Barry Wayne Lawrence: Department of Communities employee in Mandurah court on new child assault charges

An award-winning former child protection employee who cared for some of WA’s most vulnerable kids is facing new charges of sexually assaulting a teen. Former Department of Communities Barry Wayne Lawrence faced eight new charges in relation to the abuse of a second alleged victim when he appeared briefly in Mandurah Magistrates Court on Tuesday. The 39-year-old from Coodanup was initially charged in 2025 with four offences following allegations that he had sexually abused a teenage boy. The new charges relate to alleged sexual penetration of a different 14-year-old boy on multiple occasions in a single day. Mr Lawrence was read the new charges in court on Tuesday by Magistrate Clare Cullen but was not required to enter pleas. “I understand,” he replied. Mr Lawrence’s lawyer was not present but asked via email for the matter to be transferred to Perth District Court for a committal mention. As Ms Cullen read out the conditions, Mr Lawrence remarked on their severity. The magistrate also asked Mr Lawrence if he had children of his own, which he denied. Mr Lawrence also has not entered pleas to the initial charges, two counts of using electronic communication with intent to expose a person under the age of 16 to indecent matter and two counts of indecent dealing. He will next appear at Perth District Court on April 8. Mr Lawrence received a partnership award during National Child Protection Week in 2024 for his “outstanding contribution” to the childcare sector for his role as an Aboriginal practice leader, based out of an office in Mandurah. The award ceremony was hosted by former Child Protection Minister Sabine Winton.“The Cook Government values the work of all child protection workers who play an important role in keeping children and young people safe,” she said at the time. A police investigation is ongoing. Reports about sexual abuse can be made through anonymously through WA Police’s Safe2Say online reporting platform.