Fight continues for memorial to victims of one of WA's worst paedophiles

Victims of one of Western Australia's most notorious pedophiles are still seeking recognition for their trauma as Dennis John McKenna prepares to be released from prison. The Katanning shire's inaction has been described as "disgusting" by advocates, with a formal apology deemed necessary. Dennis McKenna abused dozens of boys in the 1970s and 80s while managing St Andrew's Hostel, a student boarding facility in Katanning.

The education department agreed to demolish the site and allocate $750,000 towards a memorial, but the shire blocked the working group's request to place it in the town's all-ages playground. The memorial's location needs to be prominent to raise awareness and prevent future incidents. Katanning Shire President Kristy D Aprile stated that the council is not rushing the project and needs to consult victims still residing in the community.

The 2012 inquiry found that 11 people in Katanning were complicit in McKenna's crimes, and he was previously recognized as a citizen of the year before being unmasked as a sex offender. Victim-survivor Todd Jefferis condemned the shire's failure to apologize, calling it inexcusable, and urged more victims to come forward to keep McKenna behind bars.