Uproar after beloved 'lollipop man' banned from high-fiving kids
Melbourne crossing supervisor John Goulden sparks 'joy among both parents and kids', some parent who are protesting the ban say.
A beloved Aussie lollipop man who is said to radiate "an infectious joy" to "all children on the crossing" has been banned from high-fiving children as they pass by — after just one single complaint from a parent.
Melbourne crossing supervisor John Goulden monitors the road outside of Mt Dandenong Primary School, in the city's outer-east, during school drop-off and pick-up times.
Most parents and their children agree Goulden is "an absolute delight", but after a complaint, Goulden was told by Yarra Ranges Council he's no longer able to initiate the gesture any longer.
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a Yarra Ranges spokesperson said "council received a complaint from a parent at Mount Dandenong Primary School" about the crossing supervisor "giving high-fives to children as they are being driven past".
Council defends stance, cites 'child safety' in ban on high-fives
"The safety of children is of paramount importance for all Council staff, contractors and volunteers," the spokesperson told Yahoo. "As part of Council's commitment to protecting the safety of children, all staff, contractors and volunteers who come into contact with children must have a valid Working With Children check.
"In addition to this, school crossing supervisors must comply with the Victorian Child Safe Standards that details guidance on appropriate behaviour and conduct when working with children, young people and their families." Council "reminded" Goulden of the "expectations in the role" when it comes to "interactions" with kids.
According to internal council policies and working with children standards in the state, it's not acceptable for crossing supervisors to "exhibit behaviours with young people which may be construed as unnecessarily physical" or initiate any "unnecessary physical contact" with them.
Meanwhile, parents upset after hearing the news have already started a petition to allow Goulden to continuing spreading joy through "this wonderful tradition".
Petition organiser Rohan Bradley said Goulden always "leaves a lasting impression on both students and parents". "His high fives in the morning and afternoon have become a tradition that many children look forward to, a small gesture that symbolises the warmth and friendliness of our unique community," Bradley wrote online.
"Sadly, this tradition is under threat. With our children’s happiness and wellbeing hanging in the balance, we need to take action." By Wednesday, the petition had received over 100 signatures of support.
School Crossings Victoria Inc recently crowned Goulden as the "Region 4 School Crossing Supervisor of the Year" for his outstanding contributions to community safety.
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