A project to erect a shelter for Margaret River Primary School traffic warden Max Godden has become an example of community spirit, with businesses and members of the public joining the call to help the school stalwart.
After discovering the school children were crossing at the increasingly busy location on Forrest Road without an official ‘Lollipop Person’, Mr Godden approached the Education Department.
His previous years as a crossing guard at another school provided him with plenty of training and experience, he told the Mail last week.
“I had to count how many cars were going past in each direction, and I sent that information back to the department, They decided pretty quickly that someone was needed to help them across the road safely,” he said.
Providing the service through all manner of South West weathers including bitterly cold and stormy days, Mr Godden said he did not mind the changes in weather but was “thrilled” with his new shelter.
The structure was constructed by local man Eric Teasdale after his wife Erica and MRPS school teacher Nickole Munyard saw an opportunity to help Mr Godden.
“I’d been watching Max sit through these really cold days, in the rain, and it just wasn’t good enough, really,” said Ms Munyard.
The friends approached a number of locals to help, including Home Hardware Margaret River, who supplied the pine poles, and the Lions Club of Margaret River, who last week agreed to finance the cost of constructing the shelter.
“As well as Eric’s fantastic work, we have to thank Marcia and John Mumme who kindly agreed for the shelter to be built on their land, as well as Dan Cahill, Terry Rose and Justin for the materials donated,” Ms Munyard said.
Mrs Teasdale visited Max at his shelter last week along with children Lucy (10), Will (8) and Ted (5), and said the gesture was a small way of showing their thanks for keeping the school’s students safe for so many years.
“Max is just a great person, he’s always got a smile on his face and even in the worst weather he’s here.
“We couldn’t let him go another winter without some sort of protection from the wind and rain, and thanks to the rest of the community who have jumped on board with this project, we’ve been able to do that for him.”
Mr Godden said he was grateful for the collaborative effort to keep him comfortable.
“I’m very pleased indeed, it’s a lovely spot and there’s even a spot for me to put my cuppa!”
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
