Arabic version: سكان كالومبورو يطالبون بإجابات بشأن مخاوف حول سلوك معلم
According to ABC News, residents in the remote Kimberley community of Kalumburu have raised child-safety concerns following allegations about a former teacher’s conduct at the local swimming pool. The community of about 300 people is particularly isolated during the wet season, when heavy rain cuts road access and travel is limited to air.
Former lifeguard Kimberley French alleged she saw the teacher behave in a concerning manner around boys at the pool, including grabbing and holding children close. Another resident, identified as John for privacy reasons, also alleged he saw unusual behaviour. A complaint and video footage prompted investigations by WA Police and the WA Department of Education. ABC News said it had viewed footage but was not publishing it for privacy reasons.
The Department of Education said the man had resigned from teaching and that his registration had been cancelled. A Teacher Registration Board of WA spokesperson said the cancellation followed an Interim Negative Notice, meaning he was not entitled to child-related work. WA Police did not give details of its investigation, but ABC News understands no charges were laid. The teacher declined to speak when contacted by ABC News.
Some residents and staff said they wanted greater transparency and support. Ms French said the department did not contact her despite her details being included in the complaint. A mother, identified as Eva, said police spoke with her and her son but she received no further contact from the department. The department said student safety and wellbeing were foremost and that support is always provided to students and families affected by staff misconduct.
Staff also told ABC News that previous school management provided little information or support after a report was made. The Department of Education rejected an ABC Freedom of Information request concerning complaints about the teacher, finding that the individual’s privacy outweighed the public interest; that decision was upheld on appeal.
