The Historical Child Abuses of Dr Peter Harris, Former School Principal
In 2019, Dr Peter Harris, the founding principal of Billanook College in Mooroolbark, was charged with a series of historical child sexual abuse offences. These charges arose in connection with alleged conduct spanning several decades and multiple schools across Victoria.
Background
Dr Harris, then aged 78, was arrested at Melbourne Airport while attempting to leave the country. He had been living in Thailand for several years before his return to Australia. Following his arrest, he was bailed to appear at Bendigo Magistrates’ Court in October 2019.
According to the report, the charges included:
- Gross indecency with a male
- Indecent assault
- Knowingly possessing child abuse material
The alleged offences took place between 1975 and 1983 in East Melbourne, Maryborough, and Castlemaine.
Schools Connected to the Allegations
The charges are linked to Dr Harris’s time at several institutions, including:
- Haileybury College (Brighton, Victoria) – where Harris taught between 1967 and 1973. Some charges relate to this period.
- Maryborough Christian Community College (now Highview College) – where he was the founding principal during the mid-1970s. Alleged offences between 1975 and 1978 are connected to his role here.
- Castlemaine, Victoria – further allegations involve offences said to have occurred between 1979 and 1983.
- East Melbourne, Victoria – additional charges stem from incidents said to have taken place during the late 1970s.
While Dr Harris is historically connected with the establishment of Billanook College in Mooroolbark, the school itself does not reference him in its official founding history and today maintains a clear and public commitment to child safety policies.
Current Status
Dr Harris was charged in 2019 and bailed to appear at Bendigo Magistrates’ Court. At the time of writing, no publicly accessible record confirms whether the proceedings have since concluded or the outcome of the charges.
Taking Action
Survivors of historical abuse at schools and institutions have the right to pursue justice and compensation, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred.
If you attended any of the schools mentioned above during the relevant periods and wish to explore your legal options, please call us on +61 2 9283 5599 or complete the free and confidential call-back form below.
