Katanning Residential College, formerly St Andrew’s Hostel, demolished as Dennis McKenna’s survivors look on

There were tears, hugs and shouts of celebration as the roof of Katanning Residential College — where dozens of boys were abused by hostel warden Dennis McKenna in the 1970s and 80s — caved in. The building’s administration office was the first to be struck in what is expected to be a six to nine month destruction process for the former St Andrew’s Hostel where serial paedophile McKenna abused 28 boys. One of WA’s most prolific sexual predators, McKenna was jailed in 2011 and is serving a 22-year sentence for his crimes. Survivor Todd Jefferis was among the crowd of survivors, former students and family members. “It is pretty haunting, ” Mr Jefferis said. “It feels like an abandoned abattoir, a house of horrors really, it is a terrible, terrible place and unspeakable things happen in there. “I’m glad we managed to bring it to an end, bring (McKenna) to an end, unfortunately just wasn’t soon enough. “It is not going to fix it or give us closure, but it does made us feel that the fight we’ve been fighting is worth it. “We’ve had a win and we’ve got something back of our own.” Through tears, another survivor of McKenna’s abuse said the building was a “tomb” where they “were silenced”. “Driving here and seeing it made me really anxious, scared and worried,” they said. “It feels like history is being erased, but I know that it’s not, because our memories are still there. “It’s bittersweet but I’m really glad it is coming down. “I really hope that this helps some people heal in some way. We’re all just trying to find a better place in life.” Kim Daniels, also a survivor, said it was “a long time coming” and “needs to be gone”. Former Supreme Court Judge Peter Blaxell, who conducted the special enquiry into the hostel, said its destruction was “symbolic for the survivors”. “It shows that they have been heard, it symbolises the triumphs of good over evil,” Mr Blaxell said. “The evil that has happened in there and the brave young boys who came forward and were ostracised by the school community and townsfolk who wouldn’t accept that these things occurred. “In a way, the destruction of this building erases that stain on the town of Katanning.” Former student Julie Faulkner said she was only thinking of her brother Mike Hilder as the demolition took place. “I feel apprehensive for him watching it because I know how it ruined his life,” Ms Faulkner said. “I will be glad to see it knocked down. “What should have been a really happy life for my brother has turned into hell.” Four survivors said friendships and bonds were forged as those connected to the hostel has supported one another. “There’s many horrible memories but lots of beautiful friendships and bonds,” one said. “We have a connection regardless whether we were in the same year or even knew each other there, it is just ‘oh you went to the hostel’ and there is this shared understanding. “It’s almost like we were on another planet.” Mr Daniels encouraged sexual abuse survivors to tell someone because there is support and speaking up may save their lives. 1800 RESPECT Sexual Assault Counselling Australia 1800 211 028 WA Sexual Assault Resource Centre on 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 Lifeline 13 11 14. Beyond Blue 1300 224 636