Claude the Crow in Shirl's Neighborhood

This short excerpt from a 1983 episode of kids' TV series Shirl’s Neighbourhood highlights the scene-stealing puppet, cranky Claude the Crow (voiced and operated by Ron Mueck). Here, he is expressing his typically cynical worldview to one of the hosts, Liz Rule. The excerpt makes clever use of everyday Australian slang – Claude comedically responds with 'Gimme a break, will ya?!' at the idea of people not knowing phrases like 'Don't come the raw prawn with me, sheila!' (which translates as 'Don't attempt to deceive me, woman!'). Kids are more likely to absorb the meaning of Australian vernacular, and learn how it can be exclusionary, through entertaining character banter like this. The excerpt captures the worldweary wit that made Claude popular with viewers of all ages. Shirl's Neighbourhood was hosted by former Skyhooks singer Graeme 'Shirley' Strachan and aired in an afternoon timeslot on the Seven Network in the early 1980s.