He said the woman were aged from seven to 35 when they were sexually assaulted in Ballarat houses, the Black Hill lookout, University of Ballarat and Muir’s Wendouree home.

Detective Sergeant Carson said Mr Muir held a high position in the community and his arrest would raise awareness of the matter.

Mr Muir’s defence barrister said her client had known about the sexual assault allegations for some time but had not left the community, other than to visit his daughter overseas.

She said Mr Muir had significant ties to the community and there would be a delay before the matter was finally determined.

The prosecution did not oppose Muir’s application for bail.