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70 abuse charges By Cade Lucas Babies less than six months old are among the eight children allegedly sexually abused by an employee at a Point Cook childcare centre who also worked at 20 other centres across Melbourne’s north and west. Point Cook man Joshua Brown, 26, was arrested on May 12 and has since been charged with more than 70 offences relating to the alleged sexual abuse of children, which occurred while he was an employee at Creative Gardens Early Learning Centre, Point Cook, between April 2022 and January 2023. The charges against Brown include the sexual penetration of a child under 12, attempted sexual penetration of a child under 12, sexual assault of a child under 16 and producing and possessing child abuse material for use through a carriage service. He was remanded in custody and will appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on September 15. Police said the families of the eight victims have been notified and have been provided with all available support services. Brown is believed to have worked at 20 different childcare centres between 2017 and 2025, and the Department of Health is recommending 1200 children who
may have come into contact with him during this period be tested for infectious diseases. While families of children recommended for testing have already been notified, a hotline has been set up for parents who want to know for sure. Most of the centres where Brown worked are in Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs. They include: Nino Early Learning Adventures – Point Cook (January 15, 2017 – June 9, 2019); Explorers Early Learning – Point Cook, (August 18, 2019 – October 27, 2019, November 10, 2019 and December 22, 2019); Adventurers Education – Wyndham Vale (November 25, 2019 – July 24, 2020); Wallaby Childcare Centre– Sanctuary Lakes (April 13, 2021 – May 25, 2021); Nido Early Learning School – Werribee (June 21, 2021 – July 16, 2021); Greenwood – Point Cook (February 14, 2023 – March 10, 2023); Little Blossoms Child Care Centre – Werribee (August 14, 2023 – August 17, 2023); Milestones Early Learning – Werribee (August 14, 2024 – August 16, 2024); Milestones Early Learning – Hoppers Crossing (August 19, 2024 – August 19, 2024); and Papilio Early Learning – Hoppers Crossing (August 22, 2024 – March 12, 2025). Continued page 3
Sam, Maja, Matthew and Kayleigh all slept outdoors. (Damjan Janevski) 485343_01
A night under the stars Emmanuel College students swapped beds for a night outdoors as they held their annual winter sleepout on Friday. The sleepout is part of the college’s social justice program, where students choose to spend a night outdoors to raise awareness and funds in support of those experiencing homelessness. Social justice captain Kayleigh said she believes in using her voice and actions to raise awareness. “I felt it was important to show solidarity with people experiencing homelessness and to support the St Vincent de Paul Foundation, which
does life-changing work,” she said. Kayleigh said from the experience she learnt “how uncomfortable, cold and isolating it can feel to sleep without the security of a home,” and it made her realise how strong and resilient homeless people are. Faith captain Matthew said the most striking thing he learnt was how quickly things can fall apart. “It reminded me that homelessness isn’t some distant issue, it’s something that could happen to anyone if their situation changes,” he said
“ You do not have to put up with it” “ Take that next step forward and call me!” Carmella Acciarito - Principal | Criminal Lawyer 0497 839 590 www.domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au info@domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au 11/ 456 Lonsdale Street Melbourne 3000 | 101 Bay Street Port Melbourne 3207. (By appointment only) 12766203-AA20-25