Twelve-year-old Lavinia Loscialpo has spent many of her weekends in recent months door-knocking the residents of Mt Riverview, seeking their support for a pedestrian crossing.
Her efforts have resulted in 186 signatures on a petition requesting a crossing near the Rusden Road/Dixon Road roundabout (or egg-about as locals call it as it’s not fully round).
Lavinia presented the petition to the mayor at last week’s council meeting.
Her mother, Adele, said the roundabout was in a busy area and near bus stops which are used by local schoolchildren, both primary and secondary.
“It’s very dangerous. Even just crossing over the road with the dog you have to be pretty quick.”
Lavinia took it upon herself to start the petition, her mum said.
“I’m very proud of her doing the door-knocking. It’s over 200 houses we went to.”
The mayor, Mark Greenhill, said: "Lavinia is an outstanding young citizen and I am very proud of her.
“"She has personally collected all those signatures because she cares about our community and she wants people to be safe, including her friends and family.
"I met her dad when I was on the campaign trail in Mt Riverview and he told me of his daughter's concern. I suggested we table the petition at council.
"When I spoke to Cr Darryl Bowling about this he was equally impressed and met the family with me at council,” Cr Greenhill said.
"The decision to build the crossing sits with the Local Traffic Committee and we would need to convince the Roads and Maritime Service.
"We will make Lavinia's arguments clear and advocate her view.
"Mt Riverview is very fortunate to have a young person like Lavinia in their midst.”
He thanked her for her service to Mt Riverview, suggesting “perhaps we have a future mayor in the making".
The experience has built up Lavinia’s confidence, Adele Loscialpo said.
“She’s been a good role model for her younger peers and it could save someone’s life if it goes ahead.”
