In a move that has sparked outrage and disbelief, an Australian school crossing guard has been banned from giving high-fives to students, a gesture that had become a cherished part of the school day. The decision, made by the Yarra Ranges Council following a single parent complaint, has left the community of Mount Dandenong Primary School in Greater Melbourne reeling.
John Goulden, the beloved crossing supervisor who was recently honored as one of Victoria’s top crossing guards, has been warned against “initiating unnecessary physical contact” with the children he helps cross the road each day. The council’s heavy-handed response has not only angered parents but also threatens to erode the sense of community and joy that Goulden has fostered for years.
The ban was imposed after a parent complained about Goulden’s innocent gesture of high-fiving students as they passed by. In today’s climate of over-regulation and fear of liability, it seems that even a simple act of kindness can be misconstrued as inappropriate. Yet, for the students of Mount Dandenong Primary, those high-fives were much more than just a greeting—they were a daily dose of positivity and encouragement.
Rohan Bradley, a parent at the school and the organizer of a petition to overturn the ban, expressed the community’s frustration. “John’s high-fives in the morning and afternoon have become a tradition that many children look forward to,” Bradley said. “It’s not just about a simple high-five; it’s about preserving our unique community’s spirit.”
Bradley’s petition has already garnered over 500 signatures, as parents and students alike rally behind the man who has become a symbol of warmth and friendliness in their community. “His infectious joy leaves a lasting impression on students and parents,” Bradley added. “With our children’s happiness and well-being hanging in the balance, we need to take action.”
The Yarra Ranges Council, in a statement to 9News, confirmed that they had received a complaint from a parent about Goulden’s high-fives. Citing internal policies and Victorian standards, the council explained that behaviors involving unnecessary physical contact with children are considered unacceptable. However, this bureaucratic explanation has done little to soothe the community’s anger.
The council’s decision is especially baffling considering Goulden was recently named the Region Four Crossing Supervisor of the Year for his “outstanding contributions to community safety.” It’s clear that his presence is not only effective but also deeply appreciated by the families he serves. Yet, despite this recognition, Goulden is now being punished for what most would see as a harmless and even beneficial interaction.
This situation is a stark reminder of how a single complaint can lead to overreactions that undermine the very fabric of a community. In a world where genuine human connection is becoming increasingly rare, Goulden’s high-fives offered a brief but meaningful moment of positivity in the lives of these young students.
As the petition gains momentum, the parents and students of Mount Dandenong Primary School are sending a clear message: they will not stand by while their community’s spirit is eroded by overzealous regulations. They are fighting not just for a simple gesture, but for the values of kindness, joy, and community that it represents.
