School crossing guard Toni Wilson says workers deserve to be acknowledged during pandemic

A Melbourne school crossing supervisor says the critical work she and her colleagues do, and the health fears they hold are going unrecognised as political arguments over a return to in-school teaching continues.

School crossing guard Toni Wilson says they have been forgotten during the pandemic. Picture: George Salpigtidis

School crossing supervisor Toni Wilson believes the men and women at the school gates every day have been “forgotten” during the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing debate about remote learning.

Toni Wilson, who has been a school crossing supervisor at Pascoe Vale Girls College for almost 10 years, said the crossing guards were “vital” and should have more recognition from State Government.

“My main concern is that no one is really thinking of us and we haven’t been mentioned at all during this crisis, they’ve forgotten about us,” Ms Wilson said.

“Those that have to work are putting themselves at risk due to being over 50 and people like me have a low immune system.

“I know that crossing supervisors do want to be at work because we are passionate about our jobs, but due to the virus there has been a concern for all of us.”

Ms Wilson urged the state government to acknowledge their hard work.

Last week, the Victorian education minister James Merlino reiterated that Victoria planned for public school education to be delivered remotely for term two, unless and until medical advice in that state changed.

Mr Merlino said about 3 per cent of children in the state attended school on the first day of Term 2.

Prim Minister Scott Morrison and the federal education minister, Dan Tehan have been arguing for schools to resume face-to-face teaching but have acknowledged the autonomy of the states on the issue.

“Some crossing supervisors are back working at primary schools,” Ms Wilson said.

“They’re doing a great job, so we would at least appreciate the premier thanking and acknowledging all the hard work we do.”

Moreland Deputy Mayor Oscar Yildiz said crossing supervisors deserved recognition and did a fantastic job in the community.

“They’re so passionate about their roles and they really care about the students. They absolutely deserve all the recognition during this time and I thank them for their passion and dedication,” Cr Yildiz said.

Moreland Council chief executive Cathy Henderson said school crossing supervisors over the age of 70 years were contacted last week and informed of the government recommendation that they should stay home and not go to work.

“Crossing supervisors in the 60-70 year old age group were also contacted and advised of government guidelines that those in this age group with a chronic illness should also stay home.”

Toni Wilson is calling for recognition of the work of school crossing guards. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Ms Henderson said the council was committed to supporting crossing supervisors and workers in the community.

“We are continuing to provide essential services to our Moreland community during this pandemic; supervised school crossings is just one of the many services still running.

“We couldn’t do this without the many staff that continue to work on the frontline out in our community. We are committed to supporting them to do this in a safe way and we truly appreciate every one of them.”

Other councils in Melbourne’s southeast including Greater Dandenong and Casey, also highlighted the support they had given to school crossing supervisors during the pandemic.

Casey Council safer communities manager Caroline Bell said the council managed the largest supervised school crossings program in the state of Victoria.

“As such, all School Crossing Supervisors aged over 70 have been stood down on full pay, until the end of Term 2,” Ms Bell said.

Greater Dandenong Council city planning Design and amenity Jody Bosman said every school crossing supervisor had been personally contacted as part of the lead up to the new term to seek their views and understanding of any health concerns before being rostered.

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“Taking into consideration the medical advice that people in the age group of 70 plus are

at the greatest risk, no crossing supervisor over the age of 70 was rostered on in the

reduced numbers of supervisors currently required by schools,” Mr Bosman said.

A Cardinia Council spokeswoman said the wellbeing of all of its frontline and field staff was paramount, including school crossing supervisors.

The State Government has been contacted for comment.

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