Convicted Offender Involvement with YSC Early Years & Silo Art

Published on 04 July 2025

Chief Executive Officer Statement - Convicted Offender involvement in Yarriambiack Early Years Programs and Representation on Silo Art

Interaction with our Early Years Services

Yarriambiack Shire Council is devastated following yesterday's conviction of Mr Ronald Marks for possessing child abuse material.

As an early year's provider, Council takes the safety, care and education of our young people seriously and their health and safety are always paramount to us.

We acknowledge that Mr Marks, an Indigenous elder from Wergaia Industries delivered cultural awareness programs at our Kindergartens as part of the State Government funded School Readiness Program.

At the time of Mr Marks working in our Kindergartens, Yarriambiack Shire Council was not aware of any allegations made against Mr Marks by Victoria Police.

Tammy Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Yarriambiack Shire Council said, "Confirmation was received by Council yesterday evening (Thursday, 3 July) that Mr Marks had pleaded guilty to charges alleging possession of child abuse material when news reports about his court case were made public."

"Mr Marks has not worked at or attended a Kindergarten in our Shire in 2025," she said.

"This does not diminish the seriousness of the offences."

Mrs Smith said, "Mr Marks' led cultural awareness programs in early childhood settings that focussed on sharing Indigenous culturally significant stories, events and artefacts under the direct supervision of teachers and educators."

"Our teachers and educators are committed to the protocols of the child safe standards and always have the childrens best interest at the forefront of their minds."

Council has commenced an internal investigation regarding the engagement of Mr Marks' services and preliminary assessments have identified that Mr Marks did have a valid working with children check.

"We will be working closely with our neighbouring early childhood education and care providers and the Department of Education to understand how we were not made aware of Mr Marks arrest in 2021," Mrs Smith said.

"We are absolutely devastated to learn of this news, and that unknowingly, have welcomed Mr Marks into the kindergarten program."

Mrs Smith concluded by requesting that families and community members maintain respect toward teachers and educators when discussing this matter, noting the significant effect it is having on their health and well-being.

Sheep Hills Silo Art

The Sheep Hills Silo Art was commissioned in 2016 and celebrated Indigenous culture and the passing of knowledge from elders to the next generation.

Mrs Smith stated, "Mr Marks is currently depicted on the silo, and it was immediately recognised that his image would prompt objections from the community and requests for its removal."

Mrs Smith confirmed that, "Conversations have been held with relevant Government agencies and the Traditional Owners."

Both Yarriambiack Shire and Barengi Gadjin Land Council representatives agree that ensuring and supporting the safety of children is of the utmost importance, and therefore the image of Mr Marks on the Sheep Hills Silo should be removed as a matter of priority."

Mrs Smith stated, "the Council has engaged with the artist who commissioned the artwork, and we are collaborating with both the artist and Barengi Gadjin Land Council representatives to begin work on the redesign of the silo art."

"We are hopeful this will begin the week of 17 July, as we acknowledge the importance and time sensitivity of this matter," concluded Mrs Smith.

Council recognise this is shocking for families and the community.  Mrs Smith is available to meet with anyone who wishes to discuss the matter further; please contact the Council Office via #03 5398 0100 to arrange a meeting.

END OF RELEASE

Tammy Smith

Chief Executive Officer