Ditching the TV for street fun: Waverley Council’s Sunday street closure met with success

·

Where parents see children glued to their TV screens not socially engaging with others, children see themselves having fun playing online with hundreds of other children around Australia. Sadly, as much as children won’t admit it, sitting inside playing video games won’t help them improve their body functionality like sports will, or improve their real life communication skills with other children.

Waverley Council mayor Paula Masselos is leading the charge in an effort for kids to ditch the TV and play outdoors with friends and neighbours as Waverley implements a 6-month street close trial.

Cr Masselos has approved a 6-month trial to close 4 Waverley streets to cars on Sunday afternoons, in a bid for children to engage in more outdoor activities.

“People are very excited by this. They see it as important because it brings the community together,” Cr Masselos said. “It’s about reclaiming the streets, and bringing them back to the people.”

After the trials already successful results, Cr Masselos has informed that the council has now released applications for other Waverley streets to apply to partake in the rewarding street play initiative. 

Kids enjoying the new 6-month trial which closes 4 Waverley streets to cars on Sunday afternoons, allowing kids to engage in more outdoor activities. Photo: Sydney morning Herald – JAMES ALCOCK

Prior to Cr Masselos appointed as mayor, locals from Cox Avenue had unsuccessfully applied to the council for permission to hold street parties. They went ahead anyway, said local resident Alex Unsworth to the Sydney Morning Herald. Residents bought their own high-vis vests, a ‘road closed’ sign and red traffic cones, and learned how to politely usher cars in and out of the area.

“You’ve not been allowed to close the street for anything until now,” Mr Unsworth said.

“We didn’t have portable toilets, and an emergency evacuation plan, all that sort of stuff. So we kept on complaining and complaining. The reason we closed the street was that kids were playing and it was the only way to make it safe was to block traffic with the road closure sign,” Mr Unsworth said. Residents didn’t have insurance, and the pilot program by Waverley will provide that.

Local parents are hoping that this new initiative will help make kids more social and engage with others, without being in the comfort of their own homes.

“It’s a return to the old ways, the good ways, the civility, courtesies, and the children playing,” one resident said.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Greece said ‘no’ to Italians in WWII, but answered to a Roman name

On OXI Day, The Greek Herald reflects on how one word - “No” - continues to shape identity, language and belonging.

How Vietnam veteran Steve Kyritsis made it his work to honour forgotten WWII soldiers

For Vietnam veteran Steve Kyritsis OAM, what began as a request from the Greek Consulate 14 years ago has become a lifelong mission.

Young Greek Australians reflect on OXI Day and their cultural identity

OXI Day remains a symbol of hope and national pride in Greek history, especially for the younger generations.

St Demetrios Greek Orthodox church at St Marys hosts first-ever Paniyiri

People flocked to St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church at St Marys on Sunday to celebrate the feast day of the parish’s patron saint.

Kezilas family donates historic baptism record to Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane has received the first recorded Baptism Certificate issued in Australia, dating back to 1924.

You May Also Like

Join the festive tradition and learn Greek New Year’s Kalanda

Children go from door-to-door singing carols in order to wish people "Καλή Χρονιά" (Happy New Year) and are rewarded with sweets or coins.

Ambassador Alison Duncan visits Australian crews battling wildfires across Greece

Australian Ambassador Duncan visited Elefsis Airbase on Saturday, to welcome Australian firefighting crews aiding Greece’s wildfire response.

Much-loved Sydney chef Helen Demetriou passes away

Much-loved Sydney chef Helen Demetriou has passed away at the age of 57 following a long battle with aggressive cancer.