Investigation into Corio Technical School teacher prompts call for witnesses to come forward

Lawyers have launched a witness appeal for former Corio Technical School students and staff as part of serious sexual assault investigations dating back to the late 1980s.

Lawyers are seeking witnesses who attended or worked at Corio Technical School in the late 1980s as part of an ongoing investigation into serious claims of sexual assault. Picture: Cameron Bates

Lawyers are seeking witnesses who attended or worked at Corio Technical School in the late 1980s in part of an ongoing investigation into serious claims of sexual assault.

Arnold Thomas and Becker lawyer Tamara Taleska said the firm was looking to speak with anyone from the school community who may hold information that could assist investigations.

“We are reaching out to former students, staff and anyone familiar with Corio Tech during this period,” Ms Taleska said.

“Even small pieces of information could be of significant assistance.”

She said the passage of time often made evidence difficult to locate, which was why community assistance was key.

Corio Tech Secondary School closed in 2010 and merged with a number of those schools to become Northern Bay P-12 College.

Ms Taleska said Arnold Thomas and Becker was seeking witnesses who could recall a staff member known as “Mr McKay”; the leadership or administrative structure at Corio Technical School during 1988 to 1990 and any conduct or concerns involving staff at the time.

“We are urging anyone who remembers a staff member known as Mr McKay, or who can speak to the school environment between 1988 and 1990, to contact us,” she said.

Ms Taleska said the firm handled all conversations with strict confidentiality.

“Our priority is the wellbeing of our clients and any witnesses who come forward,” she said.

“People can speak with us confidentially and without any pressure.”

Ms Taleska said she was also searching for general information about the school environment in those years.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Arnold Thomas and Becker Lawyers on 1300 333 300.

Originally published as Investigation into Corio Technical School teacher prompts call for witnesses to come forward