Call for Witnesses

Koffels Solicitors & Barristers are seeking information from former students, staff, or community members of Whalan Public School, NSW, in relation to historical child sexual abuse involving a teacher at the school during the mid to late 1980s.

If you were connected to Whalan Public School at that time — as a student, teacher, teacher’s aide, administrative or ancillary staff, parent, or community member — and you recall anything that might be relevant, we encourage you to contact us. Even memories that feel small can help build a clearer picture and support other survivors.

For background on your rights and options, you may find this explainer helpful: Who Can Make a Civil Claim for Historical Institutional Abuse. You can also browse related updates under our tags, Institutional Child Sexual Abuse and Institutional Sexual Abuse.

What Details Can Help?

Any of the following can assist in jogging memories, guiding our inquiries, and corroborating timelines:

• Identity clues: name(s) or nicknames of the teacher(s); subjects taught; distinctive routines; classroom location.
• Times & patterns: lunchtime, recess, after school, class transitions; changes around school events or terms.
• Specific locations: classrooms, playground areas, toilet blocks, corridors, staff rooms, school hall, near gates, bus set-down or pick-up areas.
• Conduct or incidents: remarks, boundary-crossing behaviour, gifts or favours, threats or secrecy, photographs, or any “special privileges.”
• Approximate dates: school year levels (e.g., “Year 4 in 1986/87”); term or seasonal markers; class photos or report dates.
• People who might recall more: classmates, siblings, parents, former staff who moved schools, school counsellors or relief teachers.
• Documents & mementos: diaries, letters, school reports, newsletters, excursion or camp notes, photo albums, school camp notices, or yearbooks.
• Behavioural changes you noticed: withdrawal, fear, sudden absences, transfers, or persistent rumours within the school community.

Why Even Small Memories Matter

Seemingly minor recollections can help us locate other witnesses, establish patterns, and identify corroborating evidence. Even if you did not personally witness an incident, information about the environment, routines, or things you heard at the time may still be valuable.

Contact Us – Confidentially

If you have any information about Whalan Public School in the mid to late 1980s, please get in touch. All enquiries are handled with care and confidentiality.

Call: +61 2 9283 5599 (ask for Natalia Lapthorne)
Email: NataliaLapthorne@koffels.com.au

Prefer not to call? Please complete the free and confidential call-back form below, and we will reach out at a time that suits you.