The Christian Brothers Oceania apologise without reservation to those who suffered abuse by Brother David Standen, who was sentenced in Sydney today.

“As children and now as adults you have borne great pain and suffering as a result of these awful crimes”, said Brother Peter Clinch, Province Leader - Christian Brothers Oceania Province.

“To you and your families we express our profound sorrow and regret at what has taken place.

“As innocent children you should have been protected and you were tragically let down.

“I hope that the conclusion of this judicial process with today’s sentencing brings some measure of justice to ease your pain.

“The Christian Brothers are committed to continuing to work with all who have suffered abuse to help bring some healing to lives damaged by the effects of these terrible events.

“As part of addressing past failures the Christian Brothers continue to participate fully in all and any investigations into abuse no matter how long ago or where it occurred,

“This includes investigations such as those which have led to today’s sentencing in this matter and we reiterate our call for any person with any evidence of criminal conduct to take that to the police.

“We recognise the decision by Brother Standen to enter guilty pleas at an early stage.

“The Christian Brothers are grateful that those who were abused were spared having to give evidence during a lengthy trial, minimising the potential for further trauma to be inflicted.

“Again on behalf of all Christian Brothers I extend our sincerest apology for what has happened.

“I encourage anyone with any complaint of past abuse at our facilities to contact our Professional Standards Office in Melbourne on (03) 8359 0134 where they can access professional help and expert advice”, said Brother Clinch.

A letter to the Goulburn Community 10 June 2016

I wanted to speak to you, the Goulburn Community, directly now that the sentencing of Brother David Standen is complete.

This has been a tragedy for all involved, not least the innocent children who suffered abuse and the effects of those actions on their lives.

Childhood should be a time of great happiness with fond memories to cherish, look back upon and draw comfort from, particularly during the hardships of adult life.

Tragically for some this did not happen.

Trust and innocence were betrayed and in their place, fear, pain and suffering took hold.

These children, now men, had every right to expect that they would be protected and they were failed.

To them I say this.

I acknowledge your hurt and I reiterate our unreserved apology for what has taken place. I hope that the conclusion of this judicial process with today’s sentencing brings some measure of justice to ease your pain.

I know that today is not the end of the journey, but another step forward on the often long path of healing. Our apology to you is enduring, as is our commitment to walk with you.

Long after the focus has shifted elsewhere, know that we will continue our efforts to try and help make whole again what was damaged long ago.

I know for some what we do will never be enough and we must accept that. Knowing that we must still continue our work to try and bring peace and healing where there is distress, pain and suffering.

Brother Peter Clinch, Province Leader (Christian Brothers Oceania Province)