Joshua Dale Brown, a childcare worker, is facing serious allegations, including 70 offences connected to eight alleged victims during his tenure at Creative Gardens Early Learning Centre in Point Cook from April 2022 to January 2023. Recent updates from Victoria Police indicate that Brown worked at four additional childcare facilities in Melbourne, which had not been included in earlier reports.
These newly identified centres where Brown reportedly worked include Kids Academy Waratah Estate in Mickleham and multiple branches of Milestones Early Learning in Tarneit, Braybrook, and Greensborough during various dates in late 2024 and early 2025. The list of his past workplaces is under scrutiny, and it has been confirmed that Papilio Early Learning in Hoppers Crossing has been removed, as initial records were found to be incorrect.
The government has stated that Victoria Police is actively communicating with families affected by this situation, with 830 families set to be contacted to offer support and provide testing recommendations related to potential health risks. Dr Christian McGrath, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, reassured families that the likelihood of exposure to infectious diseases remains low. The testing is described as a precaution, with reassurances that the previously tested diseases are treatable with antibiotics.
As investigations continue, authorities emphasise that there is currently no evidence of further alleged offences taking place at any of the listed centres. All other timelines related to Brown’s alleged activities remain unchanged for now. The government is focused on supporting affected families during this distressing period.