‘Lollipop’ scheme recognised for 25 years of protecting students

Queensland’s School Crossing Supervisor Scheme is celebrating 25 years of protecting students from potential harm.

Premier Anna Bligh said today the scheme had protected many thousands of children from possible injury since it was introduced in 1984.

“In the 25 years the school crossing scheme has been in operation, there has not been one death on a supervised crossing. That is largely due to the dedication of our wonderful school crossing supervisors,” she said.

“The commitment supervisors have to protecting children is quite remarkable – there are 21 of the original supervisors still turning out every school day after 25 years of service.

“That is a tremendous achievement and those people will be presented with Certificates of Appreciation from the government during this anniversary year.

“All crossing supervisors will receive a 25 year anniversary pin to mark this significant milestone. All our crossing supervisors are protecting the lives of children all over the State every school day, and I know Queenslanders are very grateful to all of them,” she said.

Transport Minister John Mickel said that when the scheme started in 1984 there were 353 supervised crossings at 255 schools.

“Today, there are 1,162 crossings staffed by 1,811 supervisors at 638 schools. Every school day, at least 30,000 students use supervised crossings across Queensland, and at least 176,500 vehicles pass through these crossings.

“The provision of supervised school crossings is a partnership between the Queensland Government, local councils, and most importantly the school community.

“School crossing supervisors play a vital role in protecting and educating children about road safety as they travel to and from school. The effort they put in, often in difficult conditions, is to be admired,” Mr Mickel said.

“Responsibility to protect the safety of our children doesn’t only rest with government and school crossing supervisors - everyone has a role to play.”

“Everyone who drives past a school or around school precincts must be very careful and cautious at all times because children are unpredictable.”

“It’s also very important that parents and carers teach their children the dangers of crossing the road and how important it is to obey school crossing supervisors.”

Media contact: Minister’s Office 3237 1111