Good morning,
Happy New Year too all. It is hard to believe that 2022 is upon us already and I’m sure you are aware we are about to face yet another challenging year in many aspects. One huge issue is going to be a lack of Traffic Wardens to operate our crossings, due to many retiring at the end of 2021.
Another road block is due to the ongoing issues with Covid-19, etc. We are taking this opportunity to ask for your understanding, patience and assistance when we are unable to have a Traffic Warden cover a crossing that effects your school.
Given the current circumstances with Covid-19, vaccinations and the demographics of our Traffic Wardens there has not been as much interest in becoming a Traffic Warden this year. This being the case, we are left with quite a few crossings being unattended.
We fully understand your frustration at not having a Traffic Warden at your children’s crossing and also your concerns revolving around OSH issues as we have the same concerns. We have been advertising in all areas of the metropolitan area, but it is not proving to be as successful as we would like. Therefore, we are asking for your assistance.
If it is possible you may like to mention in your school newsletter regarding the urgent need for Traffic Wardens for your school. If any Parents/Grandparents are interested in becoming a Traffic Warden they can contact the Children’s Crossings Unit direct on 6274 8731. An application pack can be sent to them. If they are successful in applying for the position and pass their training, they can be placed at your crossing, if it is one of our unmanned crossings only. It is also a paid position which does not affect a pension too much if employment is taken up. It would be highly recommended that any potential candidate on a pension contact Centrelink to have a chat. The current pay rate is around $25.58 per hour – two hours per day/five days per week.
To become a Traffic Warden, we require the applicant have access to email, a full driver’s license with access to a vehicle and be able to work the full 10 shifts per week – one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon. Any applicant signed up in this manner, who is a part of the school community, must reside within a 10km radius of their crossing/school.
Once the application has been submitted, it will commence the application process which involves a background check through WA Police Force Personal Security Vetting Unit. If they are supported they will be sent a medical assessment to take to their doctor which will need to be paid for by the applicant and reimbursed by the Children’s Crossings Unit – up to $70.00. Once they have passed the medical assessment they will be invited to attend State Traffic Operations in Midland for a training day which will last for about 4 – 5 hours.
Our unit is endeavoring to hire more wardens urgently, but would be very appreciative of any assistance from the schools we serve.
On another note, if your school times have changed since last year, please contact us so we can adjust the operational times of the children’s crossing.
Kind Regards
Janelle Child
Manager
Children’s Crossings Unit
25 January 2022