Statement - Convicted Offender

Published on 07 July 2025

Hindmarsh Shire Council is deeply saddened and concerned following the conviction of Mr Ronald Marks, Indigenous Elder, only learning of the conviction through media reports.

We acknowledge the distress this news has caused across our community, particularly for families and those who engaged with Mr Marks through his cultural programs and appearances at events, activities and early years services.

Mr Marks was engaged by Council at various times to participate in the order of service at formal events. At all times, these activities were conducted under the direct supervision of Council staff, or event organisers. Mr Marks was never left alone with children.

Hindmarsh Shire Council requires all staff, volunteers, and contractors working with children through our events and activities - including school holiday programs, playgroups, and movies - to hold and present a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC). Council staff and volunteers are required to register Hindmarsh Shire Council as part of their WWCC applications or changes in positions / volunteering.

Council had no knowledge of Mr Marks arrest or of any investigation by Victoria Police prior to his recent conviction.

Council has also liaised with Emerge Early Years Services, which delivers kindergarten and early childhood education in Hindmarsh. Emerge has confirmed that Mr Marks has not been engaged in any Hindmarsh-based early years services this year, and that when he was previously engaged, he was always fully supervised by educators and staff.

Hindmarsh Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Monica Revell said, “We understand that this news is deeply upsetting for our families and community. Child safety is, and always will be, our highest priority, and we are treating this matter with the seriousness and sensitivity it deserves.”

Council has no ongoing or planned future association with Mr Marks.

“We remain committed to transparency with our community,” Mrs Revell said. “We are undertaking a thorough review of Council’s processes regarding the use of contractors and volunteers to ensure the highest possible protection of children. We also call on the State Government to urgently review the regulations governing the Working with Children Check, so that a person’s check can be suspended or cancelled at the time of arrest or charge - not only after a conviction - to provide stronger safeguards for our children.”

Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer