Authorities are maintaining a police presence outside a childcare centre in Melbourne following allegations of child sexual abuse involving a former employee. Joshua Brown, 26, faces a staggering 70 charges linked to eight alleged victims for offences that reportedly took place at the Creative Gardens Early Learning Centre in Point Cook between April 2022 and January 2023.
Local parents have expressed their outrage and disbelief at the situation. Parent Daniel van der Sandt questioned how such incidents could occur in a supposedly safe setting, while Jo Chidwala shared her disgust as a parent, stressing that daycare is meant to be a secure environment for children.
Upon his arrest in May, Brown was living with his partner in Point Cook. A neighbour described him as a quiet and nice individual, and recounted the surprise when a large number of police arrived at their street early one morning, eventually escorting Brown away in handcuffs.
The Emmanuel College in Point Cook released a statement confirming that Brown was a former student, expressing the institution’s deep concern over the allegations. Although he had no ties to the college for several years, the principal acknowledged the distress these revelations caused within the community.
Since 2017, Brown has worked for as many as 20 childcare facilities, prompting widespread demands for more stringent safety measures to protect children. Parents are advocating for enhanced background checks and the installation of cameras in childcare rooms to ensure safety. Chidwala emphasised her desire for cameras to be present in every room.
In response to the allegations, Premier Jacinta Allan announced an urgent review of childcare safety standards, with immediate reforms planned within the sector. New regulations will require childcare centres to implement a ban on personal devices by September 26, with non-compliance risking fines of up to $50,000.
As he awaits the next court date, Brown is currently held at the Melbourne Assessment Prison, placed in isolation to mitigate the risk of potential attacks while incarcerated. The Brown family has previously encountered legal challenges, further complicating the unsettling narrative surrounding these events.