BoysTown Beaudesert

Who was responsible for Boystown Beaudesert?

Boystown Beaudesert was owned and operated by the De La Salle Brothers. 

What is the relationship between the De La Salle Brothers and yourtown?

yourtown is a public company limited by guarantee, governed by an independent Board of Directors. yourtown is owned by the Trustees of the De La Salle Brothers. 

Who has been responsible for compensation being paid to those who were abused? Is yourtown using money from supporters (Art Union income) to pay compensation claims?

All claims are the responsibility of the De La Salle Brothers. No yourtown supporter funds have been or will be used.

Has yourtown and/or the De La Salle Brothers issued a public apology?

Yes, the De La Salle Brothers (and their works) have been unreserved in their apologies which are on the public record. The De La Salle Brothers have been and continue to be committed to do what they can to bring some healing to lives damaged as a result of institutional abuse through the provision of counselling, personal apology and the settlement of claims.

Have those hurt by the actions of others at Boystown Beaudesert received compensation?

The De La Salle Brothers have settled claims for large numbers of those who have come forward either through their own legal representation, through the National Redress Scheme, directly to the De La Salle Brothers as well as through the Catholic Church's Towards Healing scheme.

Why was there no comment in the recent ABC online news story from the De La Salle Brothers?

Unfortunately, the De La Salle Brothers were not asked to comment. If they had been requested to comment, we have been advised that they would have contributed and outlined no only their apologies, but also their commitment to supporting those who have come forward, including what that involves.

What was ‘Boystown Beaudesert’/boys’ school?

In 1961, the De La Salle Brothers established Boystown's inaugural site at Beaudesert, Queensland - a residential school for disadvantaged boys. The school operated for 40 years, closing in 2001 due to changes in Government policy regarding institutionalised child care.

Does yourtown operate a residential school for boys?

No. Boystown Beaudesert closed in 2001 and yourtown does not operate any residential schools.

A De La Salle Brother and a former Boystown member of staff were convicted of serious offences related to Boystown Beaudesert are their other charges pending?

At this time, we believe that the Police Investigation has been finalised.

What steps has yourtown taken to ensure that these types of abuse never happen at yourtown?

yourtown is committed to upholding the National Safeguarding Standards and as such has stringent recruiting procedures that include working with children and background checks and a range of policies and protocols for safeguarding and reporting. Additionally, our various programs are regularly audited and evaluated to ensure services are delivered to the highest standards of quality, professionalism and ethical values. This includes genuine engagement with children and young people within those programs.

The organisation has also established Youth Participation groups to ensure that children and young people are empowered to have a voice and to contribute the design and development of programs and advocacy positions.

Do De La Salle Brothers work in yourtown?

Yes. We do have Brothers working in yourtown who, along with staff, focus on providing the very best service we can to those who turn to us. It is unfortunate that the actions of some may tarnish the good works of others. The Brothers, like all yourtown staff, work to the highest standards of child protection and the needs of young people are of paramount importance to us.

Were those who were convicted of abuse ever work at yourtown?

No, they have not been employed by yourtown.

I wasn’t aware of these issues, why hasn’t yourtown been more transparent with supporters about these matters?

yourtown has provided detail on historical abuse matters since they came to light some years ago. This included updating Q&A’s as information came to hand and responding any media enquiries made. In addition, we have endeavoured to respond to any query received from supporters and stakeholders. We have tried to be as transparent as possible, however as the matters are not specifically related to yourtown, there are limitations as to what information we have to share.

Did yourtown change its name to avoid being associated with Boystown Beaudesert and the De La Salle Brothers?

No. Our change in identity was only related to how we have evolved as an organisation. The change process was undertaken to reflect the work we do today, which is not gender specific, as well as to showcase that we undertake our mission in partnership with community and the young people who turn to us.