Health authorities in Victoria will test 1200 children for infectious diseases after former childcare worker Joshua Brown, 26, was charged with more than 70 child sexual assault-related offences.
Brown, from Point Cook, was arrested on May 12 following a police probe that uncovered child abuse material. Police say the charges relate to eight alleged victims at Creative Gardens Early Learning Centre in Point Cook, where Brown worked between April 2022 and January 2023.
Brown remains in custody and is due in court on September 15. Investigators are also probing allegations of offences at a second childcare centre in Essendon.
Victoria Police Acting Commander Janet Stevenson confirmed Brown held a valid working with children check and had no prior police record. She said the investigation was not triggered by a direct complaint but by police action.
Although Brown’s charges relate to a single centre, authorities revealed he worked at 20 childcare centres across Victoria from January 2017 to May 2025. The state government published a list of these centres and relevant health guidance for families.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Dr. Christian McGrath said 2600 families had been contacted. Around 1200 children are urged to undergo testing for a treatable infectious disease, though he did not publicly disclose which disease for privacy reasons.
Premier Jacinta Allan called the allegations “sickening” and confirmed an early childhood regulatory investigation alongside the police inquiry.
“This is incredibly distressing and confronting for all involved,” Stevenson said.
Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Support services are available via 1800RESPECT.
