Alexandra local lady Dot Jackson has picked up the stop bat for the first time in 20 years this week to volunteer as a School Crossing Supervisor on the the Downey Street (Goulburn Valley Highway) crossing several mornings a week for Murrindindi Shire Council.
Dot said she the last time she took on the Crossing Supervisor role was about 27 years ago in Alexandra – the community she has called home for close to 70 years.
“I was the ‘Lollypop Lady’ for about 5 or 6 years before I started work at the hospital,” she said.
Why has Dot volunteered to return to her old role now?
“I’ve got to be with kids because I just love them,” she said. “I’ve looked after kids for nearly 64 years and wouldn’t be without them in my life.
“You can say g’day, have a laugh with them and know you’re helping them out by keeping them safe – and it makes me happy too.”
Dot said another highlight for her is that many of the children she used to help across the road are now parents of the next round of children she’s now supervising.
Council’s General Manager Infrastructure and Development Stuart McConnell said Council is seeking more volunteers to assist as School Crossing Supervisors in Alexandra to ensure our children have a familiar face they can trust on their way to and from school during the week.
“While the crossings must be staffed each morning and afternoon, no one person needs to be there five days a week. So the role is flexible – we can arrange shifts to suit availability,” Mr McConnell said.
“Any amount of time people can spare would be very much appreciated. You will be provided with a uniform and we can organise a Working with Children Check for you if you don’t already have one.”
For more information or to express your interest in this important community safety role please contact the Local Laws Unit on (03) 5772 0333.
