Victorian man charged with over 70 child sexual abuse offences linked to Melbourne ECEC settings

Before continuing to read this piece, readers should be aware that the content of this article may prove distressing, and should consider their own circumstances before continuing to engage with the piece. A list of support services has been provided at the conclusion of the article. 

Families and authorities are responding following a major investigation into a former childcare employee charged with multiple child sexual offences across Melbourne early learning services.

A 26-year-old Point Cook man, has been charged with more than 70 offences as part of a major Victoria Police investigation into alleged child sexual abuse at a number of early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across Melbourne.

The man, who worked at 20 childcare centres between January 2017 and May 2025, was arrested on 12 May 2025 by detectives from Victoria Police’s Sexual Crimes Squad. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 15 September 2025.

The charges relate to eight children who attended a Point Cook centre between April 2022 and January 2023. Families of the eight children have been notified and are receiving support from specialist agencies.

Ongoing investigation, agency coordination and family outreach

Detectives are prioritising evidence related to an additional allegation at a second ECEC service in Essendon. 

Authorities are working closely with a number of support and regulatory bodies, including the Department of Education, the Commission for Children and Young People, and the Royal Children’s Hospital, to provide coordinated assistance.

The Victorian Government has launched an official information page listing all centres where the individual was employed, including employment dates. Families who had children enrolled at those services during the relevant periods are being contacted directly.

The information page is available here.

Police call for information and community support

Acting Commander Janet Stevenson of Victoria Police’s Crime Command acknowledged the distress caused to the early learning community.

“This is an incredibly distressing and confronting investigation for all involved. These are some of the most vulnerable members of our community and the conversations police have had to have with their families were no doubt life changing in the worst possible way.”

Victoria Police has urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers or by calling 1800 333 000.

The full Victoria Police media release is available here.

Important notes for readers and the sector

This article includes allegations which are the subject of ongoing legal proceedings.

No other staff from the affected services are believed to be involved.

Any identification of services or individuals beyond what is officially published is prohibited to protect the privacy of victims.

The presumption of innocence applies unless and until proven otherwise in court.

If you, or someone you know, is impacted by child sexual abuse or online exploitation, support services are available.

At this stage it is believed all alleged offending has taken place within Victoria.