In 2018, Liliana, a student at Orana Catholic Primary School, wrote to the City of Canning asking for a change to a 40km/h zone on a busy road to increase the safety of students and the school community. 

Since that time, the school has been in discussion with the City and Main Roads to see the safety zone become a reality on Vahland Avenue, and finally saw the fruits of their labour in time for the start of Term Three. 

Short-term Principal, Emma Bell, said she was proud that the school had been able to work with the local council to achieve a positive change for the community. 

“Our students and families are overjoyed… I believe that because of this safety addition, more children will walk and cycle to school,” she said. 

Liliana’s sister Skyla said that change made her feel safer and more confident in cycling to school. 

“Having Liliana as my sister, and the person who started the action to make the school zone happen makes me feel proud,” Skyla said. 

“I am more aware of the cars now when I am crossing the road,” 

Orana CPS Short-term Principal Emma Bell with students who walk to school, in front of a newly installed speed sign

Fellow student, Andreas, also welcomed the new speed limit. 

“It took a while, but finally we have a school zone with a slower speed limit – we all want every family and all the students to have a safe trip to and from school,” he said. 

The school looks forward to welcoming the installation of flashing electronic signage in the near future, to highlight the change in speed limit and raise awareness of students commuting to and from school. 

“We are so proud that students from our school are active in their quest for positive change and have the confidence to use their voice,” Ms Bell said. 

“With so many ex-students now sending their own children to our school, the speed zone is a welcome change that generations of Orana families are celebrating,” 

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