An investigation has revealed that alleged sex offender Joshua Dale Brown was employed at four additional childcare centres across multiple suburbs in Melbourne, Australia. These centres include Kids Academy Waratah Estate in Mickleham and Milestones Early Learning locations in Tarneit, Greensborough, and Braybrook. Authorities are now working to contact families whose children attended these centres during Brown’s employment from August 2024 to February 2025.
Brown faces over 70 charges related to sexual offences against eight alleged victims, all younger than two years old, at a Point Cook centre between April 2022 and January 2023. Police believe he has worked at a total of 23 childcare centres from January 2017 to May 2025. Alongside the newly identified locations, it was confirmed that Brown did not work at Papilio Early Learning in Hoppers Crossing during the specified period.
Investigation and Response
In a statement, Victoria Police noted the complexity of establishing Brown’s complete work history. The lack of centralised records among childcare providers necessitated detectives executing search warrants to obtain handwritten records and shift rosters. “Where additional dates have been identified, impacted families will be contacted by the Department of Health from 15 July 2025,” the police stated.
Since the charges were announced on July 1, police have received over 270 reports through Crime Stoppers. Reports indicate that Brown was subject to two internal investigations at G8 Education, both unrelated to sexual abuse but substantiated. Despite these investigations, Brown retained his working with children certificate.
Parental Concerns and Systemic Issues
Melody Glaister, whose six-year-old daughter attended the Creative Garden Early Learning Centre Point Cook during Brown’s tenure, expressed her outrage over the situation. “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 said. Glaister described the need for her child to undergo testing for sexually transmitted infections as a “systemic failure” of multiple parties.
The first internal investigation in April 2023 found that Brown had aggressively handled a distressed child without providing emotional support. Following this, he received a formal warning and was placed on a performance plan before taking three months’ leave. In January 2024, he was suspended and subsequently resigned after new allegations surfaced, including inappropriate physical interactions with children.
Acting Premier Jaclyn Symes was questioned regarding why the previous complaints did not result in Brown losing his working with children check. She refrained from commenting on the specifics, citing the ongoing police investigation. The state is now reviewing whether complaints or allegations should trigger the suspension or cancellation of such permits.
Glaister emphasized the need for accountability, highlighting the emotional toll on families affected by Brown’s alleged actions. “It’s not something that any parent should ever have to go through. This should never have happened,” she added.
Support services are available for those affected, including the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service at 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) and 1800 211 028 for those seeking assistance.
