Council steps in to save walking ‘bus’

KNOX council will fund the Walking School Bus program in Knox until the end of the year after VicHealth announced it would withdraw its funding from 30 June.
The Walking School Bus involves groups of children walking to school accompanied by one or more adults.
VicHealth decided to end its funding after a review of the project last year.
At its Strategic Planning Committee meeting on 13 May, councillor Mick Van de Vreede proposed that the council develop a strategy to continue the program with minimal council assistance from next year. “It’s unfortunate that VicHealth has decided to stop funding this worthwhile project but council is keen to continue promoting the benefits of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle to our younger residents,” councillor Mick Van de Vreede said.
Knox council has been a member of the program since 2003.
There are currently three Knox schools participating in the program, including Ferntree Gully’s St John the Baptist and Ferntree Gully North Primary School, which launched its bus in April. “The people running them are keen to see continued support,” Cr Van de Vreede said.
The council will consider ways to support the Walking School Bus from next year at its October meeting.