NEW England police are investigating claims children were sexually abused at Ben Venue Primary School during the 1970s and 1980s after fresh allegations were laid against former principal Peter Garland and two or more male teachers.
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Former pupil Stephen Dolan claimed Mr Garland routinely abused him in the principal’s office between 1971 and 1973.
Mr Dolan, along with another ex-pupil Vanessa Moloney, gave evidence in camera to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse.
They were later advised to lodge a complaint with police.
Yesterday, Mr Dolan said he had been contacted and supported by several former pupils after going public with his claims on Saturday. “I contend adults at the school must have known that sexual abuse was occurring,” he said.
“We need to have a conversation about why they did not speak out, and how we can ensure that these circumstances never occur again.”
Two former pupils, both now in their early 50s, backed up Mr Dolan’s claims children were routinely abused by the late Mr Garland, as well as several other teachers at the school.
They both said they admired Mr Dolan for breaking years of silence. Police say anyone who can help with their inquiries should phone 1800 333 000.
A spokesman said it would be inappropriate to comment further because the investigation was continuing, and so would not comment on claims four families had reported the abuse to the police, with no charges laid.
A spokesman for the NSW Education department said the code of conduct for staff and child protection training had been strengthened and procedures were now in place for investigating allegations of child abuse by employees.
