Father Anthony William Peter Caruana at Chevalier College – A Call for Witnesses
In recent years, Australia has made significant progress in addressing historical child abuse within educational and religious institutions. One such case involves Father Anthony William Peter Caruana, who served as a dorm master, rugby coach, and bandmaster at Chevalier College in Burradoo, NSW. Caruana’s presence on campus from 1986 to 1990 left a lasting impact on many students, but recent allegations of abuse have cast his role in a troubling new light.
The Role of Father Caruana at Chevalier College
Chevalier College, a respected institution in Burradoo, NSW, has a long-standing tradition of providing quality Catholic education to students. From 1986 to 1990, Father Anthony William Peter Caruana held multiple roles on campus that placed him close to students: he served as a dormitory master, supervised the rugby team, and led the school’s band. These responsibilities allowed Caruana significant interaction with young students, many of whom looked to him for guidance and support during their formative years.
Yet, some students’ memories of Caruana are tainted by experiences that have since surfaced as misconduct allegations. Survivors have described instances of both emotional manipulation and physical abuse, creating an environment in which students felt unsafe. For many, these memories have lingered unspoken for decades, hidden by the protective silence that often surrounds institutional abuse.
Allegations of Abuse: A Call for Memories
The allegations against Father Caruana involve instances of physical and psychological abuse that survivors say occurred within the private, often isolated spaces of dormitories and practice rooms. Survivors describe being subjected to mistreatment that left them feeling powerless and fearful, often too intimidated to seek help. The rugby field, dormitories, and music practice sessions—once seen as opportunities for personal growth and camaraderie—are now viewed by survivors as spaces where Caruana allegedly abused his position of trust and authority.
For those who were at Chevalier College between 1986 and 1990, sharing memories or experiences can provide invaluable support to ongoing investigations. Whether recalling specific incidents or general impressions of Caruana’s presence and behaviour on campus, these recollections play a crucial role in helping survivors piece together the full extent of the abuse that may have occurred.
The Impact on Former Students
The effects of Caruana’s alleged actions on survivors are far-reaching and complex. Many former students who were under his care during these years report ongoing struggles with trust, emotional well-being, and relationships. The trauma of abuse endured in an environment that should have provided safety and support has left a lasting impression, affecting survivors in both their personal and professional lives.
One former student described feeling “isolated and fearful,” explaining that Caruana’s conduct undermined their trust in authority figures. For some survivors, memories of this time remained buried for years, only resurfacing when similar stories emerged, empowering them to confront their own experiences.
Institutional Response and the Path Toward Accountability
Chevalier College has publicly acknowledged the gravity of allegations like those against Father Caruana and has made strides to ensure greater protections for current students. While these steps demonstrate a commitment to improvement, survivors and advocates often feel that past abuses have yet to be fully addressed and that the voices of those affected remain underrepresented.
Legal recourse, mainly through civil compensation claims, has provided some survivors with a means of seeking recognition and accountability. These claims highlight the need for accountability within educational institutions and offer survivors a path toward closure. For many, the decision to come forward is not just about personal healing but about ensuring that future generations are protected from similar harm.
Remembering, Reflecting, and Moving Forward
The courage of those who have come forward in recent years has helped to foster a culture of awareness and accountability, making it clear that past abuses will no longer be overlooked or dismissed. For former students of Chevalier College who may have memories of Father Caruana or experiences at the school between 1986 and 1990, sharing these reflections could be instrumental in helping survivors find closure and justice.
If you or someone you know attended Chevalier College between 1986 and 1990 and may have memories or experiences related to Father Anthony William Peter Caruana, now is the time to speak out. At Koffels Solicitors & Barristers, we understand the complexities of institutional abuse cases and are dedicated to helping survivors find justice and achieve meaningful compensation. With extensive experience in representing those affected by historical abuse, Koffels offers survivors a trusted pathway to accountability, compensation and closure. Contact us to learn how we can support you in your pursuit of justice.
