Students at Orrvale Primary School in Victoria’s Greater Shepparton will be walking and catching a bus at the same time. The school along with the Greater Shepparton City Council, Goulburn-Murray Water and Telstra Country Wide worked together to create a walking bus program to ensure a safe route for the children to school.
Greater Shepparton Mayor, Councillor Anne McCamish, said the Orrvale Primary School showed an interest in becoming involved with the Walking School Bus Program being promoted by VicHealth. Following talks with school representatives, and feedback from families at Orrvale Primary School, a proposed route was developed.
“The initial setup of the Orrvale Walking School Bus was more difficult than usual because maintenance works were required to ensure a safe route to school for the children and volunteers of the bus,” Councillor McCamish said. “The works required a coordinated approach with other local authorities including Goulburn Murray Water and Telstra Country Wide.
“The residents in Channel Road were also supportive and cooperative in undertaking vital maintenance works to their gardens such as removing overhanging branches.”
The Walking Bus program has been adopted by many Councils across Victoria.
