A Victorian man, known for his influential role in children’s cultural education programs, maintained a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) for four years following his arrest for accessing child abuse material. Ronald Marks, a respected Wergaia elder from Horsham, was convicted in the city’s Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to accessing child abuse material over nearly a decade, from 2012 to 2021.
The 74-year-old received a $7,500 fine and was ordered to report to Victoria Police for the next eight years. Despite his 2021 arrest, Marks held a valid WWCC until he was formally charged in January 2025. Throughout this period, he continued to visit kindergartens, imparting cultural education to young students.
According to a Victoria Police spokesperson, detectives initiated an investigation into Marks in 2021, resulting in the seizure of his physical WWCC card. The Department of Justice was promptly informed. However, under the current system, an individual can retain a valid WWCC after being arrested for child-related offenses until they are officially charged or convicted.
Systemic Flaws and Calls for Reform
Yarriambiack Shire Council’s CEO, Tammy Smith, highlighted the significant gap in the system, stating, “I know a person is innocent until proven guilty, but we must have safety measures in place to protect our children. We need to be alerted to these potential issues.”
The ABC recently disclosed that the state’s Department of Government Services (DGS) had completed an initial review of Victoria’s WWCC system. Currently, a WWCC can only be revoked following criminal charges or a regulatory finding. A Victorian government spokesperson confirmed plans to modify the system following the review, with changes expected by August.
“We will adopt every recommendation,” said a government spokesperson.
Community Reaction and Impact
Until August of the previous year, Marks operated through his personal business, Wergaia Industries, leading kindergarten cultural awareness programs under the School Readiness Program. His Australian Business Number (ABN) was canceled on August 20, 2024.
Ms. Smith expressed devastation upon learning of Marks’ criminal activities, noting that the council was unaware of his 2021 arrest or his charges earlier this year. Council staff had verified a physical WWCC as recently as October of the previous year.
Following the revelations, the council initiated an internal investigation, confirming that Marks held a valid WWCC while contracted for the kindergarten program. “We are absolutely devastated to learn of this news, and that unknowingly, have welcomed Mr. Marks into the kindergarten program,” Ms. Smith stated.
Several organizations that contracted Marks reported having sighted what they believed to be a valid WWCC as late as November 2024. Elicia Napoli, CEO of Emerge Early Years Services, expressed concerns over the failure to suspend WWCCs for individuals under investigation for child-related offenses.
“There are risks to children, families, educators, community if that doesn’t happen,” Ms. Napoli remarked.
Artistic and Cultural Repercussions
The Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BGLC), representing the area’s traditional owners, expressed being “shocked and appalled” by the news. “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,” stated BGLC chair Chris Harrison.
“This serious matter strikes at the heart of what we stand for. BGLC reaffirms our unwavering commitment to create safe, respectful, and nurturing environments for all children and young people,” Mr. Harrison added.
In collaboration with BGLC, the council is working to remove and replace a prominent silo art installation featuring Marks’ image at Sheep Hills. “Both Yarriambiack Shire and Barengi Gadjin Land Council representatives agree that ensuring and supporting the safety of children is of the utmost importance, and therefore the image of Mr. Marks on the Sheep Hills Silo should be removed as a matter of priority,” Ms. Smith explained.
The council has engaged with the artist responsible for the original artwork and is collaborating with both the artist and BGLC representatives to redesign the silo art. Yarriambiack Shire Council hopes to replace Marks’ image later this month.
