Survivors of clergy abuse at the hands of Catholic priests in Ballarat have heralded Bishop Paul Bird’s announcement that the rumoured $2.1 million estate left to the church will be set aside for assistance to victims of abuse as an “example that other dioceses in Australia can look up to”.

In March, Cardinal George Pell made an impassioned promise to work with a group of survivors and agencies, especially the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors – whose leader,  Father Hans Zollner, came to Ballarat just months ago.

Cardinal Pell’s Rome vision of making Ballarat a healing centre has yet to be realised. 

Bishop Bird’s lauded announcement is a continuation of the diocese’s ongoing work with survivors to ensure their welfare is considered after the Royal Commission.

Bishop Mulkearns presided over the Ballarat diocese during its darkest period. Known as the “keeper of secrets”, he was condemned for failing to act on known cases of abuse.

He was the first Ballarat bishop to be denied a crypt burial when he died this year. 

Clergy abuse survivors Peter Blenkiron and Andrew Collins have called for inherited funds to be invested to ensure a continuous fund is available to help survivors. 

“The Diocese of Ballarat has been very supportive – reimbursing some medical and counselling costs to survivors,” Mr Collins said.

“I’m pleased to see that Bishop Bird isn’t just talking. He is actually taking some action.”

Maureen Hatcher, who founded Ballarat’s Loud Fence movement which broke the silence on abuse, said the move suggested “the big black cloud” that shrouded Ballarat during the period of abuse was lifting. 

“It’s really positive to see the church stand up and have voice,” Ms Hatcher said.

“(With the church) we have seen a really significant change in a short period of time.”  

Mr Blenkiron hoped this could lead to something much greater. 

“I hope this is the start of a $20 million fund .. the whole of the community has been affected by the abuse, it has a ripple effect. This can start helping people who are really in crisis mode,” Mr Blenkiron said.

“This might encourage other bishops to change their wills to help people in need.”