Melbourne Man Charged in Childcare Sex Abuse Case

More than 70 offenses alleged against worker

A 26-year-old man is facing serious charges in Melbourne, accused of sexually assaulting children at a childcare facility. The case has prompted widespread concern and a health screening for hundreds of children.

Details of the Arrest and Charges

**Joshua Brown** was taken into custody in May, with the charges relating to eight young victims. These children attended a Point Cook childcare center between April 2022 and January 2023.

The charges against **Brown** are extensive. They include sexual penetration of a child under 12, sexual assault of a child under 16, producing child abuse material, and possession of child abuse material. The alleged victims were between five months and two years old.

Scope of the Investigation

Police have revealed that **Brown** had been employed at 20 different childcare centers from January 2017 to May 2025. Authorities are also investigating potential offenses at a childcare center located in Essendon.

Acting Commander **Janet Stevenson** stated, “We’re not suggesting that the accused has offended against children in all these centres, but we’re encouraging anyone to come forward with any information to Crime Stoppers.”

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in 2022–23, there were 44,900 substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect in Australia (AIHW 2024), highlighting the critical importance of vigilance and reporting in protecting children.

Health Concerns and Response

Due to the nature of the accusations, around 1,200 children have been advised to undergo screening for infectious diseases as a precaution.

While the specific infectious diseases have not been disclosed, Chief Health Officer Dr. **Christian McGrath** has assured the public that any potential infections are treatable with antibiotics. “This is a very complex and distressing matter, and our highest priorities are the health wellbeing of the children and families involved,” **McGrath** said.

The state’s health department has released a list of all the childcare centers where **Brown** worked. Police are also contacting families who may have had children enrolled at these centers.

Investigation Details

**Stevenson** noted that the investigation began after detectives allegedly found child abuse material. A search warrant was then executed at **Brown**’s Point Cook residence.

**Stevenson** described the investigation as “proactive,” emphasizing that authorities had to identify the victims. “We actually had to identify the victims involved. It was very complex,” she explained.

Premier **Jacinta Allan** expressed her dismay, stating she was “sickened” by the allegations. She emphasized that the safety of children in Victoria is the top priority. The early childhood regulator will investigate the conduct of the childcare centers where **Brown** was employed.

**Brown** remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court in September.

Resources for Parents

A dedicated advice hotline has been established for families seeking guidance. Parents can call 1800 791 241 for health advice and to arrange free testing for their children if recommended.

Further details are available on the health department’s website.

Here is the full list of childcare centers where **Brown** worked between January 2017 and May 2025:

• Nino Early Learning Adventures — Point Cook (15 Jan 2017 – 9 Jun 2019)
• Explorers Early Learning – Point Cook (18 Aug 2019 – 27 Oct 2019. Casual work on 10 Nov 2019 and 22 Dec 2019)
• Adventurers Education — Wyndham Vale (25 Nov 2019 – 24 Jul 2020)
• Only About Children — Williamstown (28 Oct 2020 – 30 Mar 2021)
• Wallaby Childcare Centre — Sanctuary Lakes (13 Apr 2021 – 25 May 2021)
• Nido Early Learning School — Werribee (21 Jun 2021 – 16 Jul 2021)
• Leopold World of Learning — Leopold (9 Feb 2023 – 13 Feb 2023)
• Greenwood–Point Cook (14 Feb 2023 – 10 Mar 2023)
• Little Blossoms Child Care Centre — Werribee (14 Aug 2023 – 17 Aug 2023)
• D.O.T.S Occupational Therapy for Children — Footscray (1 Mar 2024 – 30 Apr 2024)
• Aussie Kindies Early Learning — Sunbury (13 Aug 2024 – 21 Aug 2024)
• Milestones Early Learning — Werribee (14 Aug 2024 – 16 Aug 2024)
• Milestones Early Learning — Hoppers Crossing (19 Aug 2024 – 19 Aug 2024)
• Papilio Early Learning — Hoppers Crossing (22 Aug 2024 – 12 Mar 2025)
• Kids Academy — Melton (12 Sep 2024 – 12 Sep 2024)
• Kids Academy — Kensington (7 Oct 2024 – 9 Oct 2024)
• Aussie Kindies Early Learning — Keilor (11 Feb 2025 – 11 Feb 2025)
• Papilio Early Learning — Essendon (17 Feb 2025 – 9 May 2025)
• Milestones Early Learning — Bundoora (8 May 2025 – 8 May 2025)