Neos Kosmos yesterday reported on a change.org petition in support of reinstating Athena, an 88-year-old “beloved” Greek Australian as a School Crossing Supervisor for the City of Greater Geelong.
Athena was dismissed by the council despite over 40 years of “exemplary service.”
The petitioners are concerned about the way Athena was fired, and say her dismissal was based on “a single complaint by a passing motorist about her walking gait,” the petitioners write.
They describe it as an “injustice to dismiss an individual who has shown unwavering commitment without any prior incidents.”
The petitioners describe Athena’s vibrant presence as “an asset, spreading goodwill and ensuring safety at a crucial community intersection,” and argue that her dedication and love for the children she serves “speak louder than an unverified comment.”
The petition calls on the City of Greater Geelong Council to “reconsider and reinstate Athena to her deserving role,” urging a “fair evaluation of the situation,” which supporters believe would confirm that Athena’s “ability to perform her responsibilities remains intact.”
Ali Wastie, the council CEO in response to our questions, focused on Athena’s physical abilities and the impact they may have on response times in traffic situations.
Wastie said that they had, “many calls from concerned community members and our own records on slips, trips and falls of our employees.”
She also emphasised the council’s safety policies such as the Fit for Work Policy, which she adds, “guide evidence-based decision making.”
“Where necessary, we seek advice from independent medical professionals to ensure appropriate decisions are made,” Wastie told Neos Kosmos.
“The City met with the employee and her family multiple times to discuss the concerns that had been raised and the process required to ensure that our obligations in providing a safe environment for both our employees and the wider community were being met. Throughout this process the City offered ongoing support to her and her family,” Wastie said.
The CEO also said that two dates were set for Athena “to participate in an independent medical assessment”; however, on both occasions Athena “was unable to complete the assessment due to ill health and medical concerns.”
The assessments include hearing tests, cardiovascular and blood pressure checks, and other areas.
“For our school crossing supervisors, due to the requirements of the role being minimal compared to others, the assessment typically involves reaction times, balance and grip strength,” Wastie said.
“We would have loved to have had the opportunity to celebrate her significant service to our community, however, this was declined by her family.”
