Personal Injury

St. Paul’s College, once a respected educational institution in Traralgon, Victoria, was the site of serious misconduct. Marist Brother Gerard Joseph McNamara, a teacher at the college during the 1970s, stands accused of sexually abusing students. This article outlines the allegations, legal proceedings, and the impact on survivors.

The Allegations

Background:

• McNamara taught at St. Paul’s College from 1970 to 1976.
• Multiple students reported incidents of sexual abuse during this period.
• The Marist Brothers, despite being aware of his behaviour, allowed him to continue teaching.

Legal Proceedings:

• In 2018, McNamara pleaded guilty to offences against five victims and received a jail sentence for these crimes.
• In 2020, additional charges were brought relating to five more victims, resulting in further jail time for McNamara.

Apology and Compensation:

• The Marist Brothers apologised to the Latrobe Valley community, acknowledging the pain caused by McNamara’s actions.
• As part of compensation, the Marist organization paid $4 million to survivors who suffered abuse between 1970 and 1975.

The Aftermath

Renaming of the College:

• St. Paul’s College changed and is now known as Lavalla Catholic College.
• The campus formerly associated with McNamara retains the name St. Paul’s.

Ongoing Association with the Marist Brothers:

• Despite his criminal convictions, McNamara remains connected to the Marist Brothers, raising concerns among survivors and their families.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the abuse at St Paul’s College Traralgon, it is crucial to seek justice and compensation. The historical institutional child sexual abuse compensation team at Koffels Solicitors and Barristers is here to support you every step of the way. With decades of expertise in handling these cases, we are committed to ensuring survivors receive the justice, closure and compensation they deserve.