Alphington Grammar School escalates dispute with Yarra Council over gate removal demand

·

Staff, parents and students from Alphington Grammar School in Melbourne’s inner north held a rally on Tuesday morning in defiance of Yarra City Council’s demand to permanently open the school’s front gates to the public.

Following this rally, sources have told The Greek Herald trucks arrived at the school late on Tuesday night to remove the pedestrian gate from their private property.

In a statement today, the Yarra City Council said they removed the gate as it “was installed by the school illegally and without permission.”

The Council unanimously voted last year to reopen Old Heidelberg Road, a dead-end street that runs through the grounds of the school, in order to provide public access to Darebin Creek.

“With the removal of the gate, the community is now able to access public land on weekends and on public holidays as is their legal right,” the council statement reads.

The Council unanimously voted last year to reopen Old Heidelberg Road

READ MORE: Alphington Grammar school races to overturn Yarra Council’s gate removal demand.

“Council is incredibly disappointed Alphington Grammar School did not do the right thing and comply with their legal requirement to remove the gate, which was effectively privatising public land.”

In response, the school has escalated its fight with the Council by considering its legal options. Extra CCTV cameras have also been trained on the school’s main entrance over fears strangers could roam school grounds unchecked.

“We’re concerned about paedophiles, and drug and alcohol affected people. Members of the public could be interacting with the kids,” Sarah Baker, who has a daughter at the school, told The Herald Sun about her safety concerns.

Students with School Principal Dr Vivianne Nikou outside the school gates. Photo: Facebook / Alphington Grammar School.

“People riding bikes and scooters through that school area would be endangering the lives of the young children.”

School Principal, Dr Vivianne Nikou, also told The Age today that the decision to remove the gate was “lunacy” and the school has since stuck a temporary gate across the footpath.

“Some of the local residents are deliberately being provocative by walking through and saying, we are entitled to be here, right in the middle of kids arriving,” Dr Nikou said.

VicRoads has investigated building a new link to the Darebin Creek Trail via Old Heidelberg Road, but rejected the idea due to concerns about student safety, environmental impact and high cost. Instead, it is building a $9.1 million path a short distance south of the school, which will connect the trail to Farm Road.

The Greek Herald has contacted the Victorian Department of Education and Yarra Council for a comment.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Step into the world of mental health with Georgia Cassimatis’ latest book

Greek Australian author and journalist, Georgia Cassimatis, has released a book all about exploring the world of mental health.

GOCNSW Welfare Service to put a spotlight on cyber security awareness

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Welfare Service has organised three Cyber Security Awareness education and training workshops.

Marriage of a Greek woman abroad: What to watch out for

It is during this registration process that numerous problems arise, which are not dealt with immediately but later on.

Athena Competition Greek winners show olive oil diversity

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. At the 10th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Chania, Crete, Greece in May, 175 Greek olive oils...

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

You May Also Like

Real solutions to celebrate and support multicultural communities in Victoria

A Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will deliver support for Victoria's multicultural communities under new commitments announced.

Kazzi Beach Greek owner Peter Papas criticises proposed RBA surcharge ban

Sydney restaurateur Peter Papas has raised concerns over the Reserve Bank of Australia’s proposal to ban credit and debit card surcharges.

Greek-established Mediterranean Garden Society group tours garden in WA

The Mediterranean Garden Society in WA invited The Greek Herald to a private viewing of the Rivergum Garden in Balingup, the southwest of WA.