A major alert has been issued to thousands of families across Melbourne, Australia. This follows serious child abuse charges laid against a former childcare worker. Authorities are now recommending hundreds of children undergo precautionary testing for infectious diseases. The unfolding situation has prompted a large-scale public health response and raised urgent questions about child safety in early learning centres.
Disturbing Charges Filed Against Former Childcare Worker
Police have charged Joshua Dale Brown, a 26-year-old former childcare worker, with over 70 offences. These charges are related to the alleged sexual abuse of infants and young children in his care. The investigation began after police proactively discovered child abuse material. It was not initiated by a complaint.
The charges are severe. They include attempted sexual penetration of a child under 12. Other charges involve sexual assault of a child under 16. Brown also faces multiple counts related to producing, transmitting, and possessing child abuse material. Further charges include recklessly contaminating goods and using a carriage service to offend.
Police allege Brown abused eight children. These children were aged between five months and two years old. The alleged offending occurred at one specific centre, Creative Gardens Early Learning Centre in Point Cook. This timeframe is between April 2022 and January 2023.
Widespread Impact Due to Extensive Work History
The investigation revealed Brown worked at many different childcare centres across Victoria. Between January 2017 and May 2025, he was employed at a total of 20 centres. His tenure at these facilities varied greatly. Some periods were as short as a single day. Others lasted for over a year. This extensive work history across multiple locations is a key factor in the broad public health response now underway.
Brown was arrested on May 12, 2024. He has remained in police custody since then. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 15, 2024. He has not yet entered a plea to the charges. Police stated Brown was not previously known to them before this investigation began. He held a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) at the time of his arrest. His WWCC has since been cancelled.
Precautionary Health Testing Recommended
Health authorities in Victoria have initiated a significant public health response. This is a precautionary measure. It stems from the nature of the alleged offences and Brown’s history of working across numerous locations. Approximately 2,600 families whose children attended centres where Brown worked have been contacted.
Of these families, about 1,200 children have been specifically recommended for infectious disease screening. Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Christian McGrath, confirmed this recommendation. He stated it is being done out of an abundance of caution. The goal is to provide assurance to parents regarding their children’s health.
Details on the Testing Process
The health department is coordinating the testing process. Families are receiving direct referrals to medical centres and laboratories. This aims to ensure quick turnaround of results. The testing is being provided free of charge for all affected families.
Specific infections being tested for have not been publicly disclosed. This is due to privacy concerns and the ongoing investigation. However, health officials have reassured the community. They state that any potential infections are treatable with antibiotics. They also confirmed there is no broader public health risk to the wider community.
Parents who believe their child may have attended one of the affected centres should check the official list. This list is available on a dedicated government website. An advice line is also available for families with concerns.
Government and Police Response
Victoria Police made the unusual decision to lift the suppression order on Joshua Brown’s identity. This step was taken on July 1, 2024. Authorities deemed it necessary due to the unique circumstances of the case. Making his identity public helps ensure parents across the state are aware of who he is and the locations where he worked.
Victoria’s Premier, Jacinta Allan, expressed deep distress over the allegations. She stated she was “sickened” and heartbroken for the affected families. The government has established a dedicated website and advice line (1800 791 241). These resources provide support, health advice, testing information, and links to specialist services, including mental health support.
Support for Affected Families and Sector Reforms
Financial assistance is also available. Eligible families may receive $5,000. This funding can help with alternative care arrangements, loss of earnings, and other practical needs. Support is also available for staff at affected centres. They can consult their GP or the advice line.
The state’s early childhood regulator has launched an investigation. This review will examine the Working with Children Check screening process. Victoria is also pushing for faster child safety reforms. Upcoming national measures will reduce the mandatory reporting window for abuse allegations. Stricter rules on technology use in centres are also planned. Child safety will be explicitly integrated into the national quality standard from January 2026. Victoria plans to pursue a state-level childcare worker registration system regardless of the national pace.
Police are continuing their investigation. They are prioritising examination of a second centre in Essendon. Detectives believe Brown acted alone. They also believe all alleged offending occurred only within Victoria. Authorities are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. This includes parents or former colleagues who may have noticed concerning behaviour.
Navigating This Difficult Time
The news has caused significant shock and anger among parents. Expert advice is available to help parents discuss these distressing events with their children. Maintaining routines is important. Parents should remain calm when discussing the situation. They should make it clear to their children that they can share anything they feel or remember at any time. Crucially, believing and supporting their children is vital for their future wellbeing.
This incident highlights the critical importance of stringent safety measures in childcare. The widespread impact underscores the need for robust systems. The government and regulatory response indicates a commitment to reviewing and strengthening these protections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are so many children in Melbourne being asked to get tested?
Health authorities are recommending testing for approximately 1,200 children. This is a precautionary measure. It follows child abuse charges against former childcare worker Joshua Brown. The recommendation is due to the nature of the alleged offences and the fact that Brown worked at 20 different centres across Victoria over several years. Testing aims to provide peace of mind to families regarding their children’s health.
Where can families find a list of affected childcare centres and get support?
The Victorian government has published a list of the childcare centres where Joshua Brown worked. This list is available on a dedicated government website. Families can check this site to see if their child attended one of the listed centres during his employment dates. A dedicated advice and support line is also available at 1800 791 241. This line provides health advice, testing information, help with booking free tests, and links to specialist support services like mental health resources.
What should parents do if their child attended an affected centre?
Parents whose children attended one of the 20 centres where Joshua Brown worked should check the official government website for the list of locations and dates. If they are identified as potentially affected, they may be contacted directly by health authorities or police. If they believe their child attended one of the centres during the relevant period but haven’t been contacted, they should call the dedicated advice line on 1800 791 241 for guidance. This line can help determine if precautionary testing is recommended and arrange support services.
The situation remains under active investigation. Affected families are encouraged to utilise the support services available. The focus remains on child safety and providing necessary support to those impacted by these serious allegations.
