General News
8 July, 2025
Conviction prompts calls to strengthen checks
The conviction of Horsham man Ronald Marks for possessing child abuse material has prompted four Wimmera councils to question the effectiveness of Victoria’s Working With Children Check (WWCC) system.
Marks, 74, was convicted in the Horsham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, July 2, after pleading guilty to accessing child abuse material between 2012 and 2021.
He was fined $7500 and ordered to report to Victoria Police until 2033.
Despite an active investigation, The Wimmera Mail-Times understands Marks held a valid WWCC across the four years.
Many councils only became aware of his conviction following media reports.
Hindmarsh Shire Council chief executive Monica Revell urged the Victorian Government to review Working with Children Check regulations.
"We call on the State Government to urgently review the regulations governing the Working with Children Check, so that a person's check can be suspended or cancelled at the time of arrest or charge, not only after a conviction, to provide stronger safeguards for our children," she said.
West Wimmera Shire Council acting CEO Brendan Pearce said Marks' unimpeded WWCC was concerning.
"The fact that Mr Marks appeared to hold a valid Working with Children Check despite being under investigation is deeply troubling," he said.
"We recognise the concern this raises for parents and carers."
Yarriambiack Shire Council CEO Tammy Smith confirmed that discussions had commenced regarding the Sheep Hills silo art, which features an image of Marks.
"It was immediately recognised that his image would prompt objections from the community and requests for its removal," she said.
"The council has engaged with the artist who created the mural, and we are working collaboratively with both the artist and representatives of the Barengi Gadjin Land Council to plan a redesign."
Mrs Smith said work could begin as early as July 17.
Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said the news was distressing for the whole community and acknowledged that many people would feel "hurt, confused, and betrayed".
"This has been an incredibly difficult and distressing week for many Victorians, especially in our local and Indigenous communities,” Ms Kealy said.
"The news surrounding the conviction of a respected community member has come as a deep shock.”
"It is essential that as a community we stand together in unwavering support to protect our children - whether to be against sex offenders, bullying and assault, or any other illegal behaviour.”
Councils confirm prior engagement
Ms Revell said the Hindmarsh Shire Council was deeply saddened and concerned by the news.
She confirmed the municipality engaged Marks at various times; however, only under the direct supervision of council staff or event organisers.
“We understand that this news is deeply upsetting for our families and community,” Ms Revell said.
“Child safety is, and always will be, our highest priority, and we are treating this matter with the seriousness and sensitivity it deserves.”
She said the council had no ongoing or planned future association with Marks.
“We are undertaking a thorough review of Council's processes regarding the use of contractors and volunteers to ensure the highest possible protection of children."
The Yarriambiack Shire Council CEO confirmed that Marks had worked with the municipality in the past; however, he was not engaged in any programs in 2025.
Ms Smith said her council began an internal investigation regarding the engagement of Marks' services.
"We will be working closely with our neighbouring early childhood education and care providers and the Department of Education to understand how we were not made aware of Mr Marks' arrest in 2021," she said.
The West Wimmera Shire Council acting CEO said the organisation was devastated to learn of the conviction.
“We understand that this news is deeply upsetting for families and our broader community,” he said.
“Our kindergartens and playgroups followed all required processes and protocols, including verifying what we believed to be a valid Working with Children Check and ensuring Mr Marks was never unsupervised.”
Mr Pearce said his council would work closely with neighbouring early childhood education and care providers and the Department of Education to understand how it was not made aware of Marks' arrest in 2021.
The Horsham Rural City Council, Barengi Gadjin Land Council and Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-Operative were contacted for this article; however, responses were not received before this publication's deadline.