Brother Gerald Leo Fitzgerald

Brother Gerald Leo Fitzgerald was a former member of the Christian Brothers who predominantly taught and served in schools and orphanages throughout Victoria. Brother Fitzgerald was born in 1902 and died in 1987. Royal Commission records indicate that Brother Fitzgerald joined the Christian Brothers in 1919 and made his final profession in 1927. He taught/served at the following schools/institutions:

  • 1921 - East Melbourne;

  • 1923 - South Melbourne;

  • 1925 - Ballarat;

  • 1929 - North Melbourne;

  • 1930 - St Augustine’s Geelong;

  • 1932 - Warnambool;

  • 1934 - Ballarat;

  • 1936 - South Melbourne (St Vincent’s);

  • 1937 - Brunswick;

  • 1940 - South Melbourne (St Vincent’s);

  • 1943 to 1960 - Probationary Officer (Catholic Delinquent Boys);

  • 1960 - South Melbourne (St Vincent’s);

  • 1962 - East Melbourne;

  • 1962 - Ballarat - Teaching in Ballarat East; and

  • 1975 - Retired from teaching.

Brother Fitzgerald had been the subject of many allegations of child sexual abuse throughout his service with the Christian Brother. The first allegations arose in the 1950s, when he lived at St Vincent’s Orphanage and when he worked as a Probationary Officer for the Catholic Delinquent Boys organization. The Provincial at the time, became aware of the allegations and of Brother Fitzgerald’s’ behaviour but allowed him to continue in his position and from having continued access to children. Despite the Christian Brothers’ concern over his behaviour, in June 1962 he was appointed to a teaching position at St Alipius in Ballarat, teaching there for 13 years until he retired in 1975. During his time at St Alipius it is alleged that Brother Fitzgerald sexually abused another 15 boys of whom many gave testimonies about the abuse to the Royal Commission.

Brother Fitzgerald was never charged with any child sexual abuse offences and died in 1987 before any allegations where made in court.

Moody Law has in the past and is still representing clients who have made allegations of sexual and physical abuse against members of the Christian Brothers at various schools and institutions around Australia.

We invite former victims to tell us confidentially what information they may have, and we will explain what options are available to help with these cases.

Call us or complete the confidential enquiry form below.