Veteran school crossing guard hangs up the lollipop stick after 24 years of keeping kids safe

After ensuring Bundaberg pupils get home safely each day for more than two decades, a school staple has decided it’s time to hang up the lollipop stick and head into an exciting new era.

Julianne Patterson guards the crossing at Bundaberg East State School on her last day.

School crossing stalwart Julianne Patterson is hanging up the lollipop stick and high-vis vest for the last time after 24 years of dedicated service.

Mrs Patterson completed her last shift as school crossing supervisor on Friday, after keeping generations of Bundaberg East State School students safe when they arrived for school each morning.

“I’ve enjoyed it – you work with some nice people, and the kids are lovely,” Mrs Patterson, 62, said.

“And then you see the kids grow up, they have kids and then they come back to the school – it’s really nice.”

Mrs Patterson first took up the job of school crossing supervisor in 1999 when her own daughter, Anita, was at the school.

Julianne Patterson is retiring after 24 years of service to Bundaberg East State School

She has since spent thousands of days controlling traffic and guiding children across the road safely.

“It’s all been sweet sailing really. I mean, on the odd occasion you’ll get a car drive through your crossing, but I can count them on one hand,” Mrs Patterson said.

“Everyone’s really respectful.”

Mrs Patterson’s retirement plans including travelling with her husband once he retires next year, and spending time with the newest generation of her own family.

Mrs Patterson is grandmother to six children.

“I’m lucky to have them all in town, that keeps us busy,” she said

“And I’ll do a bit of travelling, I’m looking forward to that.”

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After 24 years standing in the rain and hot sun, Mrs Patterson is excited for the future.

“It will sort of be hard to relax for a bit, but you know when you’re ready,” she said.

“I’m ready. The old bones are starting to give in now.”