Arabic version: الآباء يطالبون بإعادة تعيين مشرف عبور المدرسة في دونولي

Parents of students at Dunolly Primary School in Victoria are expressing serious concerns for child safety following the elimination of a school crossing supervisor at the end of the 2025 school year. They argue that the current road and traffic conditions pose significant dangers for children crossing the street.

According to ABC News, Karina Carless, a mother of three, fears it is only a matter of time until a child is hit by a vehicle while crossing the road. The crossing supervisor’s role was cut as part of cost-saving measures by the Central Goldfields Shire Council, which is aiming to save $3.2 million in the next financial year.

The Department of Transport provides funding for school crossing supervisors based on specific criteria, including the number of students using the crossing and the volume of traffic. Currently, the department reports that only four students use the Dunolly crossing daily, a figure that parents contest, citing increased enrollment numbers at the school.

The acting principal of Dunolly Primary School, Natalie Todeschini, noted that student enrollment has increased to 87 from 79 last year, indicating a potential need for supervision. Parents are advocating for the reinstatement of the crossing supervisor, emphasizing the need for safety measures, especially given the heavy traffic during harvest season.

Dunolly, a small town with a population of 899, faces additional challenges with increased truck traffic, reportedly reaching about 230 vehicles during harvest times. Parents argue that the absence of a crossing supervisor places the responsibility of road safety on children, which they believe is inappropriate and dangerous. The Central Goldfields Shire Council has stated it will continue to communicate directly with the Dunolly Primary School regarding discussions with the Department of Transport.