Caity's Crossing guards safety of Redcliffe SHS students

A new $6.7 million overpass linking Redcliffe State High School’s two campuses was officially opened today, honouring the memory of Caitlin Hanrick, a 13-year-old student who was killed on the pedestrian crossing in December 2006.

Performing the ceremony today, Education and Training Minister Rod Welford named the overpass over Oxley Avenue ‘Caity’s Crossing’ to honour Caitlin and the joy she brought to others in her short life.

“Caitlin Hanrick was an exceptional student and her teachers saw her as a future school captain” Mr Welford said.

“She was also a gifted musician and choir member and was the school’s first recipient of a Platinum Award – for ‘soaring above and beyond expectations’.

“The school used appeal funds to set up a school music bursary in her memory at the request of her family. This bursary will help countless other musically-gifted students.

“And through organ donation, Caitlin gave others the gift of life. ‘Caity’s Crossing’ will also stand as her gift to others.”

Mr Welford said the construction of the overpass was a joint project between the Department of Education, Training and the Arts and the Department of Main Roads.

“The safety of students is of utmost priority to the Bligh Government, and we continue to ensure everything in our power is done to protect our young people,” he said.

Redcliffe MP Lillian van Litsenburg said every child and every adult was entitled to feel safe on a pedestrian crossing, yet sadly that was not always the case.

“It took a tragedy to form the foundations of this new structure,” she said.

“This overpass was commissioned for use by students and staff on 15 April this year and since then it has carried thousands of footsteps to safety. “

Ms van Litsenburg thanked the school community for its support.

Caitlin’s mother Jenny Hanrick cut the ribbon over the new structure.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 0419 734 985