Victorian Childcare Worker Charged Over 70 Abuse Offences, 1,200 Children Urged for Tests

Joshua Brown, a 26-year-old childcare worker in Melbourne, Australia, has been charged with over 70 sexual abuse offences involving eight alleged victims aged between five months and two years. The alleged abuse occurred at the Creative Garden Early Learning Centre between April 2022 and January 2023, with investigations revealing Brown worked at 20 childcare centers across Melbourne from 2017 to 2025. Authorities have contacted 2,600 families and advised around 1,200 children to undergo testing for infectious diseases as a precautionary measure, despite health officials considering the risk low. The investigation was initiated after police discovered child abuse material rather than a direct complaint, and Brown, who had a valid permit to work with children, was previously unknown to police. Brown remains in custody and is due to appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on September 15, with police prioritizing notification of affected families and investigating possible offences at a second childcare centre. Authorities have lifted a suppression order on Brown's identity to ensure parents are informed and to maintain public awareness.