Students at 20 schools will be crossing roads safely under the careful watch of new crossing supervisors when children return to school later this month.
Mayor Stephanie Asher said the City of Greater Geelong now employed 190 school crossing supervisors to help children get safely to and from school.
“Keeping kids safe is a top priority so we’re proud that 20 new crossing supervisors are joining our ranks,” she said.
“In total, we’re recruiting up to 60 school crossing supervisors to fulfil positions that were previously offered on contracts.
“Not only are we saving ratepayer funds by bringing the positions in house, we’re also providing secure employment for people who need it.”
The new recruits have completed on-road training sessions with existing supervisors and started working at their own crossings late in term four last year.
The City is investing $920,000 on school crossing supervisors in its 2021-2022 Budget, up from $912,000 in 2019-20.
City community health portfolio chair Sarah Mansfield said being a crossing supervisor was about more than holding up a “lollipop” every morning and afternoon.
“Some of our crossing supervisors have been in their role for decades and are much loved members of their community,” Cr Mansfield said.
“Lollipop people help keep vulnerable members of our community safe.”
School crossing supervisor Cassandra Hambrook said she was enjoying her new job protecting school children in Corio.
“I did 10 years in a corporate office beforehand, so this is a big difference,” she said.
“It’s nice to be outside in the fresh air, getting to know people, and seeing all the school kids grow up.
“I’m getting to know the public and it’s a really rewarding job.”
Anyone that might like to be a school crossing supervisor in a permanent part time or casual role has been encouraged to contact the City’s Health and Local Laws team.
