Every day, children walk past a residence that houses a man convicted of a serious crime. Many children, walk to and from school, passing by the Cornerstone Cottages. I fear for their safety and the safety of all the children attending nearby educational institutions. Located mere moments away from the Horizon Christian School, Balaklava Primary School, Balaklava High School, and the Balaklava Community Children's Centre, this is no place for anyone with a history like Vernon Hall's to be living.

Vernon Hall, a former bus driver for Horizon Christian School, was convicted of possessing child exploitation material. Despite this, he currently resides at Cornerstone Cottages, a housing facility owned by Balaklava Church of Christ Community Care. This is not just a matter of legal conviction; this is about the shadow it casts over the community and the potential risk it poses to our children.

Given his past crimes, Vernon Hall's proximity to places where children gather daily is unacceptable. We must prioritize the safety and well-being of our children above all else. Allowing him to remain so close to multiple schools defies this priority. 7News has reported on this, highlighting the urgency and the need for immediate action.

We are calling on Balaklava Church of Christ Community Care and local authorities to intervene. We urge them to relocate Vernon Hall to a more appropriate area, away from areas heavily trafficked by children. It's time we took collective action to ensure our community remains a safe space for our youth.

Your support is vital. Please sign this petition to demand that Vernon Hall be relocated, ensuring a safer environment for our children. Together, we can protect the innocence of our young ones and preserve the peace of mind of every parent whose child attends these schools.