"You’re ultimately there to make sure they’re safe – but when they say hi and start talking to you about their day, that’s the bonus when taking on this role"
- Amanda, School Crossing Supervisor
January 21, 2025
Much-loved Glen Waverley School Crossing Supervisor, Amanda Cullen always knew she wanted to work with children. Having worked in childcare and before and after school care, she never imagined she would also be looking after children as a School Crossing Supervisor – an important role she has been doing now for three years.
Helping the children arrive to school safely is not only the number one priority for a school crossing supervisor like Amanda, but it’s really close to her heart as well. She believes having an education is an important thing a person can have, so she loves being able to help school students navigate that and gain knowledge by helping them cross the street and reach their classroom safe and sound.
Taking on this role, what surprised Amanda is the positive presence it has in the school community. Even when she worked casually across different school crossings for the first eight months, everyone who used the crossing will say hello and parents would ask for her name and strike up a conversation when waiting for their kids. She also gets noticed by the kids who wave to her at the local shopping centre!
The friendly face that is always smiling, Amanda is at her school crossing Monday to Friday in her uniform to keep the kids safe – even when it’s pouring with rain!
Even though as a school crossing supervisor you’re out in the elements, for Amanda, it’s a good thing. She says on a really nice day when there is a cool breeze, you can smell the fresh air and hear the birds sing, and it makes her feel good. She especially enjoys the morning shifts as they provide an optimistic outlook that sets her up for the rest of the day.
In the role, she has also come across some challenging drivers, especially at the school crossings near major roads, like the one she’s on, that she needs to keep a watchful eye on. Amanda says being a school crossing supervisor in a way has made her a better driver and adds to her motivation to keep the kids safe and not let them down.
In addition to keeping kids safe, being in the role contributes to what Amanda enjoys the most as a people person as she’s meeting new people and enjoys saying hi to everyone who is walking past.
"I get stories almost daily from the kids, like how they have tennis after school, are going to their friend’s place, their first sleep overs and their achievements – things like that it makes me so happy that they’re comfortable enough with me to tell me about their day."
Amanda also enjoys being a constant cheerful presence for the school kids, helping stop traffic so they can cross safely and making a positive difference in their day.
“If the kids are having a bad day and I’m there saying hi with a smile on my face and wave to them it makes them feel a little bit better… if we could man every crossing it will be brilliant so all students can get to school safer.”
When asked about what she would tell someone who is thinking about becoming a school crossing supervisor, this is what she had to say:
If you’re interested becoming a School Crossing Supervisor, we’d love to hear from you.
The hiring challenge facing HR managers and team leaders in local government is the competition for secure skilled, committed workers.
Chandler Macleod is a finalist in the 2025 RCSA Industry Awards for Excellence in Safety & Wellbeing, celebrating 65 years of safety leadership, innovation, and a culture of shared responsibility across Australia and New Zealand.
Workplace safety is a shared responsibility. Learn how Chandler Macleod collaborates with employees and clients to build a safer work environment through communication, empowerment, and strong partnerships.
Discover why safety messaging is a shared responsibility in the workplace. Learn how clear communication and proactive reporting create a safer environment for everyone.
At Chandler Macleod, safety is everyone's responsibility. Whether you're an employee, contractor, or labour hire, your role directly impacts workplace safety - not just for yourself, but for those around you. This blog will explore: Why understanding your role is essential for safety The importance of reporting any changes in your role How we all contribute to a strong safety culture Remember, we are all Safety Leaders! The Foundation: Understanding YOUR Role Your role is more than just your tasks—it’s about how your work connects to the safety of your team and the overall workplace. Some connections are obvious, while others are less visible. By recognising these links, we can actively contribute to a safer work environment and reinforce our commitment to quality and safety. The Pillars: How You Perform Your Role Matters Safe work practices are designed to protect you and those around you. Following established procedures minimises risks and enhances productivity. If you have suggestions for improving safety measures, speak up! Thoughtful work design creates a more efficient and secure workplace for everyone. The Change: New Role, New Responsibilities If your role changes—whether through new duties, a different project, or a shift in team structure you must inform Chandler Macleod immediately. We assess job risks and ensure you're paid correctly based on your assigned role. Any changes must be communicated so we can keep safety protocols up to date and ensure your well-being. Talking openly about safety—whether in meetings, training sessions, or daily conversations—helps strengthen our collective safety culture. Empowering Our People Every worker has the power to make the workplace safer. If you see a risk or experience a role change affecting safety, you must report it. Taking action early prevents hazards from turning into incidents. As Safety Leaders, we look out for each other and foster a culture where everyone feels empowered to speak up. Understanding your role, communicating changes, and embracing our shared responsibility for safety are key to maintaining a safe workplace. By staying informed, engaging in safety discussions, and supporting one another, we can build a culture of safety together. Always remember: We are all Safety Leaders!
Chandler Macleod is a certified corporate member of Social Traders, reinforcing our commitment to ESG principles and social procurement. Learn how this partnership supports social enterprises and drives meaningful community impact.
Discover how RGF Staffing ANZ, including Chandler Macleod, achieved Platinum status on the EcoVadis Sustainability Scorecard, placing us in the top 1% of companies globally. Learn what this milestone means for our sustainability journey and commitment to responsible business practices.
Discover 7 actionable leadership resolutions to inspire growth, foster innovation, and drive organisational success. Learn tips on tackling tough conversations, leveraging psychometric tools, enhancing employee engagement, and more!
Discover the top questions to ask during a job interview in Australia. Learn from expert recruiters how to make a lasting impression, evaluate company culture, and stand out as a candidate.
Prioritise mental wellbeing this Christmas with tips to manage holiday stress, foster workplace support, and create a healthier, happier season. Special tips from Karla our Health and Safety Advisor.
