Family fights for Geelong lollipop lady Athena Clarke’s return
Community rallies behind 88-year-old lollipop lady after Geelong council ends her half-century career over disputed fitness concerns.
The family of an 88-year-old lollipop lady stood down from a role she held for nearly five decades has launched a petition demanding she be reinstated by Geelong council.
Geelong West resident Athena Clarke served as a school crossing supervisor on the corner of Shannon Ave and Aberdeen St for more than 46 years before she was relieved of her duties this week.
Ms Clarke said she was “terribly disappointed” with the decision especially given her lifelong dedication to the community.
“It’s part of my life; I really enjoy it,” she said.
“I like to get up and do my work, that’s all I’ve known … I love seeing the children when they start [school] after Christmas.”
Now, a nasty stoush is brewing between her family and council over the dismissal.
Ms Clarke’s son-in-law Tony Dahl, who created the petition, said it was an “injustice”.
“She’s heralded countless students and parents across the busy streets of the City of Greater Geelong, witnessing generations pass by her post.”
“Unfortunately, her exemplary service was abruptly ended due to a single complaint by a passing motorist about her walking gait, resulting in her dismissal by the City of Greater Geelong Council.
“A lifetime of unblemished service should not be dismissed over one unsubstantiated claim,” he said.
However, council alleges that it has received a number of calls from “concerned community members” about Ms Clarke adding she had a fall while on the job.
Mr Dahl denied this.
City of Greater Geelong chief executive Ali Wastie said the “safety” of both employees and residents was a “top priority”.
“Ensuring school crossing supervisors are fit for duty is critical … in this case, at a very busy intersection used daily by primary-aged children and their families,” she said.
Ms Wastie said Ms Clarke could not pass the tests required to prove she could work.
“Two dates were subsequently set for her to participate in an independent medical assessment; however, on both occasions she was unable to complete the assessment due to ill health and medical concerns.
“The City has clear policies in place, including our Fit for Work Policy, which guide evidence-based decision making,” Ms Wastie said.
However, the family dispute the legitimacy of these assessments and claim Ms Clarke obtained a medical certificate from a doctor proving she was fit.
“A fair evaluation of the situation will show that her ability to perform her responsibilities remains intact,” Mr Dahl said.
Ms Clark’s plight been met with community support – the petition has gained more than 628 signatures since it was launched yesterday evening.
Her family has launched an application with the Fair Work Commission.
In the meantime, Ms Clarke said she would return to her old job in a heartbeat if Council reverses the decision.
“I haven’t forgotten what to do,” she said.
Originally published as Family fights for Geelong lollipop lady Athena Clarke’s return
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