Melbourne school worker who was bashed by girl gang while protecting student wins huge payout

By WAYNE FLOWER, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 00:28, 4 August 2026 | Updated: 00:28, 4 August 2026 A school staffer who was brutally bashed by a gang of teenage girls while defending a student has won a six-figure payout for years of trauma after the terrifying attack.  Anna Pengelly, 62, worked in administration at Tarneit Senior College in Melbourne's west when a confrontation erupted inside the school's front office in August 2023.  But when she rushed out to intervene and protect a student, she was knocked to the ground before being kicked and punched, including twice to the head. Three other school teachers were attacked in the girl gang assault which was caught on CCTV and made national headlines at the time. Court documents reveal how Ms Pengelly said she was working in the administration office when she noticed a female student sitting in the foyer about 3.30pm. A large group of students rushed towards the student and Ms Pengelly ordered them to leave, but the schoolgirls turned on her instead and launched their brutal assault. News reports at the time said the menacing gang of bullies had attended the school in relation to 'an ongoing issue with a student'.  Police quickly arrested five teenage girls at the scene. Anna Pengelly, 62, worked in administration at Tarneit Senior College in Melbourne's west when a confrontation erupted inside the school's front office in August 2023  Three other school teachers were attacked in the girl gang assault which was caught on CCTV and made national headlines at the time  Anna Pengelly rushed out to intervene and protect a student but was knocked to the ground before being kicked and punched, including twice to the head  Joseph Ridley, principal lawyer with Arnold Thomas & Becker, said  the attack had left Ms Pengelly with a traumatic shoulder injury requiring surgery.  Complications from the operation left Ms Pengelly with neuropathy, bruising, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder and ongoing sleep deprivation. Ms Pengelly also said she was unable to return to substantial employment since her surgery in January 2024 and continues to suffer loss of income and earning capacity. She claims the Department of Education failed to adequately protect staff despite foreseeable risks of violence.  Among the allegations were that the department failed to warn her of the risk of violence, failed to communicate an existing safety plan relating to a student, failed to provide adequate security, failed to conduct appropriate risk assessments and failed to provide a safe system of work.  The matter was set to be heard in the County Court of Victoria but was settled on the eve of the trial for a sum believed to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Mr Ridley said the case raised broader questions about the safety of teachers and school support staff across Victoria. 'Every person who goes to work in a school has the right to expect they will return home safely,' he added. 'No teacher, receptionist, administration officer or education support worker should have to fear being assaulted while simply doing their job.' Anna Pengelly was left with traumatic injuries  Mr Ridley said support staff are often overlooked, despite regularly finding themselves on the frontline of volatile situations.  'Administration staff are frequently the first to respond when incidents unfold,' he said.  'They deserve the same level of protection, planning and support as every other member of the school community.' The Werribee lawyer said the consequences could extend well beyond the day of an incident. 'The injuries suffered by our client are alleged to have fundamentally changed her life,' he said.  'Physical injuries can heal, but the psychological effects of workplace violence can persist for years. 'This case is also about accountability. Where risks are known, employers have a legal obligation to take reasonable steps to protect their workers.'  Mr Ridley said he hoped the matter would encourage greater focus on staff safety in schools. Anna Pengelly still suffers today following the school incident  Tarneit Senior College was the scene of the girl gang attack on teachers and admin staff  'If these proceedings lead to stronger protections for education workers across Victoria, then some good may come from what our client says she has endured,' he said.  Tarneit Senior College principal Shane Cole-Hayhow sent a message to students and parents at the time regarding the incident.  'I want to reassure you that the use of violence in our school community is completely unacceptable and not in line with the values of our school,' he said.   An Education Department spokesperson also condemned the incident.  'There is no place for violence in our schools,' the spokesperson said at the time.  'We are aware of these incidents and are working closely with the school, impacted students and families as well as cooperating with Victoria Police who are investigating the incidents. 'All schools have strong policies in place to address any incidents of violence or bullying.'