Chelsea • Mordialloc • Mentone
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Wednesday 26 June 2024
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Splash for MND cash
More than a dozen teachers from Edithvale Primary School joined community leaders to slide into an ice bath last week as part of a fundraiser for FightMND organised by student leaders. Edithvale Primary School acting Principal Hayley Grindley (pictured left) and Edithvale Collective president Kirralee Ashworth-Collett (above) were among the participants. See story page 3. Pictures: Supplied
Abuse inquiry recommendations accepted Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au EVERY recommendation from an inquiry into historical sexual abuse at Beaumaris Primary School and other government schools will be implemented by the state government. The inquiry published its final report in March after hearing from nearly 70 abuse victims. Its work focused on allegations against four people employed by Beaumaris Primary School between 1971 and
1972 – Graham Steele, Darrell Ray, David MacGregor, and a person who cannot be named for legal reasons. Last week, the state government announced that all nine recommendations from the inquiry’s final report would be accepted. It will spend more than $48 million to take action. A “statewide independent truthtelling process” will be established by the state government to hear from victims of historical sexual abuse at government schools prior to 2000. It will also initiate a review into the handling of historical child sexual
abuse matters across the government. Both of those are expected to be complete by 2026, when the state government plans to issue its formal apology in Parliament. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said that by accepting the recommendations, the state government was acknowledging “we failed”. “We failed to keep these children safe. We failed to listen when they spoke out. We failed to act to ensure that it did not happen again,” Allan said. “It was also a failure of morality. What else can it possibly be – when the reputation of the education
Your Local Kingston Councillors
Getting Things Done Cr Georgina Oxley Longbeach Ward Councillor
Chelsea, Chelsea Heights, Bonbeach, Harbour Town
Cr David Eden
Sandpiper Ward Councillor
Edithvale, Aspendale Gardens, Chelsea Heights Authorised by G Oxley, 5-7 Kevlar Close, Braeside, 3195
system was given higher regard than the safety of its children. Young, bright, beautiful children for whom school should have been a place of joy. Instead, for many, it became a place of horror and fear. “Often, the impact was enduring. The ripple effect of abuse – impacting people’s health, mental health, life outcomes and relationships with loved ones. Impacting their belief in themselves and the world around them. Despite it all – they’ve shown the most incredible courage. A determination to protect others in a way that they weren’t. I want to thank the
men and women who brought us to this day.” The abuse inquiry also heard allegations made against two other former Beaumaris Primary School employees. In October 2023 the inquiry confirmed that 24 schools would be included in the scope of the investigation, including Chelsea Heights Primary School, Cowes Primary School, Drouin South Primary School, Kunyung Primary School, Warragul Primary School, and the closed Bundalong South Primary School (“School abuse inquiry concludes” The News 13/3/2024).
Shopping Strip Upgrades Commencing soon in Edithvale and Chelsea Heights. Consultation underway for Chelsea
New Aquatic Centre Planning and Construction Underway for Govenor Road, Mordialloc.
Sports and Lighting Upgrades For Edithvale Rec, Bonbeach Reserve, Beazley Reserve, Bonbeach Bluejays, Chelsea Little Aths, Chelsea Netball
Local Park Upgrades Heights Park Revitalisation and Bicentennial Park Dog off leash area upgrades commencing soon