Prominent Indigenous leader Mick Mundine has fronted court for the first time since being charged with the historical sexual assault of City of Sydney councillor Yvonne Weldon when she was a teenager.
The 79-year-old was arrested last week by the Sex Crimes Squad and charged with sexual assault and sexual assault of a person under the age of 16.
The allegations relate to an incident involving a then-15-year-old girl in Redfern, in Sydney’s inner south, in June 1986.
Prominent Sydney Indigenous elder Mick Mundine has appeared in court after being charged over allegations of historical child sexual assault.
Mr Mundine did not comment on the charges as he left court on Wednesday morning, flanked by supporters.
After the Aboriginal Housing Company chief executive was charged, Ms Weldon identified herself on social media as the alleged victim, who was 15 at the time.
“I have carried this for 40 years. It is time to no longer carry it,” she said.
“I came forward for the children who are here now and to break the culture of silence that allows abuse to continue.
“To other survivors of abuse in its many forms, you are not alone.
“It is never too late to speak up and seek support.”
Ms Weldon said she would make no further comment while the matter proceeds through court and asked that her family’s privacy be respected.
She became the first Aboriginal councillor to sit on the City of Sydney council when she was elected in 2021.
The Downing Centre Local Court was told on Wednesday that Mr Mundine’s matters were being referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mr Mundine was not required to enter a plea and he remains on bail.
In continuing bail, Judge Susan Horan noted Mr Mundine had been granted police bail despite the charges being “show cause” matters, which require the defendant to prove why their detention is unjustified.
Mr Mundine is the brother of boxing great Tony Mundine, who died in August, and the uncle of former world champion Anthony Mundine.
His case was adjourned to October 28.