By NATALIE GALLENTI
PRIMARY school students are being encouraged to don their walking shoes and get their back packs on and walk to school next month.
The council is calling on local primary schools to participate in the 14th annual National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday 24 May.
The initiative encourages parents, carers and their children to build regular walking to and from school into their daily routine.
Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said the day was all about encouraging children to lead healthier, more active lifestyles.
“A key objective of the initiative is for every Australian child to achieve at least 60 minutes of exercise a day to help prevent obesity and other health problems,” Cr Majdlik said.
“The event is a great way of getting kids more active as well as teaching them important messages around road safety, public transport and the environment.”
Cr Majdlik said the council hoped the event would be the catalyst for long-term behavioural change and could help to reverse trends such as childhood obesity and diabetes. The council also hosts the “It’s Cool to Walk to School” program that aims to address child pedestrian safety, increase active transport participation and reduce traffic congestion in and around schools.
Schools have a chance to win a $500 sporting goods voucher if they register with the council. To register for Walk Safely to School contact the council’s road safety and active transport project officer on 9747 7200.
