Lollypop job not all chocolates and boiled lollies

by Ryan Daniels

May 8, 2008

THEY are the unsung heroes of our streets, with bright orange vests and a STOP sign in toe.

They may be a hindrance when you’re fighting the early morning traffic, but spare a thought for the humble lollypop warden.

Frank, 70, [surname withheld] has been standing his Lollypop post for three years on a busy South-East of Perth intersection. He feels a strong sense of responsibility for the children he protects.

“I’m here for the kids,” Frank said. “I could be at home resting my tired old legs, but then who would ensure the safety of these kids?”

When quizzed about his pay packet, Frank was adamant that was a non-issue.

“It’s not about the money,” he said. “When you get to my age, you want to be able to give something back and this is my way of doing that.”

For those who have never been to school in WA, the Lollypop warden is the man or woman who stops traffic so that school kids can cross the road safely. They work only two one-hour stints per day, but what goes into becoming a warden, and what does it pay?

Well, there are three types of Lollypop wardens in WA - A, B or C class.

The system works on risk assessment. Highly populated, high risk roads and intersections carry an A-class rating, and must be staffed by a paid, fully trained warden.

Less frequented traffic areas with a high risk rating are given a B-class assessment, while C class is reserved for smaller, safer crossings that are usually manned by Volunteers.

The government pays wages for Lollypop people at A and B class crossings, but C class areas are left to the school in question to foot the bill. These positions are becoming increasingly hard to fill.

Although people think wardens are generally seniors, there is the opportunity for the positions to be filled by university students and parents who may not be working full-time.

If you’re like Frank and want to give something back to the community, there are voluntary positions available at the Beeliar Primary School and the St. Jeromes Primary School in Munster. Call the Cockburn volunteer Resource Centre on 9411 3490 for details.