Warilla’s beloved 'lollipop lady' Lynne Englert retires after two decades of service

After more than two decades of helping thousands of children safely cross the road, beloved Warilla Public School crossing supervisor Lynne Englert will work her final shift this Friday (27 September).

Lynne the “lollipop lady” has been a steadfast presence at the Leawarra Avenue crossing but will hang up her high-vis vest and safety sign for the last time as she retires at age 75.

Her journey as a school crossing supervisor began in North Queensland, where she worked for six years.

Upon moving to NSW, she struck up a conversation with the then Warilla Public School crossing supervisor while passing by on her way to Warilla High, where one of her children was a student.

“I was heading up to the high school to do canteen duty, because I’m a hands-on mum – I’m into everything – and a lady was standing here,” she said.

“I just walked over and said, ‘Hey, do you need a helper?’”

For the past 23 years, Warilla Public School has been her primary post, although she’s done relief work at other Shellharbour schools at various times.

Now with nearly 30 years combined as a crossing supervisor, Lynne said she’d most enjoyed the interaction with the students and building strong bonds with them.

In fact, she said many were so familiar with her they’d been happy to share their secrets and stories over the years.

“I’ve got a couple that were here when I started, or came soon after, but they’re coming back with their children. That’s a bit of a reality check, that one,” she said, noting how long she’s been in the role.

Lynne said it was those connections with the students and their parents that had kept her in the job for so long.

“It can be very rewarding,” she said.

“I mean, you have the odd days, but just working with the littlies, watching them grow up, and what they’ve achieved through their school life makes it special.”

She said the catalyst for retiring was her Working With Children check expiring at the end of the year.

“I decided I wasn’t going to renew it, because I’ve just turned 75,” she said.

As she waited outside the school before a special farewell assembly in her honour on Monday (23 September), she was constantly greeted by school parents and drivers of passing cars wanting to share a quick word, a bit of a laugh or a wave.

She admitted the community’s response to her retirement had been overwhelming, having received comments like “you can’t leave” and “we don’t want to see you go; we like you” from parents, students, colleagues and community members.

“We quite often get someone out of the blue pull up and say, ‘You ladies do a wonderful job,’” she said.

Lynne said during her time at Warilla she’d witnessed many changes, from the introduction of security fencing and installation of raised crossings to seeing five principals lead the school.

Lynne’s retirement plans now include travelling with her husband of 50 years, tending to her much-neglected garden, and enjoying a few rounds of bingo.

And for those interested in following in her footsteps, she encourages them to check out school crossing supervisor positions through Transport for NSW, which is actively recruiting to fill roles at various locations around the state.

Transport for NSW Safety, Policy, Environment and Regulation deputy secretary Sally Webb said school crossing supervisors such as Lynne played a significant role in keeping children safe in school zones.

“They not only ensure children have a clear path to walk, but also serve as important role models in their early road safety education,” Sally said.