General News
28 November, 2025
School crossings to close
LONG-serving school crossing supervisor Kerrie Bartholomew has voiced deep concern for student and community safety following a decision that will see some supervised school crossings in Stawell come to an end. The Northern Grampians Shire Council recently confirmed it will cease operating school crossings across the district. With VicRoads also declining to take on responsibility, Stawell West Primary School is among several local schools that will lose its dedicated crossing supervisor.
For Ms Bartholomew, who has served as a crossing supervisor for 17 years, the announcement marks a disappointing end to a role she considers vital.
“We have people who don’t know what 40km/h is, and they speed past here,” she said.
“I’ve made plenty of complaints to the council and police, and we still don’t see police helping out to slow cars down.”
She said dangerous driver behavior has become increasingly common, including motorists openly using mobile phones while passing the school.
“I have lost count of how many people you see using their phone, writing messages or making calls,” she said.
“They know they can get away with it, so it doesn’t stop them, and it’s dangerous for everyone.”
Ms Bartholomew said this is not the first time crossings have been under threat, with council closing them previously, but the latest decision feels particularly disheartening given its potential impact.
“It’s a shame because it’s important that we look after kids’ lives, but we also look after parents and other people who want to cross the road as well,” she said.
Beyond the safety concerns, she said what she will miss most is the daily connection with students, families, and the wider school community.
“Years ago, the parents would come, and it was good fun, and you enjoyed your day,” she said.
“Safety comes first, but before you could cross the road, you had an opportunity to talk to the kids, and everyone got on well.”
Despite the end of her long career, Ms Bartholomew says she remains proud of her work and grateful for the relationships built along the way.
“I know a lot of people living here for a long time, and I enjoy doing this job,” she said.
“It’s good to make sure kids get across the road safely.”
Northern Grampians Shire Council told the Stawell Times-News it assumed control of a school crossing site at Barnes Street,
servicing Stawell Primary School, and at Cooper Street, at Stawell West Primary School, in January 2024.
Council said the decision was a temporary measure, after the Department of Transport and Planning (VicRoads) announced it would no longer manage school crossings located on council-managed roads.
Council initially withdrew from providing school crossing services back in 2014, due to concerns about government cost-shifting and a lack of appropriate subsidies to fund crossing supervisors.
“Council is in active conversations with affected schools about traffic safety,” Mayor Karen Hyslop said.
“We understand there is uncertainty within the community and we will update the community on any further developments following the completion of our conversations with the affected schools.”
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