Council encourages students to walk safely to school

Published on 19 May 2017

Walk to school

COUNCIL ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL

MEDIA RELEASE

Council is supporting local schools to encourage walking actively and safely to and from school with the introduction of footpath pedestrian safety messages.

Fittingly, the support is being announced on National Walk Safely to School Day which encourages primary school aged children to walk to and from school not just today, but every day.
Gannawarra Shire Council Mayor Brian Gibson said that encouraging children and their families to be active and healthy in the community is supported by Council.

“The best exercise for all of us is regular walking,” said Mayor Gibson. “Children love walking and riding to school and checking out what’s going on in the wider community.”

“Walk Safely to School Day is just one of the special days of the school year that acts as a reminder that walking and riding to school helps students learn better in the classroom and helps establish healthy habits that can last a lifetime.”

Council’s Manager Community Health Narelle O’Donoghue said the pedestrian safety message ‘Stop, Look, Listen, Think’ has formed part of the VicHealth Walk to School program undertaken in partnership with local primary schools over the past four years.

“Having the message printed on the footpath will provide a great reminder to children to Stop, Look, Listen and Think as they make their way actively to and from school and for road users to slow down and watch out for young children on our roads and footpaths.”

Following an approach to Council the stencils have this week been installed at Kerang South Primary School.

Discussion as to suitable locations at other schools will take place in the lead up to the Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program scheduled for October.

For more information on National Walk Safely to School Day visit www.walk.com.au/wstsd

For more information please contact Council on 5450 9333 or visit council’s website

www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au

…ENDS…

Date:  19 May 2017

Media contact: Katrina Thorne T. 03 5450 9333 M. 0409 616 627

 

Tagged as: