The Southport School headmaster writes to old boys urging those who were molested to seek help

THE headmaster of prestigious Gold Coast boys school TSS is urging old boys who were sexually assaulted to come forward after the latest revelations came to light.

Australian rugby league star Peter Jackson — the tragic public face of historic child abuse cases at The Southport School.

HEADMASTER Greg Wain has written privately to The Southport School old boys urging them to come forward if they or others were sexually abused.

Mr Wain wrote that some of the posts on a Facebook site “purport to be from old boys and regardless of how dubious these posts seem” he wanted to assure former students that allegations would be dealt with properly.

“As you are no doubt aware, there were several — one highly publicised — tragic cases of abuse that occurred at the school several decades ago for which the school has accepted responsibility,” Mr Wain wrote.

The Southport School - old boys who may have been sexually abused have been urged to come forward

“Some brave survivors of abuse even came forward during my time here and I can assure you that the school and Diocese of Brisbane worked to support them and their families.

“If you have been sexually abused at the school, or you know someone who has, please come forward to report the matter so that you or the survivor of the abuse can receive care and assistance.”

Gold Coast private detective Bill Edgar — his Facebook page on TSS has sparked allegations of child abuse involving past students. Pic by David Clark

In April, the Gold Coast Bulletin revealed police had launched an investigation into allegations of child abuse at the school in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Mr Wain strongly urged all victims of abuse to contact the police.

Peter Jackson playing for Brisbane South at the start of his rugby league career — his death was the earlier “public case” at the school.

“We urge the Facebook page author to work with the police and legal system to resolve his concerns rather than upsetting people with claims on social media,” Mr Wain wrote.

“We can find no evidence to support many of the allegations — which we have also requested police to investigate.”

Mr Wain said the school was unable to find any evidence of “27 victims from the 1980s planning a class action”.

Bill Edgar outside TSS. Pic by David Clark

“But if such a situation was true we would still support and care for the survivors of abuse while they pursued their legal rights,” Mr Wain wrote.

Creator of the Facebook page, Gold Coast private detective Bill Edgar said he had “no fear, care or concern” and would continue to fight for justice for all victims.

Mr Edgar said the school should disclose whether victims received compensation, counselling and other forms of support or were they required to sign disclosure agreements.