Upper Ferntree Gully Preschoolers, parents and Safety House mascot Ima took to the streets last Friday. 31269
By Casey Neill
UPPER Ferntree Gully Preschoolers last week took to the streets with a health and safety message.
Kids and parents last Friday (22 May) took a short walk around the block to promote sustainable transport and keeping fit.
Knox Council TravelSmart Officer Sally Dusting-Laird encouraged people to reduce their car dependency.
“This area around Talaskia Road is a very busy area,” she said. “There just isn’t enough room to park cars, so we’re trying to encourage kids to get out and get healthy and walk to school.”
Ms Sally Dusting-Laird also launched calls for a Safety House group in the area.
“Kids need a place to go to if there is any trouble,” she said.
Safety House Victoria executive director Alice Dawkins urged parents to get involved.
“You see how much they like their walking, their exercise,” she said.
“And the more foot traffic you get in an area, the safer it is.”
The non-profit group has a network of more than 8000 safety houses.
A yellow triangle lets kids know the home or business is a safe place to turn to when they need help.
Ms Dawkins said the Safety House school program helped kids identify when they felt unsafe.
“They learn to listen to what their body’s telling them and to do something about it,” she said.
“And to give them that added benefit of a responsible adult to go to in their local neighbourhood is invaluable.”
Dobson Ward councillor Sue McMillan said parents encouraged their kids to be independent and walk to school.
“And that’s good and it’s healthy,” she said.
“But on the other side of the coin, we want to make sure they’re safe.”
More information is available from www.safetyhousevic.org.au.
