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Riding School Bus Birthday Celebrations

The Newhaven Primary Riding School Bus celebrated its first birthday by picking up a VicHealth State award.

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 18th December 2006 - Back to News

The Riding School Bus was nominated in the category for programs promoting physical activity with a budget under $15,000.

At the VicHealth AGM on Wednesday 14 December, the Riding School Bus was announced as runner up in the category.

Bass Coast Shire officers presented Newhaven Primary School with a VicHealth placard acknowledging the acheivement, at the school assembly on Monday 19 December.

Bass Coast Shire’s Walking School Bus Facilitator, Don Turner said the award was a fantastic result.

"Only two nominees in each of the 8 VicHealth categories were shortlisted," said Mr Turner.

"So this award puts the project at the top of the State.

"It’s a credit to the school and parents that this program is so successful," continued Mr Turner.

"It’s appropriate to have the placard displayed at the school to acknowledge all the work they’ve done."

The Newhaven Riding School bus has been a model for the variation of the Walking School Bus^TM theme. It was one of the first Buses under the program to operate in the Shire.

The Riding School Bus has an adult driver, who picks up cyclist passengers in the Cape Woolamai area. They then ride as a group to Newhaven Primary School.

Mr Turner said that while the bus currently operates one day a week, it is hoped that in the new school year this will be increased.

"Like many community-based programs, the Riding School Bus needs volunteers to make it happen," said Mr Turner.

"If we can recruit more Drivers and Conductors, we can run the bus more than one day a week."

Mr Turner said there are many benefits to walking and cycling to school.

"Apart from the immediate improvement in fitness, there are long-term health benefits for kids," said Mr Turner.

"There are community health benefits as well, with fewer emissions around schools.

"There is also less traffic around schools as the streets are re-claimed by pedestrians and cyclists," continued Mr Turner.

Mr Turner said there is also a social benefit for the students.

"The children are riding with their mates instead of being stuck in a car," said Mr Turner.

"It’s another way of developing friendships."

Walking School Bus is jointly funded by VicHealth, Bass Coast Shire Council and RoadSafe. If you are interested in being a Riding School Bus volunteer or would like more information, please contact Don Turner on 5671 2704.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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