Hobart takes part in Walk Safely to School Day

Parliamentary Secretary for Community Services, Julie Collins, today joined students, teachers and parents from Montagu Bay Primary School in Hobart for Walk Safely to School Day.

The Gillard Government has provided $50,000 to the Pedestrian Council of Australia to support this year’sWalk Safely to School Day under the Family Support Program.

Ms Collins was among more than 170 children, teachers and parents from the Hobart school who left their cars at home and slipped on their walking shoes to participate in the annual event.

“It is wonderful to be part of an event that brings children, their families and the wider community together to encourage healthy lifestyles,” Ms Collins said.

Montagu Bay Primary School was one of thirty schools across Tasmania to join in Walk Safely to School Day, under the theme “Active Kids are Healthy Kids”.

Ms Collins, students, teachers and parents walked from the school to Kangaroo Bay Reserve and back again to celebrate the day and learn road safety skills.

“Walk Safely to School Day provides the opportunity to teach young children the importance of road safety, “Ms Collins said.

“Children are particularly at risk of pedestrian accidents because they are less visible to drivers.”

The Gillard Government has committed $200,000 since 2007 to support the Pedestrian Council of Australia’sWalk Safely to School Day initiative.

The Family Support Program provides services in 2,700 locations across Australia to support families, improve children’swellbeing and safety, and build more resilient communities.