Wayne Robinson appeared in Wangaratta Magistrates Court yesterday charged with offences including the sexual penetration of a child aged under 16 and committing an indecent act with a child aged under 16.

He was first charged with offences earlier in 2018, but more alleged victims have since come forward.

Police have confirmed the allegations of rape stretch back over a decade.

Robinson founded the Northern Rivers Academy of Music in 1998, where children of a wide range of ages have taken part in music programs and performances.

He has been described as an “eclectic musician and educator” who performs as a pianist and singer, has worked for Wangaratta Council in the past, and spent many years as director of the city’s annual Carols By Candlelight event.

The 2018 carols event was to again be run by Robinson, but new directors have been put in place following the sexual assault charges.

Police prosector Leading Senior Constable Heath Dosser asked for the court case to be adjourned until March 2019 to give any further alleged victims a chance to contact police.

“It’s an ongoing investigation,” he said.

“It’s a situation that there are further complainants coming forward.”

Police will apply to have the charges heard in the higher County Court.

Robinson did not say anything during the short hearing and will remain on bail until the next court date.