Catholic Diocese Apologises over Historic Child Sex Abuse Allegations at Bellambi School

ABC News
March 10, 2015

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-11/bellambi-school/6300004

The Wollongong Catholic Education Office has apologised to victims of abuse after a priest was charged over an alleged historical event.

It's alleged a 15 year old boy was assaulted at Holy Spirit College in Bellambi north of Wollongong in 1988.

In a statement the Director of Schools, Peter Turner says the Catholic Education Office has been fully co-operating with Police in regard to the matter.

Spokesperson Tim Gilmour says they are committed to the protection of young people and will investigate any allegations raised.

"Our director on behalf of the Bishop offers his most sincere apologies to any people who have suffered abuse by any particular person who was associated with the Diocese of Wollongong or Catholic schools in the name of the Diocese of Wollongong," he said.

Mr Gilmour says the Catholic Education Office is committed to investigating any allegations raised against people associated with catholic schools in the region.

"We've been working with police around a range of different matters this particular one we weren't aware of the charges being laid," he said.

"We became aware of that only through the press release from the police (but) we were aware of situations involving this particular person yes."