AN old boy from Bathurst’s St Stanislaus’ College has called on Bathurst Regional Council to lead the way in preparing a community response to the terrible abuses committed there between the 1970s and 1990s.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Former Western Advocate journalist Terry Jones used public question time last week to bring to council’s attention Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s planned apology to victims of institutionalised child sexual abuse planned for October this year, and the PM’s call to “honour the bravery of people who were victims of abuse”.
Mr Turnbull said he wanted all three levels of government to contribute to the response and Mr Jones said Bathurst was well placed to “get the ball rolling” in the recognition of local victims of child sexual abuse, and also the outstanding work of local police who uncovered the crimes.
- Read more: Abuse victim’s mother wants Royal Commission into St Stanislaus’ College
- Read more: Sea of red hearts recalls victims of sex abuse at St Stanislaus’ College
- Read more: ‘A step forward’: Stannies delivers apology to victims of sexual abuse | Video
- Read more: The truth is still being ignored, say victims of historic sexual abuse
“Bathurst is so important to this whole national address scheme,” Mr Jones said.
“What I’m going to ask your council is this – why can’t Bathurst show the lead? – and I’m going to give you strength to make that decision.
“Chifley local area police have done the most extraordinary job of exposing the biggest paedophile ring in NSW.
“Detective Superintendent Mick Goodwin, Sergeant Justin Hadley and Task Force Belle uncovered more than 160 victims at [St Stanislaus’ College], two other boys’ schools and an orphanage.
“Council, it’s up to you on behalf of me and the rest of the ratepayers of Bathurst to publicly acknowledge the police. They must be thanked.”
Mr Jones said there were 400 offences committed against 160 boys by 16 offenders at St Stanislaus’.
“All of these children were sent to Bathurst where the biggest industry is education. Let’s do something about that, please,” he said.
Mr Jones said he had raised the issue of a public acknowledgment with mayor Graeme Hanger and deputy mayor Bobby Bourke, and Bathurst MP Paul Toole.
