Holiday park man charged over child sex abuse at Wisemans Ferry

A former resident of a popular Sydney holiday park has been charged in connection to alleged historical sexual abuse offences against children that took place in the Hawkesbury during the 1980s. 

The investigation, led by detectives from the Hawkesbury Police Area Command, has been actively pursued under the codename “Strike Force Twill” since its establishment in October 2022. The arrest came in response to a series of reports detailing incidents of child sex abuse that occurred at a holiday park in Wisemans Ferry.

Police said the incidents are believed to have transpired between the years 1982 and 1987. During this period, a resident of the holiday park allegedly perpetrated sexual assaults against several young boys.

On Thursday (20 July 2023) at approximately 9 am, detectives successfully apprehended a 60-year-old man residing in Wisemans Ferry. He was charged with 22 child sexual assault offences and one count of common assault.

He was refused bail and appeared at Penrith Local Court on Friday (21 July 2023), to reappear at the same court on Friday 29 September 2023.

Wisemans Ferry has long been a popular family holiday destination.

Police are reaching out to the public for any assistance that could aid their efforts. Detectives are keen to speak with anyone who may have information related to the incidents. This includes individuals who may have holidayed in the area during the timeframe and might have witnessed any suspicious behaviour that could be relevant to the case.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.