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A thank you to Walking School Bus volunteers

By Wellington Shire Council - 19th April 2005 - Back to News

Wellington Shire’s Mayor Peter Gault will be presenting Walking School Bus volunteers with certificates of appreciation on 21 April, for their support to this highly successful program that promotes physical activity and is aimed at primary school students.

Officially launched in Wellington in March last year, the Walking School Bus initiative – originally involved four primary schools. It has proved so popular that at least another seven schools are set to enrol on the scheme this term including from Stratford, Sale, Heyfield, Maffra, Rosedale and Wurruk.

Jointly funded by the council and VicHealth, this program is designed to promote a healthy and active lifestyle, reduce congestion around school drop off and pick up points, lessen pollution by decreasing reliance on cars and increase awareness of community and road safety.

Buses take the form of convoys along specific routes, with children collected and added along the way at designated bus stops. They operate in a safe, friendly and supervised environment. An adult volunteer acts as the "driver" at the front of the bus. Where there are more than eight "passengers" there is also an adult "conductor" at the back.

Said Mayor Gault: "The Walking School Bus volunteers have had a major role to play in ensuring the great success of this important initiative, and on behalf of the shire community we wish to thank them for their commitment and support.

"A big thank you must also go to all the participating schools, the students and parents.

"This very worthwhile program is all about encouraging physical activity and road safety amongst the younger members of our community, and reducing pollution and traffic congestion around schools. It raises awareness in our next generation and their parents that we can reduce the use of motor vehicles and the fuel that drives them. Its success so far has been fantastic and we look forward to building on this further into the future.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com