Gerald Francis Ridsdale

Rightside Legal has successfully represented dozens of clients abused by notorious paedophile priest Gerald Francis Ridsdale.

Ridsdale was in prison from 1994 until his death in February 2025 for the abuse of hundreds of children in central and south-western Victoria.

Even though he is now dead, if you suffered Ridsdale’s abuse you can still claim financial compensation for the pain and distress he caused. 

Ridsdale served in parishes in western Victoria after being ordained in 1961, and served at 16 different parishes nationwide over the next three decades as he was moved by the church to different parishes, following complaints detailing abuse.

Locations and communities that Gerald Ridsdale served in include:

• Horsham, Inglewood, Camperdown and Ballarat North as fill in priest (1961 – 1962)
• Ballarat North (1962 – 1964)
• Mildura (1964 – 1966)
• Swan Hill (1966 – 1969)
• Warrnambool (1970 – 1972)
• Ballarat East (1972 – 1974)
• Apollo Bay (1974 – 1975)
• Inglewood (1975)
• Edenhope (1976 – 1979)
• National Pastoral Institute (1980)
• Mortlake (1981 – 1982)
• Catholic Enquiry Centre, Sydney (1982 – 1985)
• Woy Woy and Forestville, both in then Sydney archdiocese (early 1986)
• Horsham (1986 – 1988)
• St John of God Hospital, Richmond, NSW (March/April 1991)

Read more here and here.

We believe Ridsdale abused numerous children who have not come forward yet.

If you have any further information or you want legal advice in relation to Gerald Ridsdale, please call 1300765702 or complete the confidential enquiry form below.