West Torrens council allow Hamra family to decide future of controversial library name
It shares a name with one of Australia’s “worst-ever” child sex offenders - now an Adelaide council has left it up to the family to decide what happens.
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West Torrens Council has allowed the family of one of Australia’s “worst-ever” sex offenders to decide the future of a local library’s name, which is shared with their disgraced relation.
The Hamra Centre Library, named after former mayor Stephen Hamra – the father of convicted child sex offender Stephen John Hamra – will remain, despite claims it was a “slap in the face” to the former schoolteacher’s survivors.
While acknowledging the centre “may be upsetting” for the victims who suffered horrific sexual abuse between 1977 and 1986, council waived its right to send the matter to community consultation – instead opting to have the decision made by Hamra Jr’s family, who have continued to support him.
“We understand the seriousness of the situation and we have consulted with the immediate family of the Hamras regarding a possible name change of the building,” a council spokeswoman said.
“At this time, the family wishes for the name to remain.
“It needs to be noted that the name of the centre is in recognition of both Steve Snr and his wife Marie Hamra, who were both instrumental in the establishment of the library facility in West Torrens.
“The Hamras, as a couple, worked together tirelessly to create a state-of-the-art public library and associated community auditorium in West Torrens.”
Stephen Hamra Sr had a well-respected career and served on council from 1961–1976, and again from 1977–1989 as mayor, before the library was named after him in 2004. Hamra Sr was also heavily involved in the West Adelaide Football Club.
He is not accused of wrongdoing.
His son Hamra Jr, 68, taught at both St Ignatius College and Christian Brothers College during his career.
In 2017 and 2018, Hamra Jr was found guilty of abusing two boys – who were not his students – and was jailed for that offending in 2019.
Top Adelaide solicitor and victims advocate Andrew Carpenter said council’s decision was “an absolute cop-out”.
“It shouldn’t be up for the family to discuss, it should be up for the constituents of the local council who are now aware that the library shares the exact same name as a convicted child sex offender,” Mr Carpenter said.
“I think it’s a very weak response from council. They should give the public clarification as to why they think this is a sound idea.
“What will the council be naming next? The Harvey Weinstein Sr playground? The Bill Cosby Sr Theatre?”.
“The fact the library shares the name with one of the most sinister offenders this country has ever seen is sickening.”
Mayor Michael Coxon was contacted for comment by The Advertiser but did not respond.
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