most successful self employment program in the country.
NEIS can provide you with accredited small business training, business advice and mentoring, as well as ongoing income support for up to 39 weeks”.

Why Larrikin Puppets was nominated in the ‘Change’ award category, is best explained by Brett Hansen himself, in this story he wrote prior to winning the award on the night:

My ‪Story: I have been a creative person since the first time I picked up a crayon. I have always drawn, played piano and performed puppetry. These have always been my greatest talents. I was pretty terrible at most other things at school.

Fast forward to my adult life – After years of studying animation, fine art and film, nobody would hire me in those industries. I was a hobby cartoonist and keyboard player in several bands, but the only paid jobs I could ever get were janitor, dish washer, retail worker, storeman, and call centre phone monkey. I eventually studied business and office admin so that I could get better jobs. But I still couldn’t get into anything better than the above list of occupations. I was never able to earn much money. These are minimum wage jobs.

My wife was very unhappy about both the money side of things, and the fact that I was depressed, miserable, and aching from all the heavy lifting. I’d sometimes work up to 15 hours a day and still not have enough money to pay the bills, let alone take my wife out for a nice dinner.

Performing puppetry was one of my talents, and eventually an opportunity to perform in a local production of Broadway puppet musical Avenue Q came up. I auditioned and was accepted into the company as the show’s ‘puppetry consultant’, as I was the only one with the skills to train the other actors in puppetry. I was also cast as a co-puppeteer for two of the characters. This was a volunteer activity. No payment. But it was a wonderful experience, which I balanced with my full time day job.
Six months later, Avenue Q ended. My full time day job ended. And my marriage ended. All at once. I was at rock bottom, with nothing to my name but whatever savings I had left, and a few puppets.

I had wanted to start up a puppeteer business on the side for a while. But time around long work hours was difficult. Now I finally had an opportunity! I had NOTHING to lose.

Someone suggested that when I go to Centrelink, I ask about the NEIS programme (New Enterprise Incentive Scheme), which is an entrepreneurial alternative to filling out job diaries. If you are unemployed and have a great idea for a new small business, NEIS is fantastic! They put you through a Certificate IV in Small Business Management, Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. Then they team you up with a business mentor for one year. Your assignments throughout the course are literally the things you need to get your business started – All the necessary licences, insurances, marketing tools, etc.

Three years later, my business takes me all over Queensland performing regular puppet shows at parties, festivals, childcare centres, schools and ticketed theatre events. I’ve also been able to puppeteer in several film and TV projects. I met and married a wonderful woman who loves me for all of my quirks and creative madness. She shares my journey as we live and work happily from home together.

And tomorrow, we’re off to Melbourne to attend the National NEIS Association Awards Gala Dinner. My NEIS mentor nominated Larrikin Puppets in the ‘BizCover NEIS Change Award’ category, and now I’m a finalist in the top 3!

My life went through some huge changes at the time I started my business three years ago. That’s why I’m up for a “Change” award. But whether I win the award or not, my life is better than it ever was before three years ago because every day is now different, interesting, exciting and full of love and support.

And that’s what motivates me to get up everyday and run my own business.
Thanks for reading 🙂

Brett (and Troggg) won the BizCover NEIS Change Award on Monday, 12 October 2015 at the Small Business Development Conference in Melbourne.

Troggg meets Agro and Beppo the Clown

Posted on October 27, 2015December 11, 2019 by Brett Hansen

During one weekend in October 2015, Brett and Troggg got to rub shoulders with legends of children’s entertainment!
Remember Australian puppet character Agro? Puppeteered by Jamie Dunn, Agro was on TV all throughout the 1980s and 1990s on shows like The Hi Hello Show, Seven’s Super Saturday Show, Wombat, The Super Sunday Show, Boris’ Breakfast Club, Agro’s Cartoon Connection, The Main Event, Family Feud, Tonight Live with Steve Vizard, etc.
On Friday, 23 October 2015, Elissa, Brett and Troggg went along to the Studio Theatre and Cafe to catch a performance of “Agro Up Late”, starring Jamie Dunn, Jill Ray (one of Agro’s co-hosts in the 1980s) and Agro himself.
There was a meet-and-greet in the foyer after the show, and that’s when Troggg got to meet his hero Agro.
The next day, Larrikin Puppets performed a puppet show at the Goodna Jacaranda Festival. Performing just before and after the puppet show was the legendary Beppo the Clown (aka Barry Cannon).

Barry has been performing as Beppo the Clown since 1960. He’s now in his 80s and still going strong! Brett chatted at length with Barry (who also used to appear on Agro’s show in the early days) and learnt a lot about the children’s entertainment industry over the last 50 years.
A quote from Brett: “You know you’re doing something right as a children’s entertainer when ‘Beppo the Clown’ tells you that your puppet show is engaging, entertaining and contains appropriate and catchy songs for the litte ones. I should’ve asked him to give that to me in writing!”

It was a very special couple of days, being able to rub shoulders with childhood heroes Agro and Beppo the Clown, who helped inspire us to bring happiness to kids in the same way that they did for many years before Troggg came into the picture.

A Different and Interesting Puppet Life – by Brett Hansen

Posted on October 10, 2015December 11, 2019 by Brett Hansen

I like my life because every day is different and interesting. Last week I performed puppet shows at a library, a fish & chips restaurant and a school.

I attended four dinner/drinks gatherings, including one in a back alley American style bar and one on a union roof top.
This week I got to meet two goblins (Hobble & Snitch) and perform some puppetry on their show.

Then for a film, I puppeteered a psychiatrist in a session with acclaimed artist Richard Bell. For the same film, I also puppeteered two characters relaxing on a beach, a monster throwing darts, another monster painting on canvas, and lead a team of puppets on horses galloping into a nightclub.
I attended a theatre tribute show of 1980s sitcom, “The Golden Girls” (Thank You For Being a Friend) starring puppet versions of the cast.
I also performed music at the weekly improv comedy show I’ve been a part of for the last four years.

On Monday, my beautiful wife Elissa and I will be flying down to Melbourne (with Troggg) to attend the National NEIS Association Awards Gala Dinner. Larrikin Puppets is a finalist in the ‘BizCover NEIS Change Award’ category.
The reason why my business is a finalist in that particular category is because my life went through some huge changes at the time of its inception three years ago.
And whether I win the award or not, my life is better than it ever was before three years ago because every day is now different and interesting.
Brett Hansen – Owner and Principal Puppeteer at Larrikin Puppets.

Troggg & friends visit the outback community of Murra Murra

Posted on October 10, 2015December 11, 2019 by Brett Hansen

On September 19 2015, after a 10 hour drive from Brisbane with an overnight stop at Moonie, Elissa and Brett (along with all of the puppets) arrived at the outback community of Murra Murra near Nebine (between Bollon and Cunnamulla), the traditional land of the Kooma people. A large portion of this land is now an Indigenous Protected Area (IPA).

They took part in a cultural exchange program called “Kooma Green School” where they camped, toured the land, saw ancient remnants and learnt about looking after country and nature.

Troggg and friends performed a puppet show as part of the program. The local Kooma kids of Murra Murra and all others present as part of the program had a great time!

MC Troggg introduces I Am Big Bird (Brisbane’s only screening)

Posted on October 3, 2015December 11, 2019 by Brett Hansen

On Monday 14th of September 2015, Larrikin Puppets (via Tugg and Vendetta Films) presented Brisbane’s only screening of award winning documentary “I Am Big Bird – The Caroll Spinney Story” at Event Cinemas, Myer Centre. About 140 people attended, which was a really great turnout!

Other cities in Australia got a general release of this film, but Brisbane missed out for some reason! So Brett Hansen created a petition to get the film into Brisbane cinemas. Eventually, the distribution company Vendetta Films stepped up and decided to help by sending the film to Tugg – an organisation who can get rare and independent films onto the big screen wherever you are in the world. Their partnership in Brisbane is Event Cinemas. So with thanks to Vendetta Films, Tugg and the wonderful Lauren, Tim and the team at Event Cinemas Myer Centre, we had our screening – hosted by Troggg.

The serious side of the event was to do with ovarian cancer. Brett Hansen lost his Mum Helen to ovarian cancer in 2010. His brothers Todd and Dale have done many things over the years to raise money for research and awareness – fun runs, stair climbs, beach volleyball. Brett wanted to run an event where he could use HIS skills, which include hiding behind things and putting his hand inside things. Finally, an opportunity came up where he could present a movie about another guy who likes to hide behind things and put his hand inside things… Or in the case of Big Bird – both at the same time! So the evening was dedicated to the memory of Brett’s Mum.

5% of ticket sales and all money raised from the raffle tickets was donated to the QLD Centre for Gynaecological Cancer Research, who are very busy trying to find early detection methods for ovarian cancer. There is no way of knowing or checking if you have it until it’s too late. A big thank you to QCGC Research for getting on board with this special evening.

I Am Big Bird – The Caroll Spinney Story chronicles the life of puppeteer Caroll Spinney, who is in his 80s and still working at Sesame Street today! From a bullied child to working with Jim Henson and performing two of the world’s most loveable and iconic characters Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.

It was a very heartwarming film with a lot of unbelievable events that made the whole room fill with gasps. It was also very funny. All who attended were very thankful to have witnessed such a thought provoking film.

Please enjoy these photos of the event – from the raffle ticket table in the foyer to Troggg’s introduction of the film.

4BC interview: ‘I Am Big Bird’ – Raising funds for cancer research

Posted on September 4, 2015December 11, 2019 by Brett Hansen

4BC radio interview – ‘I Am Big Bird’ – Raising funds for cancer research

September 2, 2015

Nick King

4BC radio interview — Troggg, Clare Blake and Brett Hansen in the 4BC Studio

4BC Afternoons would like to introduce you to Brett Hansen and Troggg.
And just to clarify Troggg is the blue one and yes, the middle ‘g’ is silent!
Both Brett and Troggg are from Larrikin Puppets and they dropped by to tell Clare Blake all about an upcoming film screening that will raise money for a very good cause.
The award winning film ‘I Am Big Bird: The Carroll Spinney Story’ documents the man who has played Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street since 1969 and understandably is very close to the hearts of both Brett and Troggg.

The screening aims to not only provide a night of entertainment but also to raise funds for The Queensland Centre for Gynecological Cancer Research.
A worthy cause which has touched Brett on a very personal level.
“My mum passed away in 2010, She had a very short battle with ovarian cancer, she went to the doctors with a sore tummy and by that time it was too late.”
“There isn’t any early detection methods and she had nine months from that diagnosis of ovarian cancer.”
This special screening will be hosted by Troggg (and Brett) and will be dedicated to the memory of Helen Jean Hansen.
Larrikin Puppets Presents ‘I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story
7pm, Monday 14th September
Event Cinemas, Myer Centre Brisbane City
Tickets are pre-purchase only and available by clicking here
Listen to the full interview with Clare Blake on 4BC Afternoons here.

https://soundcloud.com/larrikin-puppets/i-am-big-bird-raising-funds-for-cancer-research

I Am Big Bird: Brisbane’s only Screening!

Posted on August 31, 2015December 11, 2019 by Brett Hansen

I Am Big Bird Comes to Brisbane for One Night Only to help with Ovarian Cancer Research and Awareness

Larrikin Puppets presents Brisbane’s only screening of the award winning, “I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story”. This heartwarming film chronicles the life of Caroll Spinney, the puppeteer who has performed Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since 1969.Where: Event Cinemas Myer Centre – Level 3 Myer Centre, 91 Elizabeth St, Brisbane.
When: 7pm, Monday 14 September 2015.
Tickets: $20. Only online at https://www.tugg.com/events/40270. There are currently 71 tickets remaining, and less than two weeks to secure those seats!
Funds being raised for ovarian cancer research and awareness through a raffle prize and 5% of ticket sales. The event is held in loving memory of Helen Jean Hansen (Brett’s Mum), who lost her very short battle with ovarian cancer in 2010. Chosen charity: QLD Centre for Gynaecological Cancer Research.
MC: Troggg (Brisbane’s own ‘Muppet’). He’s honoured to introduce this film about his heroes Big Bird and Oscar. Troggg’s handler (puppeteer Brett Hansen) is the eldest son of Helen.
For over 4 decades, Caroll’s characters have been cherished by generations of children. At 81 years old, the tenacious and enthusiastic performer has no intention of slowing down. I AM BIG BIRD features incredible footage of Spinney’s earliest collaborations with Jim Henson as it traces Caroll’s journey from bullied child to celebrated performer. This loving portrait peels away the instances that inspired his creation of Big Bird and as the yellow feathers give way to grey hair, it is the man, not the puppet, who will steal your heart.

Weekend Intensive Puppetry Workshop for Adults – with Larrikin Puppets (November 2015)

Posted on August 11, 2015December 11, 2019 by Brett Hansen

Larrikin Puppets presents a two day Weekend Intensive puppetry workshop in #‎Brisbane‬ (Moorooka/Salisbury).

ADULTS can learn how to puppeteer in the Muppet style of puppetry!

7-8 November. Build confidence, improve communication skills, make people laugh, expand your drama/theatre portfolio, learn a new skill and have fun!
Learn the basic techniques that bring Muppet-style puppet characters to life in an interactive workshop led by Brett Hansen.
Larrikin Puppets is running beginner workshop programs for children and adults. No previous puppetry experience needed. Students will get a chance to practice puppetry techniques using real puppets.
For more info or to book, visit the link below.
Why learn puppetry?
– Build confidence
– Improve communication
– Make people laugh
– Learn the skill behind the magic of Sesame Street and The Muppets
– Expand your drama/theatre portfolio
– Have fun!
NOVEMBER 2015
Weekend Intensive Workshop:
Beginner Puppetry for Adults, Day 1 – Saturday 7th of Nov: 1:30pm – 6:30pm.
Beginner Puppetry for Adults, Day 2 – Sunday 8th of Nov: 9:30am – 4:30pm.
Book here: http://www.larrikinpuppets.com.au/puppeteer-workshop-adults/
Brett is a professional puppeteer with Larrikin Puppets.
He was ‘puppetry consultant’ for both the 2012 and 2014 Brisbane Arts Theatre productions of Broadway’s “Avenue Q”.
Brett also trained a cast of nine improvisational theatre performers in puppetry for the Larrikin Puppets and Edge Improv co-production, “Thank Troggg You’re Here: A Puppet Impro Spectacular!”
Brett was puppet trainer on the set of “Cluck: The Web Series” as well.

School Holiday Puppetry Workshop for Kids (Two Days) – with Larrikin Puppets (October 2015)

Posted on August 11, 2015December 11, 2019 by Brett Hansen

Larrikin Puppets presents a two day School Holiday puppetry workshop in #‎Brisbane‬ (Moorooka/Salisbury).
KIDS can learn how to puppeteer in the Muppet style of puppetry!
1-2 October. Build confidence, improve communication skills, make people laugh, learn a new skill and have fun!

Learn the basic techniques that bring Muppet-style puppet characters to life in an interactive workshop led by Brett Hansen and Elissa Jenkins.
Larrikin Puppets is running beginner workshop programs for children. No previous puppetry experience needed. Students will get a chance to practice puppetry techniques using real puppets.
For more info or to book, visit the link below.
Why learn puppetry?
– Build confidence
– Improve communication
– Make people laugh
– Learn the skill behind the magic of Sesame Street and The Muppets
– Expand your drama/theatre portfolio
– Have fun!
OCTOBER 2015
School Holiday Two Day Workshop:
Beginner Puppetry for Kids, Day 1 – Thursday 1st of Oct: 10am – 4pm.
Beginner Puppetry for Kids, Day 2 – Friday 2nd of Oct: 10am – 4pm.
Book here: http://www.larrikinpuppets.com.au/puppeteer-workshop-kids/
Brett is a professional puppeteer with Larrikin Puppets.
He was ‘puppetry consultant’ for both the 2012 and 2014 Brisbane Arts Theatre productions of Broadway’s “Avenue Q”.
Brett also trained a cast of nine improvisational theatre performers in puppetry for the Larrikin Puppets and Edge Improv co-production, “Thank Troggg You’re Here: A Puppet Impro Spectacular!”
Brett was puppet trainer on the set of “Cluck: The Web Series” as well.

96five interview: Brisbane’s only “I Am Big Bird” film screening

Posted on August 11, 2015December 11, 2019 by Brett Hansen

On Tuesday, 11 August 2015, Brett got on the phone with Liam Renton and Robbie Parkin on The 96.5 Family Show to talk about Larrikin Puppets hosting Brisbane’s only screening of “I Am Big Bird – The Caroll Spinney Story” (Monday 14th of September at Event Cinemas, Myer Centre – 7pm). Puppets, Jim Henson, Caroll Spinney and Brett’s own career as a puppeteer is discussed in the interview. A minimum of 56 tickets must be secured in order for the screening to go ahead! Tickets are $20 and only available online at: https://www.tugg.com/events/40270
Audio is from 96five / 96.5 Family.