Action by a group of former Port Macquarie High students, who allege sexual grooming and abuse by a group of teachers, has taken a step forward with one woman lodging proceedings in the District Court of New South Wales against a former teacher.
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The teacher is named as the first defendant and the Department of Education as the second defendant.
The woman is being represented by Port Macquarie law firm Scott Mackenzie Lawyers.
The matter has been listed for Pre-Trial Conference at Coffs Harbour on January 30, 2020.
Solicitor Mandy Mackenzie from Scott Mackenzie Lawyers said the firm "has commenced proceedings in the District Court of New South Wales".
"We can confirm that a Statement of Claim has now been filed and served on a former teacher of Port Macquarie High School and also the State of New South Wales," Ms Mackenzie said.
"These initial proceedings are the first of many that will follow."
The Port News spoke to a number of women in May 2019 who allege they were targeted and groomed by teachers at the school over a 20-year period.
The women said the abuse had a devastating impact on their life.
A Facebook group called Teacher's Pet Released was started in relation to Port Macquarie High School and allegations around teacher-student relations. Up to 42 women have made contact with the page's administrator to share their stories.
The Port News was told a complaint was made to the Department of Education in 1980 by two parents about an alleged perpetrator.
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