Sometimes, simple yet thoughtful gestures from strangers can make one's day.

However, some people may take it the wrong way, which could cause misunderstanding.

In a passionate display of solidarity, a news presenter unleashed a fiery tirade on national television as she defended a local tradition.


In a recent Sunrise broadcast, host Natalie Barr expressed her disappointment toward a local council's decision to ban a man from greeting and giving school children high-fives.

The incident started after John Goulden, Mount Dandenong Primary School's crossing supervisor and endearingly called the lollipop man, found himself at the centre of controversy.

The Yarra Ranges Council reprimanded him for his friendly gesture of high-fiving children.

A parent sent out a complaint to the council regarding Goulden's behaviour, overlooking his four-year history of sharing high-fives with the kids he helped cross the street.


Barr's reaction to the council's decision was nothing short of explosive.

'It's totally ridiculous,' she exclaimed during the program.

'Yarra Ranges Council, you should be ashamed of yourself. Why does one person get to say what everyone does in the whole community?' she asked further.

'What has happened to Australia? This is not Australia. Absolutely ridiculous.'


Sunrise co-presenter Monique Wright echoed Barr's sentiment.

According to Wright, it only 'took one Karen to ruin everyone's fun'.

The story resonated with many Australians who saw Goulden's actions as a harmless and positive interaction with children.

Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas also joined the conversation.

They stated that 99.9 per cent of Australians would commend Mr Goulden for 'doing what we want our seniors to do'.

He also praised Goulden for his contributions to the community and ensuring that kids feel safe.

Melbourne broadcaster Neil Mitchell also weighed in on the matter.

He suggested that the council should reconsider their stance, especially with the growing support for Goulden.

'I've had a look; there are 36 pages of instructions from VicRoads to the traffic supervisors,' Mitchell stated.

'They're not allowed to vape, they're not allowed to smoke, they're not allowed to read newspapers, they're not allowed a mobile phone, but there is nothing there about high fiving.'


The Yarra Ranges Council explained in a statement that the complainant did it over safety concerns.

'Council has reminded the contractor who is currently supervising children at the Mount Dandenong Primary School of expectations of the role regarding interactions with children,' the statement read.

However, parents and community members continue to rally behind Goulden.

Another parent, Rohan Bradley, started a petition to allow Goulden to continue his tradition of high-fiving students.

'I'm thrilled to get behind this and encourage people to speak up,' Bradley shared.

'The ban felt like an injustice to the community.'

Watch a related video to the incident here:

As of writing, the petition already has over 1,200 signatures online, with additional support from students and school staff.

The community's response highlighted a broader conversation about community figures and their role in children's lives beyond the four walls of the school.
What do you think of Mr Goulden's situation? Do you think the council's decision was an overreach, or are they right to enforce strict guidelines between children and community members? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below!