Call for witnesses: were you a student at these Victorian schools?
Koffels Solicitors & Barristers is assisting a survivor of historical child sexual abuse involving a teacher who worked across several Victorian primary schools between 1989 and 2011. We are seeking to hear from former students who may have information relevant to these allegations.
The teacher’s employment history, as far as our investigation has established, is as follows.
| School | Period |
|---|---|
| Fountain Gate Primary School | 27 February 1989 to 1 January 1991 |
| Maramba Primary School, Narre Warren | 29 January 1991 to 4 October 1999 |
| Upper Ferntree Gully Primary School | 1 January 2000 to 2 July 2000 |
| Templeton Primary School | 1 January 2001 to 28 February 2011 |
| Oatlands Primary School (Possibly) |
If you attended any of these schools during the periods listed and have any recollection, however small, of the conduct of a male member of staff, we would like to hear from you in confidence. This includes anything you experienced yourself, anything you witnessed happen to another student, or anything you were told about at the time or since.
What our investigation indicates
Our investigation to date indicates that more than one former student was affected by this individual’s conduct during his teaching career. In around 2006, allegations of child sexual abuse involving this individual were brought to the attention of Victoria Police, and a number of former students were contacted as part of that process. No charges were ultimately laid because of a lack of evidence.
We want to be direct about what that means and does not mean. A police investigation that does not result in charges is not a finding that abuse did not occur; evidentiary thresholds for criminal charges are high, and historical cases in particular can be difficult to prosecute for reasons that have nothing to do with whether something happened. Equally, this page does not make any finding or allegation of guilt against any individual. What we do know is that several former students have already come forward, and civil claims operate under a different standard of proof to criminal charges, which is one reason a civil claim may still be available even where a police investigation did not proceed.
Please contact our accredited personal injury specialist, Ms Sharon Cai, on 02 9283 5599 or via email at sharoncai@koffels.com.au.
Why coming forward can help
We understand that speaking about experiences from decades ago, particularly from childhood, can be difficult. Many survivors carry these memories privately for years, sometimes for their whole lives, before feeling able to say anything at all. There is no wrong time to come forward, and no obligation attached to an initial conversation.
For some survivors, simply being heard and believed is an important part of moving forward. For others, coming forward is the first step towards formal compensation through a civil claim. Both are valid reasons to get in touch, and you do not need to have decided which path is right for you before speaking with us.
Corroborating accounts from other former students are often what allow a case like this to be properly investigated and progressed. A detail that feels minor or uncertain to you- a name, a classroom, a particular incident- may be exactly what connects with someone else’s account. You do not need a complete or polished memory to reach out.
Get in touch
If you attended any of the schools listed above during the periods stated, and have information that may be relevant, or if you would simply like to talk to someone in confidence, we would like to hear from you.
Please contact our accredited personal injury specialist, Ms Sharon Cai, on 02 9283 5599 or via email at sharoncai@koffels.com.au.
For more information on your options, see our articles on the National Redress Scheme and five things you should know about the National Redress Scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I’m not sure my memories are reliable after so long. Should I still get in touch?
Yes. It is very common for memories from childhood, especially difficult ones, to be partial or to come back gradually. You do not need a complete or detailed account to speak with us. Even a general recollection can be valuable, particularly when considered alongside accounts from other former students.
A police investigation didn’t lead to charges. Does that mean there’s no case?
No. Criminal charges require proof beyond reasonable doubt, a very high standard, and historical cases can be genuinely difficult to prosecute for reasons unrelated to whether abuse occurred. Civil claims operate under a different, lower standard of proof, so a civil claim may still be available even where a police investigation did not result in charges.
Do I have to make a claim if I come forward?
No. Coming forward and having an initial conversation does not commit you to any course of action. Many survivors simply want to share what they know or ask questions before deciding whether to proceed further.
Is there a time limit on making a claim?
In most cases, Victoria has removed time limits for civil claims relating to child sexual abuse, so historical claims are not automatically barred by the passage of time. Individual circumstances still matter, so it is best to get advice specific to your situation. Applications to the National Redress Scheme close on 30 June 2027.
Will contacting Koffels be confidential?
Yes. Any conversation you have with us is confidential, and we approach every enquiry with sensitivity and discretion.
