Horror advice for kids at 20 Melbourne childcare centres

A list of 20 childcare centres where an alleged paedophile worked across Melbourne over the past eight years has been released as part of a major investigation.

A list of 20 childcare centres where an alleged pedophile worked across Melbourne over the past eight years has been released as part of a major investigation.

Victoria Police on Tuesday announced Point Cook man Joshua Dale Brown had been arrested and charged with 70 offences, including child rape and producing child abuse material, related to eight alleged victims.

The allegations centre on children who were placed at a Point Cook childcare centre between April 2022 and January 2023.

Acting Commander Janet Stevenson said Mr Brown was not previously known to police. Picture: NewsWire/David Crosling

It has led to the Victorian government issuing a detailed warning to parents whose children attended each of the 20 centres Mr Brown, 26, worked at between 2017 and his arrest in May.

Victoria’s chief health officer Dr Christian McGrath told a press conference that the department was recommending 1200 children undergo testing over the possibility of being exposed to “infectious diseases” during this period.

The centres where the man worked are:

Victoria Police said detectives were investigating an allegation of offending at a second childcare centre based in Essendon.

“This matter is being investigated as a priority,” they said in a statement.

Acting Commander Janet Stevenson said police were not suggesting that offending had taken place at all 20 centres listed, but called for anyone with information to come forward.

The state government said in an online advice website that the Department of Health and Victoria Police had “contacted families whose children attended the childcare centres at the same time that the alleged offender was employed”.

“This includes those who may have been exposed to an infectious disease, and may be recommended to undergo testing as a precaution.

“Not every child who attended the childcare centres listed will be recommended for testing, as they won’t have been identified as having a potential exposure risk.”

Chief Health Officer Dr Christian McGrath addresssing Tuesday’s press conference. Picture: NewsWire/David Crosling

Acting Commander Stevenson said the arrest followed a “proactive investigation” which began before any complaints were made by alleged victims.

“As soon as we were aware he was arrested and remanded in custody,” she said.

“We actually had to identify victims involved, it was very complex.”

Acting Commander Stevenson was asked why a suppression order was on Tuesday morning lifted on Mr Brown’s name, allowing this public appeal to be made.

“This is unique,” she said.

“It’s important that every parent who had a child in childcare knows who he is.”

Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam (left) and Acting Commander Janet Stevenson and Premier Jacinta Allan. Picture: NewsWire/David Crosling

Premier Jacinta Allan said on Tuesday she was “sickened” by the allegations made against the childcare worker.

“And my heart just breaks for the families who are living every parents’ worst nightmare,” she said.

Ms Allan said she expected families across the state would be frightened and horrified.

Mr Brown was remanded in custody upon his arrest and was due to next face court on September 15.