Health authorities will test 1,200 young children for infectious diseases after a former childcare worker was charged with more than 70 child sex assault-related offences. On 12th of May police arrested 26-year-old Joshua Brown from Point Cook following the discovery of child abuse material. Brown, who worked at multiple childcare centres across Melbourne, faces charges including sexual penetration of a child under 12, sexual assault of a child under 16, and production of child abuse material.
The offences are linked to eight alleged victims at Creative Gardens Early Learning Centre in Point Cook between April 2022 and January 2023. Brown has been in police custody since his arrest and is scheduled to appear in court on 15th of September .
Victoria Police Acting Commander Janet Stevenson stated that Brown was previously unknown to police and held a valid working with children check. The investigation was not triggered by a complaint but involved proactive police work. Identifying the victims took several weeks. Police are also investigating possible offences at a second childcare centre in Essendon.
Thousands of parents were alerted by authorities about the situation. Parents expressed shock and concern, recalling Brown’s friendly demeanor at the centres. Although the charges relate to one centre, Brown worked at 20 childcare centres from January 2017 to May 2025. The state government has published a list of these centres and related health information for affected families.
Authorities have contacted the families of the eight alleged victims and are reaching out to others who placed children at the centres for support and welfare services. There is no evidence implicating other staff members or suggesting offences at other centres.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Dr. Christian McGrath said 2,600 families have been contacted, and 1,200 children who may have been exposed to a treatable infectious disease are being urged to undergo free testing. The disease does not pose a wider public risk.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan described the allegations as “sickening” and confirmed that early childhood regulators have launched investigations alongside police inquiries. Authorities are encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Support is available through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
