General News
10 July, 2025
Organisations echo child safety concerns
A peak regional Indigenous organisation and another Wimmera municipality are reviewing childcare practices following the conviction of an Aboriginal elder.
Following the conviction of 74-year-old Ronald Marks for possessing child abuse material, Barengi Gadjin Land Council and the Horsham Rural City Council assured the community of their commitment to strengthening child safety measures.
Chairperson Chris Harrison confirmed that Marks previously provided cultural services for the Barengi Gadjin Land Council; the organisation ceased all ties with him upon learning of his conviction.
"We are shocked and appalled by this news," he said.
"Upon learning of the conviction, we immediately terminated all services provided by Mr Marks and launched a full review of his past involvement with our programs.
"Barengi Gadjin Land Council's board and staff are deeply distressed to hear of this conviction.
"Our hearts go out to all victim-survivors of any sexual abuse and anyone who has been affected by this news."
Mr Harrison said BGLC was undertaking a full safeguarding review.
"This serious matter strikes at the heart of what we stand for," he said.
"BGLC reaffirms our unwavering commitment to create safe, respectful, and nurturing environments for all children and young people.
"We are also reaching out to staff and community members and are organising support services to be offered to anyone who needs them."
The Horsham Rural City Council said it shared the wider community's deep concern about the conviction.
A spokesperson said the council was made aware of the conviction through media reports and had no prior knowledge of any allegations or investigations.
"We recognise the distress this news has caused within our community, particularly for families and individuals who attended cultural programs and events performed by Mr Marks," the spokesperson said.
"These formal events were always under the direct supervision of Council staff or event organisers, and at no point was he left alone with children.
"Additionally, the Council is aware that at times, Marks delivered cultural ceremonies and awareness programs through Emerge early years services, where he was strictly supervised by the educators throughout the presentation."
The spokesperson said the council was committed to the safety of young people.
"Horsham Rural City Council is committed to providing and promoting child-safe environments," they said.
"Council has zero tolerance to child abuse and aims to create a child-safe and child-friendly environment where children feel safe and secure and have fun.
"This includes the physical, emotional, cultural, and social well-being of all children."
The HRCC chief executive, Gail Gett, said the council had no plans for any future engagement or involvement with Marks.
"Council would also like to point out that the actions of one person don’t define a community," she said.
"This week is NAIDOC week, an annual celebration that recognises and honours the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"Horsham Rural City Council supports this celebration and is committed to working closely with our Aboriginal communities."
Marks pleaded guilty to charges of possessing almost 1000 images of child abuse on June 4, 2025, in the Horsham Magistrates Court.
He was charged with accessing this material between 2012 and 2021 and was arrested and questioned on September 22, 2021, after police were alerted to the matter on July 8, 2021.
On July 2, 2025, Marks was fined $7500 and placed on the sex offenders register for eight years.
Following media reports of the conviction, four Wimmera Councils issued public statements calling for reforms to the Working With Children Check system.
Under the current system, a person can hold a WWCC after an arrest on child-related offences and until they are convicted.
The Government Services Minister, Natalie Hutchins, announced that changes to the system would be made.
She highlighted critical gaps in the system, where only criminal convictions or regulatory findings could result in a check being revoked.
“This is just the first step to strengthen the Working with Children Check system,” Ms Hutchins said.
Other steps include strengthening compliance obligations, updating policies and procedures, implementing mandatory training, promoting reflective practice, fostering cultural change, and aligning with national frameworks.
Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-Operative declined to comment.
Read More: Horsham