Childcare Worker Facing 156 charges in alleged Abuse Case
Joshua Dale Brown, a former childcare worker, is now facing 156 charges related to alleged offences against children. The charges represent an increase of more than 80 from the initial 70-plus laid in July.
Mr Brown was arrested in July, prompting health authorities to recommend health screening for approximately 2,000 children linked to the case, initially focusing on 1,200 for potential infectious diseases.
The alleged offending occurred between April 2022 adn January 2023 at the Creative Garden Early Learning Center,impacting eight young children.
Police previously stated Mr Brown had worked at 20 childcare centres between January 2017 and May 2025.
The case triggered a government response, including the declaration of reforms to the childcare sector, such as the creation of a register of childcare workers. A rapid review later found childcare watchdogs were failing to adequately protect children due to issues with information sharing, legal constraints, and underfunding. Regulatory changes have also strengthened the Working with Children Check (WWCC) scheme.
Mr Brown is scheduled to appear in court in February next year.