Noble Park’s Frank D’Arcy has been a school crossing supervisor for seven years.
“It’s the type of job that once you start, it’s hard to move away from. It’s rewarding and it makes you feel worthwhile, and you really do become a part of the community,” Frank said.
“You get to know the kids – learn their names and they learn yours. You sometimes see people at the supermarket and they call out ‘hello’, even if I can’t remember their names I know them from the crossing.”
At 3.15pm on Thursday 6 February 2020, Mr D’Arcy was helping a group of seven students cross Police Road in Dandenong North. A truck driver failed to stop, and as Mr D’Arcy pulled two young boys back to safety a third student was too far away to reach and was struck. The 17-year-old girl spent 10 months in a coma and faces lifelong health issues.
Mr D’Arcy was recognised for his actions that day with a Victoria Police Citizen’s Commendation presented in May this year. While receiving his award Mr D’Arcy met a veteran police officer involved in the Bourke Street attack in 2017.
Across Greater Dandenong there are 78 school crossings.
Council encourages motorists to remain vigilant around schools, and for pedestrians and motorists to follow the directions of school crossing supervisors at all times.
School crossing supervisors work one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon during school terms. If you would like to become a school crossing supervisor email regservadmin@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone 8571 1000.
