Marbs and Cuddlepot get safety first message acrossMarbs and Cuddlepot (alias Lee Vague and Jill McCubbin from the Wishbone Theatre) have been promoting a road safety message By Latrobe City Council - 22nd August 2001 - Back to News Marbs and Cuddlepot (alias Lee Vague and Jill McCubbin from the Wishbone Theatre) have been promoting a road safety message to Latrobe’s preschool children, as part of a road safety theatre emphasising safe pedestrian behaviour, and focussing on a theme of ‘stop, look, listen and think’
Latrobe City Community Safety Planner, Henk Harberts, said the majority of preschools in Latrobe City had participated in the Marbs and Cuddlepot road safety show, and the program had been very well received by children, parents and staff from preschool centres throughout Latrobe City.
"Using music, drama, dance and humour, parents as well as children and staff have pedestrian safety reinforced during the show," Mr Harberts said.
"Most of Latrobe’s preschools also used the ‘Starting Out Safely’ program which placed an emphasis on pedestrian safety towards the end of the preschool year. This is a time when many children are getting ready to walk to school the following year. Up until this time children are encouraged to hold an adult’s hand when they are out," Mr Harberts said.
Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins said that many of Latrobe City’s Preschool centres had also taken their children on a road safety walk around their locality, emphasising safe places to play, and where and how to cross roads; with the children putting the skills they have learnt into practice.
"Pedestrian safety is also encouraged at the Hazelwood Power Children’s Traffic School (in Morwell) which most of Latrobe’s preschools visit on an annual basis," Cr Jenkins said.
"Additionally, staff in Latrobe City’s Preschool Unit have recently been trained by VicRoads in the ‘Early Childhood Child Restraint Training Program’. This enables preschool staff to pass this knowledge on to parents through training sessions, the first of which have now been held, and have been well received.
"Promoting road safety to children of preschool age in this manner, helps develop safe road use habits that stay with the children throughout the critical early years of schooling, when they are most vulnerable as pedestrians. By teaching children these skills, we help create a safer community in Latrobe," Cr Jenkins concluded.
The road safety theatre has been funded by Central Gippsland RoadSafe – the local Community Road Safety Council and is supported by Latrobe City and Vicroads.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: latrobecity@gippslander.com

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Three Gippsland offshore wind projects have collapsed and a fourth stalled, with Nationals’ Melina Bath criticising the Allan government’s mismanagement of Victoria’s renewable energy transition and rising energy insecurity. - Letters to 1,600 Drouin households support advocacy for urgent intersection upgrades across Baw Baw Shire’s growing road network
Baw Baw Shire is delivering letters to 1,600 Drouin households urging community support for State funding of critical intersection upgrades amid growing congestion, safety concerns, and regional population growth pressures. - From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities. - Danny O’Brien thanks volunteers and communities for celebrating Australia Day across South Gippsland with the awards and ceremonies
Danny O’Brien thanked volunteers, councils, and community groups for Australia Day events, celebrating new citizens, recognising local award recipients, and highlighting Gippsland South’s community spirit and contributions. - Martin Cameron criticises stalled Traralgon underpass, urges overpass alternative for delayed pedestrian safety project
Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises nearly three-year delay on Traralgon underpass, urging government to clarify plans or consider a safer overpass for students and pedestrians crossing the train line. - Hooded Plover breeding success boosts hope for endangered shorebirds across Bass Coast and South Gippsland
West Gippsland CMA reports strong Hooded Plover breeding success, with 21 chicks fledging across Bass Coast and South Gippsland, boosting conservation efforts for the endangered shorebird. - Field and Game petition exceeds 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws and community safety concerns
A Field and Game Australia petition, supported by Melina Bath, surpasses 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws, urging evidence-based policy and protecting law-abiding gun owners. - West Gippsland Arts Centre opens 2027 exhibition applications for artists and creatives across all visual disciplines and genres
West Gippsland Arts Centre is inviting artists across visual disciplines to submit expressions of interest for its 2027 exhibition program, with submissions closing October 12, 2026. - Gippsland Water trials 360-degree camera technology to improve sewer pump station inspections and worker safety
Gippsland Water has trialled 360-degree camera technology at sewer pump stations, improving safety and inspections by reducing confined space entry and supporting better maintenance planning across its network.

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