Media release, Wednesday, 4 October 2023 "The Board of Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools (the Inquiry) is now calling for victim-survivors who attended six additional government schools to share their experiences.
The Victorian Government has acknowledged that there was child sexual abuse involving multiple staff members at Beaumaris Primary School during the 1960s and 1970s, and that these staff worked and allegedly perpetrated abuse in other government schools.
The Inquiry had previously identified 18 schools within the scope of its terms of reference. As a result of ongoing work, the Inquiry now expands its investigation of historical child sexual abuse to six additional schools. These schools are:
Bundalong South Primary School (now closed)
Chelsea Heights Primary School
Cowes Primary School
Drouin South Primary School
Kunyung Primary School
Warragul Primary School
The Inquiry has previously identified one alleged perpetrator, Gary Arthur Mitchell. The Inquiry is now able to identify two more alleged perpetrators, Mr Grahame (Graham) Harold Steele and Mr David Ernest Keith MacGregor – all are former teachers at Beaumaris Primary School and other government schools.
We invite anyone who thinks they might have relevant experiences or information to contact the Inquiry.
The Inquiry has also extended the submission deadline until 31 October 2023. This extension is intended to provide further time for victim-survivors to share their experiences and for others to consider the relevance of this new information to their submissions.
Private sessions are also available for anyone who wishes to speak with the Inquiry in a private and safe environment. These are currently being held in Melbourne’s CBD and will continue throughout October and November.
You can make a submission or register for a private session on the Inquiry’s website: beaumarisinquiry.vic.gov.au. If you would like more information, please call our team on (03) 8301 0102.
Quotes attributable to the Chair of the Board of Inquiry, Kathleen Foley SC
“We will continue to identify alleged perpetrators and the schools in which they worked to enable victim-survivors’ participation in our Inquiry and to put their experiences on the public record.”
“It is vital to us that every individual has the chance to share their experiences. We recognise that, for many, this may be their first time sharing their experiences, and we acknowledge and respect the significance of this. We will work with individuals to ensure their participation in this Inquiry is supported and safe.”
“I thank every person who has come forward to make a submission or participate in a private session. I am humbled by your strength, courage, and openness to contribute to our work.”
The identifcation of two more alleged perpetrators and the extension of the submission deadline, hopefully will enable more people to share their stories with the Board of Inquiry.
For more information, click on the link below.
https://www.beaumarisinquiry.vic.gov.au/