Community outrage as lollipop man’s joyful act banned by local council

“This is utterly ridiculous!”

Laura Jackel

3 min read

August 14, 2024 - 9:42PM

Primary School

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A much loved school crossing supervisor or ‘lollipop man’ in Melbourne has been banned from giving local school kids his signature high fives after a single complaint from a parent.

Crossing supervisor John Goulden who is on hand to safely guide kids and parents across the road outside of Mt Dandenong Primary School, has had his joyful demeanour shattered after he was asked to stop high fiving members of the community by a representative of Yarra Ranges Council.

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Lollipop man John Goulden with student. Image: change.org

"Safety of children is paramount"

According to Yahoo News Australia, a spokesperson for Yarra Ranges said "council received a complaint from a parent at Mount Dandenong Primary School" about John "giving high-fives to children as they are being driven past".

"The safety of children is of paramount importance for all Council staff, contractors and volunteers,"

"In addition to this, school crossing supervisors must comply with the Victorian Child Safe Standards that details guidance on appropriate behaviour and conduct when working with children, young people and their families."

Council apparently "reminded" Goulden of the "expectations in the role" regarding "interactions" with kids, meaning he should not "exhibit behaviours with young people which may be construed as unnecessarily physical" or partake in any "unnecessary physical contact" as internal council policies detail.

"An infectious joy"

In response to the single complaint and subsequent ban of his daily joyful gesture, locals started a petition that has received over 600 signatures.

“John, our beloved children's crossing supervisor at Mount Dandenong Primary School, has an infectious joy that leaves a lasting impression on both students and parents,” Bradley Bradley the man behind the petition writes on Change.org.

“His high fives in the morning and afternoon have become a tradition that many children look forward to, a small gesture that symbolises the warmth and friendliness of our unique community.

“Sadly, this tradition is under threat.”

Bradley writes about the importance of children’s happiness and mental health and how significantly positive social interactions contribute to a strong sense of mental wellbeing.

“John's friendly high-fives are indeed a form of such positive social interaction, aiding in improving child mental health in our community.

“With such potential benefits, it seems counterproductive to prevent John from continuing his delightful tradition. It is not just about high fives; it's about preserving our unique community spirit."

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"It is ludicrous!"

Comments on the petition support Bradley’s sentiment and Goulden’s friendly gesture.

“Saying John is too friendly is ludicrous! He is the very thing everyone needs! A friendly face and positive attitude is what he’s about and exactly what young people in particular are needing. We need more John’s in this world.”

A second adds: “The children are supervised by their parents when the high-fiving takes place! This man is pure joy and a constant in our kids lives. This really saddens me. If we as parents are happy for our kids to high-five John under our supervision, surely that is our own business and no-one else's?”

With a third writing: “How ridiculous! One person complains so the Council stops him? What happened to the majority who are happy with it? What on earth is happening in this country where a high five is banned. Absolute madness!”

According to Yahoo News, School Crossings Victoria Inc recently crowned Goulden as the "Region 4 School Crossing Supervisor of the Year" for his outstanding contributions to community safety.