Horsham Rural City Council Statement

Horsham Rural City Council shares with the wider community deep concern following the recent conviction of Mr. Ron Marks, an Indigenous elder, for possessing child abuse material. Council was made aware of the conviction through media reports and had no prior knowledge of any allegations or investigations involving Mr. Marks.

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. 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, Council is aware that at times Mr. Marks delivered cultural ceremonies and awareness programs through Emerge early years services, where he was strictly supervised by the educators throughout the presentation. Council remains deeply committed to the safety, care, and education of young people, with their health and wellbeing always being our top priority.

Horsham Rural City Council is committed to providing and promoting child safe environments. 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 wellbeing of all children.

Horsham Rural City Council has no plans for any future engagement or involvement with Mr. Marks.

Council would also like to point out that the actions of one person doesn't define a community. This week is NAIDOC week, an annual celebration that recognizes 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.

/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.