Putting safety first for 35 years

Jenny Neate has been going to Bray Park State School for 35 years – and has no plans to stop.

As a school crossing supervisor, she has helped ensure the safety of students and adults in all weathers, morning and afternoon.

To celebrate her long service, Jenny was presented with a plaque and flowers by Transport and Main Roads (TMR) at a school assembly last month.

“Jenny is an integral part of keeping the Bray Park State School community safe when crossing the road," Road Safety Officer Dale Kersnovske said.

"She has always been reliable, helpful and a friendly smiling face to students and parents. 

"TMR values Jenny’s commitment to her role and we love to hear about her experiences over the decades.

"We look forward to Jenny continuing as a school crossing supervisor at Bray Park State School.”

Jenny's dedication stretches back to 1989 – just five years after the Queensland School Crossing Supervisor Scheme started.

At the time she started few schools in the area had crossing supervisors and there was far less traffic on the roads around Bray Park.

In fact, Jenny says the volume of traffic has “tripled” along Sparkes Rd and Hopetoun St making crossing supervisors “more aware” when on duty.

Over that same period, she has also seen three different generations of one family go to Bray Park State School, which celebrated its 50^th anniversary last year.

“I love talking to the students and meeting parents,” Jenny said, “and being outside.

“I know a lot of the children by name. That makes it easier. You can say ‘wait there …’ and (speak directly to them) using their name.”

Jenny has lived ‘five minutes’ from Bray Park State School for 44 years. She was a teacher aide and her daughter went there.

When the crossing supervisor position became vacant, Jenny recalled: “I hadn’t thought about the job, but it was suggested I apply as I was here every day.

“Only four or five other schools (in the area) had crossing supervisors at the time and we went to the (Fortitude) Valley for training.”

Among the highlights for Jenny was the day Prime Minister Bob Hawke arrived at Bray Park State School …. by helicopter.

“We were all there, out on the school oval,” she said.