Jannette and Arcare Latrobe’s Victory

Jannette Shannon has lived in the Reservoir area all her life, growing up in the suburb and later working as a shoemaker at Footrests in Preston. She moved into Arcare Latrobe five years ago.

Like many residents in the Arcare Latrobe Community, Jannette was thrilled when the new Summerhill Shopping Centre opened up across the road. It meant easy access to stores like Coles and Kmart, as well as a nail and hair salon.

Despite excitement for the shopping centre, residents were left feeling terrified of crossing the busy road to visit the brand new complex.

The new development brought with it a large increase in traffic along the once quiet Gremel Road that divides the shopping centre and Arcare Latrobe.

Lifestyle Coordinator Nickie Evans said that because of the large volume of cars travelling down Gremel Road, residents had been too afraid to cross the road. 

Jannette was particularly fearful of crossing Gremel Road due to her poor mobility. "I am more unstable walking now and was terrified when crossing the road," Janette said. Jannette was not just scared for her own safety but for other people who frequently use the road. "I always worry about everyone else before I worry about myself," Janette said. "There is the retirement village at the end of the road as well that I’m concerned for."

Stockland’s Latrobe Retirement Village shares Gremel Road with Arcare Latrobe. Stockland Regional Manager, Rodney Elshaug, said "we thank the council for taking action and installing the new pedestrian crossing at Gremel Road. This new crossing will ensure local residents of Stockland’s Latrobe Retirement Village and the nearby Arcare can safely cross the road to the nearby shopping centre."

Prior to the installation of the zebra crossing, the only thing to stop oncoming cars was a small traffic island and an elderly crossing road sign. This didn’t make cars slow down and Nickie had to stand in the middle of the road to alert traffic.

"Residents would get stuck on the traffic island with cars zooming past and not seeing them wanting to cross," Nickie said.

Jannette worked tirelessly to lobby the council into installing the much needed zebra crossing. "I contacted the council, the Preston Leader, a local member of parliament, and management at the Summerhill Shopping Centre," Jannette said.

Following a petition signed by residents and staff, a traffic volume test was conducted. This showed that during the busiest period between 12pm and 1pm on one day, 309 cars travelled on Gremel Road, highlighting the desperate need for the zebra crossing. 

The long process of lobbying proved to be successful and in late January, the Darebin Council installed the new crossing.

It was fantastic news for Jannette and the residents at Arcare Latrobe. "I am very happy that they have installed the crossing, it’s a weight off my shoulders," Jannette said.

Centre Management at Summerhill Shopping Centre supports the crossing, commenting that "if it makes people feel safer on the road then it’s a great idea."

The new zebra crossing will also mean peace of mind for the staff at Arcare Latrobe. "I now don’t have to worry about the residents crossing and the cars not stopping," Nickie said. "It’s a great relief."

Jannette is very proud of her work in initiating the project and says she has been enjoying getting out carefree. Fellow residents from Arcare Latrobe are thankful for Jannette’s hard work.

The crossing will mean that everyone in the Reservoir community will feel safe to use the roads, something that everyone should be able to do outside their home.

Click here to find out more about Arcare's aged care services.