Historical Child Abuse at St Virgil’s College, Hobart
Between the late 1970s and early 1980s, multiple survivors have come forward with credible allegations of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse at St Virgil’s College in Hobart, administered during that period by the Christian Brothers.
Documented Allegations and Legal Proceedings
The “Callum” Lawsuit (1977–1981)
A former student, known as “Callum”, attended St Virgil’s College from 1977 to 1981. In early 2025, he launched civil proceedings in the Tasmanian Supreme Court, alleging:
- Sexual abuse by volunteer sports coach Stephen Randell, including incidents during a 1979 school camp at Coningham Beach and a separate occasion on Callum’s 12th birthday.
- Physical abuse by lay teacher Tom Burke, and Christian Brothers Doolan, Edmunds, and Parton, including the use of punishment rooms and severe corporal punishment.
The case settled mid-trial in March 2025, with the Christian Brothers expressing profound regret, issuing an apology, and encouraging others with similar experiences to come forward.
Sources:
Royal Commission Findings
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse found extensive abuse within Christian Brothers-run institutions across Australia. In its case studies, the Commission:
- Recorded over 850 claims of child sexual abuse involving the Christian Brothers.
- Reported that systemic failures led to offending Brothers being moved rather than reported.
- Documented nearly 400 claims in Victoria and Tasmania, with many dating back to the 1970s.
Relevant findings are included in the Royal Commission’s Institutional Review of the Christian Brothers.
Individuals Named in Allegations
- Brother Patrick Timothy Farrell: Allegedly abused children at St Virgil’s in the 1950s. Later transferred to St Edmund’s College in Canberra. (ABC report)
- Brother Maurice (Maurie) Howard: Former teacher at St Virgil’s named in multiple civil claims in the 2010s. Publicly apologised to at least one victim. (Broken Rites Australia)
Institutional Culture and Cover-Ups
Testimony from survivors and former staff has painted a consistent picture of:
- A culture of silence, where abuse was ignored or punished when reported.
- Relocation of abusers, rather than removal or disciplinary action.
- Physical violence, intimidation, and a lack of accountability.
The Commission’s investigations detail how the Brothers’ internal leadership systematically failed to protect children.
Legal and Support Pathways
Our firm specialises in assisting survivors of historical institutional child abuse, including those who suffered harm at Christian Brothers-run schools such as St Virgil’s College in Hobart.
We offer confidential legal advice to help survivors understand their options. In many cases, this may involve pursuing a civil compensation claim against the relevant institution. For others, a National Redress Scheme (NRS) application may offer a more appropriate or accessible path to justice.
While we do not assist with preparing or lodging NRS applications, we can help you determine:
- Whether a civil claim is likely to result in greater compensation
- If a Redress Scheme application may be a more viable or timely alternative
- What risks or limitations apply in either process, based on your circumstances
To discuss your situation in confidence, you can call us on +612 9283 5599 or complete the free and confidential call-back form below.
A Call to Witnesses and Survivors
If you attended St Virgil’s College in the 1970s or 80s and experienced or witnessed mistreatment—whether physical, sexual or psychological—we encourage you to come forward.
Even if your memory feels incomplete, your account could help support others or verify existing claims.
Please contact us to discuss your experience in complete confidence.
You can call us on +612 9283 5599 or complete the free and confidential call-back form below.
Your voice matters. By coming forward, you may help bring truth and closure to a deeply painful chapter in Tasmania’s educational history.
