Two of Busselton’s familiar and friendly faces will no longer be seen working at the crosswalks in town.
After more than two decades of service, Kevin and Moira Dahlberg are retiring from their school crossing warden duties.
Kevin retired last week, due to hip problems and a bad back.
“I just couldn't do it anymore and figured the time has come,” he said.
“We decided to retire together.”
Moira will finish the school term before hanging up the high visibility vest and flags.
The pair moved to Busselton from Nannup 40 years ago.
Moira retired in 1990 and said she fell in to the traffic warden role, which at the time was usually occupied by a policeman’s wife.
“I knew the crosswalk attendant, it was much more casual process than it is now,” she said.
“They asked if I would like the job, I put in an application and here I am nearly 30 years later.”
When Kevin retired in 1997, he joined Moira and took on relief warden work.
His training – watching his wife on the job.
Soon they swapped roles, with Kevin doing full time and Moira working relief.
However, Moira still managed to get plenty of work - especially when Kevin wanted to play bowls.
The pair described it as an honour to serve the community and help children cross safely to school.
“You see the school kids and years later you’ll see them again pushing prams and bringing their children to school,” Kevin said.
“You get to know the kids and some of them even bring Christmas presents and cards,” Moira added.
Both said they would miss the interaction but were looking forward to sleeping in and being able to stay home when it rains.
Their traffic stopping days may be ending, but their quirky memories of the job will remain.
Moira once stopped traffic for a horse and Kevin halted the roads for a man’s quest for a cold-one.
“One day I was at the crossing on Bower Road, there used to be a liquor store there and I saw a fellow that was quite under the weather,” he said.
“He was already staggering and on his way back he was carrying a carton on his shoulder. I stopped four lanes and walked across with him to make sure he got there safely.
“He said ‘thanks, mate, I couldn’t have done that without you’ – and offered be two stubbies, but I politely declined.”
The Dahlberg’s offered some departing words of wisdom for anyone wanting to join the crosswalk cavalry.
“It is 99 per cent common sense with some confidence and patience required.”