Step up for school safety

CASUAL school crossing supervisors are being sought across the Northern Rivers region as classes return for the year.

The role involves ensuring the safe crossing of children at designated areas near schools by stopping traffic and directing them across the road during school drop-off and pick-up.

Semi-retired electrician Gerry Martin has been working as a school crossing supervisor at Tweed Heads Public School since 2020.

He applied for the job during the COVID-19 pandemic when he was unable to travel for work and said he enjoys seeing the children grow from nervous kindergarten students whose school bags are bigger than they are to confident seniors.

“I think it’s very sociable,” he said. “Pretty much every day there’s a feel-good moment.

“You think of all the doom and gloom in the world but when you do this job and see the kids you think there’s hope. They’re pretty switched on.”

Transport for NSW deputy secretary of safety, policy, environment and regulation Sally Webb said school crossing supervisors play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of children, complementing other safety measures in school zones, such as flashing lights and pedestrian crossings.

“Current and former school crossing supervisors tell us they enjoy giving back to the local community and keeping children safe on their way to and back from school,” she said.

New school crossing supervisors attend a one-day induction workshop and are required to work with a buddy supervisor for up to five days before supervising crossings independently.

They are issued with a wide brim hat, high visibility vest, pants and rain jacket, sunscreen and a bum bag, while a stop bat and ‘Children Crossing’ flags are located at schools.

To find out more, visit transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/community/schools/school-crossing-supervisors