Indigenous leader Mick Mundine charged with historical child sexual assault

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 03:32 · Archive

Prominent Indigenous leader Mick Mundine, 79, has appeared in Sydney court charged with sexually assaulting a then-15-year-old girl in 1986.

Mick Mundine, a 79-year-old prominent Indigenous leader and chief executive of the Aboriginal Housing Company, appeared in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court charged with sexual assault and sexual assault of a person under 16. The allegations relate to an incident in Redfern in Sydney's inner south in June 1986.

The alleged victim is Yvonne Weldon, now a City of Sydney councillor, who was 15 at the time. After Mundine was charged, Weldon publicly identified herself on social media and said she had 'carried this for 40 years'. She stated: 'It is time to no longer carry it. I came forward for the children who are here now and to break the culture of silence that allows abuse to continue.'

Weldon, who became the first Aboriginal councillor on the City of Sydney council when elected in 2021, said she would make no further comment while the matter proceeds through court and asked that her family's privacy be respected.

Mundine did not comment on the charges as he left court on Wednesday morning, flanked by supporters. He was not required to enter a plea and remains on bail. The court was told the matter has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

How it is being reported

• Indigenous leader Mick Mundine faces Sydney court charged with historical child sexual assaultProminent Indigenous leader Mick Mundine was silent as he faced court on allegations of sexually assaulting a City of Sydney councillor when she was 15.The West Australian · 14 Oct, 03:14
• Indigenous leader Mick Mundine faces Sydney court charged with historical child sexual assaultProminent Indigenous leader Mick Mundine was silent as he faced court on allegations of sexually assaulting a City of Sydney councillor when she was 15.Perth Now · 14 Oct, 03:14

In this story: Mick Mundine · Yvonne Weldon · City of Sydney · Aboriginal Housing Company · Redfern · Sydney

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