By Kath Gannaway
A group of around 40 Healesville residents gathered in support of a plea to change the law in relation to registered sex offenders.
The meeting, held at Queen’s Park on Sunday 25 March, came after news that a man convicted of sex offences in 2015 was to be released, and would be living in the vicinity of the Healesville High School.
The school has taken measures to ensure students are not put in danger.
In an emotional plea to the those gathered on Sunday, one of the victims of the man said she hoped her experience, and the inability of the law to stop the perpetrator from returning to a home that was close to children, would be a catalyst for change.
She said the law, as it stands, did not prohibit registered sex offenders living near places where children gathered.
“I had to go to the school to inform that a man convicted as a serious sex offender would soon be released and would be living close by,” she said.
Healesville parent Alison Prior who organised the event said the aim was not to be a vigilante group but to effect change to legislation.
“I don’t want people placed on a register as a serious sex offender near schools or childcare centres,” she said.
“We need to have processes in place that don’t require the victim to go to these places and tell them that a serious sex offender is about to be released.”
She called for a working group to be formed to lobby and advocate for change.
Healesville High School principal Alan Rennick confirmed that CCTV cameras had been installed following advice from the Department of Education.
“We’re convinced that any threat to our students is extremely low, but have taken appropriate measures,” he said.
“We sought legal advice last year when told that the man was intending to return to Healesville and that advice from the Department of Education, and from Victoria Police, was that we should ensure we have CCTV in that area, and supervision in that area.
“Because it is quite a broad site, we have made a particular part of the school out of bounds to students in recess and lunch times,” he said.
Mr Rennick said an assembly was held on Monday 27 March to reassure students that he was confident of their safety, and that measures had been put in place.
He said letters were sent to parents and information had been put on the school website and Facebook with an invitation to any individual, student or parent to contact him if they had any concerns.
