Community Rallies to Protect Beloved Crossing Guard’s High-Fives

Beloved Crossing Guard’s High-Fives Banned: Community Fights Back Against Overzealous Rule

In an unexpected and frustrating turn of events, a well-loved crossing guard at Mount Dandenong Primary School, located near Greater Melbourne, has been prohibited from offering high-fives to the students he sees daily. This surprising move follows a complaint from a single parent, which led the Yarra Ranges Council to bar John Goulden, a popular local figure, from making any physical contact with the children he helps cross the street. Citing concerns over “unnecessary physical contact,” the council’s decision has sparked outrage within the community.

For the students at Mount Dandenong Primary, Goulden’s high-fives were more than just a friendly gesture—they were a symbol of encouragement, a simple moment of joy that brightened their day. In an increasingly disconnected world, these high-fives served as a reminder of the warmth and care that still exists in their close-knit school community. However, the council’s response to the parent’s complaint has left many families feeling disheartened.

One parent, Rohan Bradley, decided to take a stand against what he sees as an overreaction. Bradley launched a petition calling for the council to reverse the ban, arguing that the high-fives reflect the spirit of togetherness that defines Mount Dandenong Primary. “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.”

The petition quickly gathered steam, amassing over 500 signatures from parents and students who see Goulden’s high-fives as a harmless act of kindness. Many in the community feel that banning the gesture is an extreme response, especially given that Goulden was recently recognized as one of the top crossing guards in Victoria. “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.”

In defense of the decision, the Yarra Ranges Council pointed to internal policies and broader Victorian standards that discourage any form of unnecessary physical contact between adults and children in a school setting. These guidelines, they argue, are in place to protect the safety of students and ensure that all adult-child interactions remain appropriate. But this explanation has done little to ease the frustration of community members, many of whom feel the ban is an overreach that undermines the sense of connection Goulden has built with the students.

Goulden himself has become a beloved figure in Mount Dandenong, known for his bright smile and the cheerful atmosphere he creates as children cross the road each day. His recent accolade as Region Four Crossing Supervisor of the Year is a testament to the positive impact he has had. Yet, despite this recognition, the council’s ruling now casts a shadow over his interactions with students, raising questions about how such a positive act could be deemed inappropriate.

This incident touches on a larger issue that many communities face: how to balance child safety with preserving the human connections that make a neighborhood or school feel alive. In today’s world, where bureaucracy and legal concerns often take priority over common sense, small gestures of kindness—like Goulden’s high-fives—are increasingly being scrutinized. The situation at Mount Dandenong serves as a stark reminder of how one complaint can set off a chain reaction of rules that, while intended to protect, may inadvertently damage the very fabric of community life.

As the petition gains more support, it’s clear that the parents and students of Mount Dandenong Primary are not willing to let the council’s decision go unchallenged. For them, this is not just about the right to exchange high-fives; it’s about standing up for the values of kindness, respect, and community spirit that define their school. The overwhelming support for Goulden demonstrates the powerful impact one person can have on a community and emphasizes the importance of preserving what truly matters.

The outcome of this controversy remains to be seen, and whether the Yarra Ranges Council will reconsider its decision is uncertain. However, what is clear is that the Mount Dandenong community is united in its desire to keep its spirit of connection alive. They are ready to fight to ensure that simple, joyful moments—like a high-five from their favorite crossing guard—are not lost in the face of overregulation.

In an era where meaningful human connections are becoming increasingly rare, this fight to save Goulden’s high-fives represents something much larger than a local dispute. It is a stand for maintaining humanity in a world that often prioritizes rules over relationships. The resolution of this issue will not only impact the students of Mount Dandenong but could also set an important precedent for how communities around the world navigate the delicate balance between safety and connection.