Melbourne High School’s former business director has admitted stealing more than $350,000 from the school over nearly a decade while overseeing its multimillion-dollar finances.
Frances Walshe, who was praised in the school’s 2020 annual report for managing her finances “in the most efficient and effective manner”, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to 10 charges of theft and one of obtaining a financial advantage by deception. .
Melbourne High School. Credits: Andrew De La Rue
Charge sheets released by the court show Walshe, 65, stole a total of $358,500 from the school between early 2012 and September last year.
A separate charge says he also defrauded the school of $77,000 between 2016 and last year by altering payee details on invoices.
“Guilty, your honor,” Walshe said when asked to enter a plea at the online hearing Wednesday.
Headteacher Tony Mordini confirmed Walshe worked at the school for “a long time” and oversaw its budgets and financial records.
My school figures show that Melbourne High School has an annual budget of over $20 million. Located in South Yarra, it is the only selective entry government school for boys in Victoria.
Mordini said Walshe resigned late last year as soon as his wrongdoing was discovered following an internal review of the school’s finances after discrepancies were found.
“The school has acted immediately once the school has identified anomalies, and the school is confident that it has acted appropriately in its responsibilities and contacting the authorities,” he said.