A West Australian man previously celebrated for his contributions to child protection has been charged with child sex offences. Barry Wayne Lawrence, 38, is accused of sexually abusing a teenage boy over a three-year period while employed by the WA Department of Communities.
Mandurah detectives have charged Lawrence with indecently dealing with a child over 16 under his authority and indecently dealing with a child over 13 and under 16. The allegations have sent shockwaves through the community, particularly given Lawrence’s recent accolades.
From Award-Winning Advocate to Accused
In September last year, Lawrence was honored at the inaugural Child Protection Excellence Awards by WA’s then-minister for child protection, Sabine Winton. He received a partnership award for his role as an Aboriginal practice leader in Bindjareb Boodja (Mandurah). The charges against him now cast a shadow over those achievements.
Police allege that Lawrence continued to abuse the boy between November and February this year. He appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday, facing additional charges of allegedly intending to expose a person under 16 years to indecent material.
Community and Legal Reactions
The Department of Communities has acknowledged the ongoing criminal proceedings against one of its staff members. In a statement, the department emphasized its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children, noting that it is working closely with WA Police to support the investigation.
“While the matter is before the courts, it is not appropriate for the Department to provide specific comment,” the statement read. “The safety and wellbeing of children is always the Department’s top priority.”
Lawrence, residing in the Mandurah suburb of Coodanup, was granted bail with a $10,000 personal undertaking and surety. He is scheduled to reappear in court next month for further legal proceedings.
Ministerial Response and Revoked Credentials
Sabine Winton, who presented Lawrence with the award last year, expressed her lack of awareness regarding any concerns about him at the time of the ceremony. She confirmed that Lawrence’s Working with Children Check has been revoked amid the investigation.
“I attend a number of events in a number of settings [and] I was not aware of any concerns,” Winton told ABC Radio Perth.
Lawrence’s Community Involvement
Beyond his role with the Department of Communities, Lawrence has been a prominent figure in the Mandurah community. His company, RooForce, was contracted by the City of Perth in 2021 to assist with homelessness, placing him in the public eye alongside notable politicians such as former Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas and then-Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti.
Lawrence also chaired the City of Mandurah’s NAIDOC Committee and was involved in running football programs for Indigenous youth. His work was frequently highlighted by local health services, including Oseca, which credited him with leading cultural camps and art therapy sessions for children.
“For around three years now, the AOT team have been working with other agencies in the Peel region to take young Aboriginal people out on country to connect to culture,” a March 2024 post from Oseca’s Facebook page attributed to Lawrence stated.
Looking Ahead
As the legal proceedings continue, the community grapples with the implications of the charges against a man once lauded for his dedication to child protection. The case underscores the complexities and challenges of safeguarding vulnerable populations and maintaining trust in public institutions.
Lawrence’s next court appearance will likely provide further clarity on the allegations and the potential consequences he faces. Meanwhile, the Department of Communities and local authorities remain focused on ensuring the safety and protection of children in the region.
