Victoria Health Authorities Urge Infectious Disease Testing for 1,200 Children After Childcare Worker Charged

Australian health authorities in Victoria are urging around 1,200 children to undergo testing for infectious diseases following the arrest of Joshua Brown, a 26-year-old childcare worker charged with over 70 sexual abuse offenses involving eight alleged victims aged between five months and two years. Brown worked at the Creative Garden Early Learning Centre and is suspected of offending at up to 20 childcare centers in Melbourne from 2017 to 2025. Authorities have contacted 2,600 families as a precaution to ensure the health and wellbeing of children, despite the risk being considered low. The investigation began after the discovery of child abuse material, not from victim complaints, and Brown held a valid Working with Children Check, now cancelled. Police emphasized the importance of public awareness by lifting a suppression order on Brown's identity to notify potentially affected parents. Brown remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on September 15.