Summary

Note: This object includes a cultural stereotype. Such representations are not condoned by Museums Victoria which considers them to be racist. Historical distance and context do not excuse or erase this fact.

Colour poster with 'Con the Fruiterer' from the Comedy Company skit series, demonstrating proper lifting techniques. Produced by the Department of Labour, Nauru house, Melbourne, in the Occupational Health and Safety Division, circa 1980s.

The Comedy Company was an Australian comedy television series first aired from 16 February 1988 until November 1990 on Network Ten, It was created and directed by Ian McFadyen, and co directed and produced by Jo Lane. The show largely consisted of sketch comedy in short segments. Comedian Mark Mitchell created the character of Con the Fruiterer, which presented a sterotype of a Greek green grocer, with a particular accent and pronunciation of words.

Physical Description

Colour poster with "Con the Fruiterer" demonstrating proper lifting techniques. Image depicts Con, and a women in uniform in three separate scenarios. The first image illustrates the woman seated on a stool which is too high, the next image shows Con lifting the work table to the appropriate height, and the next image shows the woman seated on an office chair at the correct height of the work table.

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