Joshua Brown, a 26-year-old former childcare worker, has been charged with a raft of child-sex offences linked to his time at a Point Cook centre, and detectives are now investigating his roles at up to 20 Victorian childcare services.
Allegations at Point Cook Centre
On 12 May, officers from Victoria Police’s Sexual Crimes Squad arrested Joshua Brown after an intensive inquiry into allegations he sexually abused eight children at a west-Melbourne early-learning centre between April 2022 and January 2023. Brown faces more than 70 charges, including:
- Sexual penetration of a child under 12
- Attempted sexual penetration of a child under 12
- Sexual assault of a child under 16
- Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 16
- Producing, possessing and transmitting child-abuse material via electronic carriage services
- Recklessly contaminating goods to cause alarm or anxiety
Brown was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 15 September.
Wider Investigation into Multiple Centres
Since his arrest, detectives have uncovered evidence suggesting the alleged offending may not be confined to Point Cook. Brown’s employment history shows he worked across 20 childcare centres in Melbourne between January 2017 and May 2025.
A second centre in Essendon is now the subject of a priority investigation. The Victorian Government has published an up-to-date list of all impacted centres and the periods during which Brown was employed, available at vic.gov.au/childcare-centres-investigation.
Please note: This is an ongoing investigation. The childcare sites and dates listed below are subject to change, and it’s recommended you check the site periodically for updates.
| Service and suburb | Known employment dates |
| Nino Early Learning Adventures – Point Cook | 15 Jan 2017 to 9 Jun 2019 |
| Explorers Early Learning – Point Cook | 18 Aug 2019 to 27 Oct 2019Casual work: 10 Nov 2019 & 22 Dec 2019 |
| Adventurers Education – Wyndham Vale | 25 Nov 2019 to 24 Jul 2020 |
| Only About Children – Williamstown | 28 Oct 2020 to 30 Mar 2021 |
| Wallaby Childcare Centre – Sanctuary Lakes | 13 Apr 2021 to 25 May 2021 |
| Nido Early Learning School – Werribee | 21 Jun 2021 to 16 Jul 2021 |
| Creative Gardens – Point Cook | 28 Oct 2021 to 2 Feb 2024 |
| Leopold World of Learning – Leopold | 9 Feb 2023 to 13 Feb 2023 |
| Greenwood – Point Cook | 14 Feb 2023 to 10 Mar 2023 |
| Little Blossoms Child Care Centre – Werribee | 14 Aug 2023 to 17 Aug 2023 |
| D.O.T.S Occupational Therapy for Children – Footscray | 1 Mar 2024 to 30 Apr 2024 |
| Aussie Kindies Early Learning – Sunbury | 13 Aug 2024 to 21 Aug 2024 |
| Milestones Early Learning – Werribee | 14 Aug 2024 to 16 Aug 2024 |
| Milestones Early Learning – Hoppers Crossing | 19 Aug 2024 to 19 Aug 2024 |
| Papilio Early Learning – Hoppers Crossing | 22 Aug 2024 to 12 Mar 2025 |
| Kids Academy – Melton | 12 Sep 2024 to 12 Sep 2024 |
| Kids Academy – Kensington | 7 Oct 2024 to 9 Oct 2024 |
| Aussie Kindies Early Learning – Keilor | 11 Feb 2025 to 11 Feb 2025 |
| Papilio Early Learning – Essendon | 17 Feb 2025 to 9 May 2025 |
| Milestones Early Learning – Bundoora | 8 May 2025 to 8 May 2025 |
Multi-Agency Support for Affected Families
Acting Commander Janet Stevenson stressed the investigation’s focus on victim support and community reassurance. “These are some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” she said.
“Our immediate priority has been alerting families and linking them to counselling, medical care and welfare services.”
To coordinate a holistic response, police are working with:
- Department of Health
- Commission for Children and Young People
- Family Safety Victoria
- Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
- Gatehouse (school-based support)
- Department of Education
- Royal Children’s Hospital
Affected families have been contacted directly by authorities and offered specialist trauma support.
Community Urged to Come Forward
Commander Stevenson also appealed to parents, former colleagues and childcare staff for any additional information.
“If you noticed concerning behaviour or have any detail—no matter how small—that could assist our inquiry, please contact Crime Stoppers,”
she said.
Tips can be submitted anonymously at crimestoppersvic.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.
No Indication of Broader Staff Involvement
Police emphasise there is currently no evidence implicating other staff members. “We understand this news is deeply distressing,” Commander Stevenson added.
“We are committed to maintaining the safety and trust of families across all childcare services.”
As detectives continue to piece together the full extent of the alleged offending, authorities remain focused on ensuring justice for the young victims and restoring confidence in Victoria’s early-learning sector.
Key Facts
- Arrest Date: 12 May 2025
- Offences Period: April 2022 – January 2023 (Point Cook centre)
- Victims: Eight children, all under 12 at the time
- Employments: 20 childcare centres statewide (Jan 2017 – May 2025)
- Next Court Date: 15 September 2025 (Melbourne Magistrates’ Court)
- Support & Information: vic.gov.au/childcare-centres-investigation | Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000
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