Burnside’s Louise Crossley has teamed up with School Crossings Victoria to raise awareness of road safety. 73216 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By Alesha Capone
BURNSIDE mother-of-three Louise Crossley knows the importance of safety at school crossings.
The talented writer has teamed up with School Crossings Victoria (SCV) to teach children about the issue.
She has written a book, Lollipop Whistle’s Woes, illustrated by Karen Erasmus, featuring Lottie the lollipop lady, a mascot and real-life character, who will read the book to young pupils at schools throughout the state.
“While doing a degree at Victoria University, St Albans, one of my units required me and two fellow students to produce a media pack for a real organisation,” Ms Crossley said.
“As a mother of three children, I thought of School Crossings Victoria, and contacted them. They were delighted and actually used the pack – this was three years ago.
“I have kept in touch with the chairperson Dreena Lawrence-Gray ever since.
“This year she included me in a safety initiative that addresses safety concerns that SCV have had for a long time.
“The book along with the mascot is part of that initiative, and is expected to raise crossing safety awareness from the grassroots.”
Ms Crossley said she has enjoyed bringing the book’s characters to life, in the 13 months it has taken to complete the project.
“I got all the information from School Crossings Victoria, however, as a mother I have seen with my own eyes that motorists don’t always obey the 40km speed law and parents sometimes drop off their children unsafely and children don’t always use the crossing,” she said.
“Our kids are too precious to be put in – very avoidable – jeopardy. This way, we will be teaching the kids themselves as well as reminding parents of the dangers that exist.”
See http://www.schoolcrossingsvictoria.com.au for more information about school crossing safety.
