A victim of a convicted paedophile has given evidence to an inquiry that when he told his father about the abuse he was told to stop lying.
The inquiry is investigating allegations of sexual abuse against children at a state-run hostel in WA's south.
It follows the jailing of Dennis John McKenna, who sexually abused boys at St Andrew's Hostel in Katanning, where he was head warden from 1975 to 1990.
Kerryn Robert Stephens, now 52, told the inquiry on Monday that McKenna would entice him with whisky and would tap him on the feet to let him know that he should come to his room.
"He used to wait until everyone was asleep," he said.
Mr Stephens said when he told his father about the abuse, his father, who was a board member at the school, said he would speak to McKenna, but later told his son to stop lying and get on with completing his education.
"If I was a liar in my father's eyes, where would I go next?" he said.
Mr Stephens also described weekend trips to Perth when he and McKenna would stay at McKenna's parents' house and attend shows where men would dress as women.
He said he felt "special" to be on the trips but would have to share a single bed with McKenna.
Mr Stephens said after he told his father about the abuse, he never mentioned it to him again or spoke to anyone else about it.
"I just thought if my father wouldn't believe me, no-one else would," he said.
Earlier, during his opening address, counsel assisting the inquiry, Philip Urquhart, said McKenna was well respected in the local community and was a citizen of the year award winner.
He said evidence would be heard that complaints were made and concerns expressed by some teachers and parents, but all warnings were ignored because of McKenna's high standing.
"It was inconceivable that Dennis McKenna would be responsible for such conduct," he said.
Retired Supreme Court Justice Peter Blaxell is heading the inquiry to determine the extent of the abuse and whether there was a cover-up that allowed it to continue.
He is examining allegations that complaints against McKenna were dismissed by senior public servants in the 1970s and 80s.
The inquiry will examine when any allegations were made, who they were made to and what action was taken.
Mr Blaxell will present recommendations on any disciplinary action that should be taken against public officials, as well as any changes that should be made to the policies or procedures of government agencies as a result of the findings.
Any issues that relate to criminal behaviour during the inquiry will be referred to police.
Up to 40 witnesses will be called during the inquiry, including principals, teachers, board members, staff at the Department of Employment and Training, and a policeman.
McKenna was jailed for six years in October last year after pleading guilty to sexually abusing six boys, aged 13 to 15, in his care.
He was previously jailed for six years in 1991 for similar offences and may face more charges as other victims come forward.
Mr Blaxell will hold hearings in Perth and Katanning.
A hotline has been set up so that more victims can come forward.
The inquiry is expected to be completed by April, with a report presented by May 31.
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