Call for witnesses: Robert “Dolly” Dunn, Marist College Penshurst
Koffels Solicitors & Barristers would like to hear from former students of Marist College Penshurst, and from anyone else, who has information about Robert “Dolly” Dunn. Whether you were abused yourself or saw something that concerned you, your account may help you or another survivor seek justice and compensation. Every conversation is private and confidential.
This page summarises court outcomes and published reporting. It does not make findings against Marist College Penshurst or the Marist Brothers. The page is intended to help survivors and witnesses understand their options.
Who was Robert “Dolly” Dunn?
Robert “Dolly” Dunn was a science teacher at Marist College Penshurst, in Sydney’s south, from 1971 to 1987. He became one of Australia’s most notorious child sex offenders, abusing boys, producing child abuse material, and associating with a wider network of offenders.
| Key dates | |
|---|---|
| 1971 to 1987 | Teacher at Marist College Penshurst |
| 1996 | The Royal Commission into the NSW Police Service, led by Justice James Wood, reviewed material from Dunn’s collection. Dunn fled Australia. |
| 1997 | Tracked down in Honduras with the help of the 60 Minutes program, deported to the United States, and extradited to Australia |
| 2001 | Jailed for 20 years, with an 18-year non-parole period, for 24 child sexual abuse offences and three counts of supplying cannabis |
| 11 July 2009 | Died in Long Bay Correctional Centre, aged 68 |
Dunn’s offending is believed to have continued for many years before he was charged. He travelled overseas on a number of occasions, and it is possible there were victims outside Australia.
Dunn and Brother Kostka Chute at Marist College Penshurst
Dunn’s early years at Penshurst overlapped with those of Marist Brother John William Chute, known as Brother Kostka, who was later convicted of child sexual offences. The Marist Brothers’ response to allegations against Chute was examined by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Case Study 13. Reporting by the Canberra Times claims that Dunn reported allegations against Chute to the school to deflect attention from himself.
If you have information about Chute’s time at Penshurst, see our call for witnesses about Brother Kostka Chute. You may also find our article on child abuse at Marist Brothers Penshurst helpful.
Can you still make a claim?
In most cases, yes, even though Dunn has died.
- No time limit in most cases. NSW removed the time limit for civil child sexual abuse claims in 2016. Individual circumstances still matter. Read more about limitation periods.
- A claim is made against the institution. Dunn was employed as a teacher, so you would generally bring a claim against the body responsible for the school. Read more about claims where the abuser has died.
- A civil claim usually pays more. Compensation is assessed on the actual harm you have suffered and is not capped. Most claims settle confidentially before a hearing.
- The National Redress Scheme is an alternative, with limits. The Marist Brothers participate in the National Redress Scheme, but payments are capped at $150,000 and many are significantly lower. Accepting a payment permanently extinguishes your right to a civil claim, and applications close on 30 June 2027. Get independent legal advice first.
For more on claims involving Marist Brothers schools, see our Marist Brothers page.
Contact us in confidence
You can speak with Ross Koffel in confidence on 02 9283 5599, use the call-back form below, or send information through our encrypted secure file submission service.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a claim if Robert Dunn has died?
Yes, in most cases. A claim for abuse by a teacher is generally brought against the institution responsible for the school, not the individual, so Dunn’s death in 2009 does not prevent a claim.
Is it too late to make a claim for abuse in the 1970s or 1980s?
In most cases, no. NSW removed the time limit for civil child sexual abuse claims in 2016. Individual circumstances still matter, so it is worth getting advice.
I was a student at Penshurst but was not abused. Can I still help?
Yes. Former students and staff who saw or heard about Dunn’s conduct can provide important evidence that supports survivors’ claims. You don’t need to be certain that what you know is relevant.
Do I have to have reported the abuse to police?
No. You can seek legal advice and make a compensation claim whether or not you have reported the abuse to police.
