Maurice Blackburn Lawyers investigates historical child abuse allegations at St Hilda’s School, Southport

A legal firm has launched an investigation into alleged historic child abuse at an elite Gold Coast school and is calling for witnesses to come forward.

A legal firm has launched an investigation into alleged child abuse at St Hilda’s School during the 1980s and is calling for witnesses to come forward.

A legal firm has launched an investigation into alleged child abuse at an elite Gold Coast school during the 1980s and is calling for witnesses to come forward.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers says it is representing a former St Hilda’s School student who alleges she was abused by a female teacher at the Southport school in the late 1980s.

Maurice Blackburn associate Sarah Borrows said the firm had commenced legal proceedings and is now appealing for anyone who might have information to contact them.

“Maurice Blackburn has launched an appeal for witnesses in relation to alleged abuse that occurred at St Hilda’s School in Southport in the 1980s,” she said.

“As part of our investigations into this case, we are appealing for anyone who might have information about alleged abuse at St Hilda’s or by staff from St Hilda’s to get in touch,” Ms Borrows said.

“This includes former students, staff or parents who may have seen or heard something that didn’t feel right at the time.”

St Hilda’s School, Southport, Gold Coast. Part of Queensland best boarding schools feature.

She urged anyone with information to come forward, saying even minor details could be significant.

“What might seem a small piece of information to one person could potentially make a huge difference in this case for our client,” Ms Borrows said.

“I’d like to assure potential witnesses that all calls will be treated confidentially.”

A St Hilda’s School spokesperson said the school was aware of an advertisement in Monday’s Bulletin regarding allegations of historic abuse.

“St Hilda’s School takes any suggestion of historic abuse extremely seriously,” the spokesperson said.

“St Hilda’s School remains committed to providing a safe environment, where all students receive the highest standard of care and support at all times.”

In an email sent to the school community on Monday morning, obtained by the Bulletin, principal Virginia Warner said the school would handle the matter in line with its values.

“I assure you that St Hilda’s School will respond in line with our values and in the right channels,” she wrote.

The principal told parents that for schools owned by the Anglican Church Southern Queensland, redress regarding historical abuse was managed by a specialist team who could be contacted directly via email.

Mrs Warner urged parents with concerns about their daughter’s wellbeing or safety to contact her directly.

“I thank you for your ongoing support,” she said.

Originally published as Maurice Blackburn Lawyers investigates historical child abuse allegations at St Hilda’s School, Southport