UPDATED 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.
Council’s policy which is consistent with Victorian Government requirements, requires all existing, new and prospective employees, contractors and volunteers who are to be engaged in child-related work in relevant occupational fields within the organisation to have a working with children check. These occupations usually involve direct contact with a child or children and where that contact is not directly supervised by another person.
Mr Marks was engaged to undertake a cultural welcome to country and smoking ceremony at a Reconciliation Week event in May 2025. The event was very much a public event with supervision from the many people that attended. A Working with Children Check was not a requirement for undertaking this activity.
Council was not aware that children who were present on the day would be asked to participate in the smoking ceremony, but at no point was Mr Marks left alone with these children, consistent with Council requirements.
Council has not been contacted by Victoria Police but will co-operate if there are any enquiries. Council is confident it has followed all correct protocols and are always open to any suggestions for improvement from Victoria Police to help keep everyone safe.
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 recognises 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.
https://www.hrcc.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/News-and-Media/Latest-News/UPDATED-Horsham-Rural-City-Council-Statement