Authorities have identified four additional childcare centres across multiple suburbs in Melbourne where alleged sex offender Joshua Dale Brown was employed. Brown faces over 70 charges related to sexual offences against eight children under the age of two. The incidents reportedly occurred at a centre in Point Cook between April 2022 and January 2023. Families of children who attended the newly identified centres during Brown’s employment from August 2024 to February 2025 are being contacted.
The centres, all operated by Affinity Education, include Kids Academy Waratah Estate in Mickleham, as well as Milestones Early Learning centres located in Tarneit, Greensborough, and Braybrook. In addition to these locations, police have confirmed that Brown did not work at Papilio Early Learning in Hoppers Crossing during the specified time frame.
According to a statement from Victoria Police, “A key focus of the investigation has been establishing a complete work history for Brown.” This effort has proven complex due to the lack of centralised records among childcare approved providers. Detectives have had to execute search warrants to access handwritten records, shift rosters, and other important information.
Since the charges against Brown emerged on July 1, police have received over 270 reports through Crime Stoppers. A recent revelation indicated that Brown was the subject of two internal investigations at G8 Education, both unrelated to sexual abuse. These investigations confirmed instances of inappropriate conduct but did not result in the suspension of his working with children certificate.
Melody Glaister, whose daughter attended the Creative Garden Early Learning Centre in Point Cook during Brown’s tenure, expressed her outrage upon learning of the allegations. “If the appropriate action had been taken, it’s very likely there would be hundreds of parents right now that wouldn’t be in the same situation,” she stated. Glaister described the past weeks as a whirlwind, noting the emotional toll of having to arrange testing for her six-year-old for sexually transmitted infections.
The first of the internal investigations took place in April 2023, when Brown was found to have aggressively handled a distressed child without providing emotional support. Following this finding, he received a formal warning and was placed on a performance plan. After taking three months’ leave, Brown was suspended in January 2024 and subsequently resigned due to new allegations. These included raising his voice at children and forcibly grabbing one child’s arm and another’s leg.
The allegations against Brown were substantiated by G8 Education, which stated that they were unaware of the recent allegations until they appeared in media reports. Jaclyn Symes, Victoria’s Acting Premier, was questioned about why the earlier complaints did not lead to Brown losing his working with children check. She refrained from commenting on the specifics, citing the ongoing police investigation.
The rapid child safety review currently underway in Victoria will examine whether a complaint or allegation should trigger the suspension or cancellation of a working with children permit. Glaister described the situation as a “systemic failure,” asserting that accountability must be assigned across multiple parties involved.
As the investigation continues, the safety and well-being of children remain paramount, underscoring the need for stringent oversight in childcare settings. Parents are urged to remain vigilant and report any concerns regarding the safety of their children.
For support, individuals can contact 1800 RESPECT at 1800 737 732 or the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service at 1800 211 028.
