Joshua Brown worked in childcare centre's kitchen in days before his arrest
In a statement to this masthead on Friday afternoon, a spokesman for childcare centre operator Affinity confirmed the alleged child sex offender had 'assisted in the kitchen' at its Papilio Early Learning Centre in Essendon during a brief period earlier this year, supporting meal preparations while centre chefs were absent.
Brown had led children in a 'food-based' learning activity, which included guiding children in an educational activity where they had prepared rocky road, the statement said.
Brown, 26, is due to appear in court in September facing more than 70 charges, including sexually penetrating a child under 12, attempting to sexually penetrate a child under 12, sexually assaulting a child under 16, and producing child abuse material.
Affinity said in the statement that the involvement of educators in food-based activities was 'consistent' with their 'play-based learning principles', and that centre managers with the 'relevant food safety certifications' were responsible for supervising educators in the kitchen.
The company was not aware of any further instances where Brown had provided kitchen assistance in other Affinity centres, the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, ways to fast-track the introduction of CCTV monitoring in childcare centres will be examined under an urgent review of the sector.
Details of the Victorian government's rapid child safety review – which was called in the wake of allegations of sexual abuse by Brown – were revealed by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn on Friday.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
2 hours ago
- Perth Now
'Reckless' e-bike blitz after huge spike in crashes
There's been a 82 per cent jump in collisions involving e-bikes, prompting a crackdown over lingering "confusion" about how powerful they can be. There were some 144 collisions involving e-bikes on Victorian roads in 2024, compared to 79 the previous year. It's on track to be even higher in 2025, with early police data revealing some 113 e-bike collisions were recorded in the first seven months of the year. Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said 90 per cent of the time e-bike crashes involved bikes that were overpowered, non-compliant with safety regulations or riders that had flouted road rules. He pointed to community "confusion" over e-bikes but stressed the onus was on riders to make sure their bikes don't exceed power or speed rules, on top of complying with laws that affect all cyclists, like wearing a helmet. "We will particularly be on the lookout for reckless riders who are blatantly disregarding the rules," Asst Comm Weir said. The senior officer linked the increased popularity of e-bikes to the rise in the number of crashes rather than changes to rider behaviour. Victoria Police launched a fresh crackdown on Wednesday, targeting riders on overpowered or illegal e-bikes in Melbourne's CBD. There are only two types of legal e-bikes, those with a top speed of 25km/h that require pedals to get started or have a throttle on the handlebar. Anything that travels more than 25km/h or used the motor as the primary source of power is considered a motorcycle. In that case, riders have to comply with road rules including licensing requirements, registration and penalties for driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs. Using an unregistered vehicle attracts an immediate fine of $1018 while using a mobile phone or electronic device while riding leads to a $611 fine. The Australian Medical Association previously called for a national body to develop a nation-wide safety strategy and regulations over the spike in injuries linked to e-bikes. Data from the Monash University Accident Research Centre shows from 2016 to 2021, 14 deaths reported to coroners listed e-bikes, e-scooters and electronic self-balancing devices as contributing to the death.
The Advertiser
17 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Sparks flying, wheelies popping: charges laid after 'dangerous' bike stunts
A group of motorbike riders has been charged with recklessly endangering the lives of other road users after wild hooning stunts were allegedly performed on a busy highway. The alleged hoons were filmed weaving through traffic at double the speed limit on Melbourne's CityLink between 10.30pm and 11.30pm on February 21. Wheelies were performed by the riders, who wore flint attachments on their feet that threw sparks when they touched the ground, Victoria Police said. A camera person followed the riders, recording their stunts while hanging out of the window of a car, police said. The content creator also allegedly used drones to capture short videos. The footage, used to gain "social media clout", was posted online. "Anyone thinking of performing dangerous stunts, let alone on some of our busiest freeways amongst others driving at high speeds, should take this as a warning that it won't be tolerated," Leading Senior Constable Adam Mizzi said. "This behaviour not only puts the riders in danger, it's a risk to everyone else on the road, particularly when we are experiencing an increase in road trauma involving motorcycles," he said. Police launched an investigation after receiving reports of dangerous riding on Melbourne's busiest freeways and roads in 2025. Investigators searched a number of homes in Brookfield, Caroline Springs, Carrum Downs, Hillside, Keysborough, Narre Warren, Noble Park and Tarneit in June before the arrests were made. Three men, a 24-year-old Caroline Springs man, a 22-year-old Hillside man and a 23-year-old Tarneit man, were arrested in late July. The Tarneit man was also a learner rider, police said. The riders had allegedly removed or concealed their registration plates before entering CityLink to avoid being identified, police said. All three were charged with reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, obtaining financial advantage by deception, public nuisance, reckless riding, improper use of motor vehicle and failing to display registration plates. They were bailed to appear at court at a later date, police said. "These arrests should send a clear message that if you are choosing to partake in risky behaviour on our roads, we will hold you to account," Leading Senior Constable Mizzi said. "It might not be on the night, but you can ensure we will eventually catch up with you." Risky behaviour is a focus of road policing as motorcycle-related injuries were increasing on Victorian roads, police said. So far in 2025, 39 motorbike riders have died and 516 serious injuries were caused by a crash. Men aged between 18 and 25 made up the largest portion, around one quarter, of those with serious injuries. Anyone with information about dangerous driving can report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. If you witness dangerous driving and require immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000). A group of motorbike riders has been charged with recklessly endangering the lives of other road users after wild hooning stunts were allegedly performed on a busy highway. The alleged hoons were filmed weaving through traffic at double the speed limit on Melbourne's CityLink between 10.30pm and 11.30pm on February 21. Wheelies were performed by the riders, who wore flint attachments on their feet that threw sparks when they touched the ground, Victoria Police said. A camera person followed the riders, recording their stunts while hanging out of the window of a car, police said. The content creator also allegedly used drones to capture short videos. The footage, used to gain "social media clout", was posted online. "Anyone thinking of performing dangerous stunts, let alone on some of our busiest freeways amongst others driving at high speeds, should take this as a warning that it won't be tolerated," Leading Senior Constable Adam Mizzi said. "This behaviour not only puts the riders in danger, it's a risk to everyone else on the road, particularly when we are experiencing an increase in road trauma involving motorcycles," he said. Police launched an investigation after receiving reports of dangerous riding on Melbourne's busiest freeways and roads in 2025. Investigators searched a number of homes in Brookfield, Caroline Springs, Carrum Downs, Hillside, Keysborough, Narre Warren, Noble Park and Tarneit in June before the arrests were made. Three men, a 24-year-old Caroline Springs man, a 22-year-old Hillside man and a 23-year-old Tarneit man, were arrested in late July. The Tarneit man was also a learner rider, police said. The riders had allegedly removed or concealed their registration plates before entering CityLink to avoid being identified, police said. All three were charged with reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, obtaining financial advantage by deception, public nuisance, reckless riding, improper use of motor vehicle and failing to display registration plates. They were bailed to appear at court at a later date, police said. "These arrests should send a clear message that if you are choosing to partake in risky behaviour on our roads, we will hold you to account," Leading Senior Constable Mizzi said. "It might not be on the night, but you can ensure we will eventually catch up with you." Risky behaviour is a focus of road policing as motorcycle-related injuries were increasing on Victorian roads, police said. So far in 2025, 39 motorbike riders have died and 516 serious injuries were caused by a crash. Men aged between 18 and 25 made up the largest portion, around one quarter, of those with serious injuries. Anyone with information about dangerous driving can report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. If you witness dangerous driving and require immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000). A group of motorbike riders has been charged with recklessly endangering the lives of other road users after wild hooning stunts were allegedly performed on a busy highway. The alleged hoons were filmed weaving through traffic at double the speed limit on Melbourne's CityLink between 10.30pm and 11.30pm on February 21. Wheelies were performed by the riders, who wore flint attachments on their feet that threw sparks when they touched the ground, Victoria Police said. A camera person followed the riders, recording their stunts while hanging out of the window of a car, police said. The content creator also allegedly used drones to capture short videos. The footage, used to gain "social media clout", was posted online. "Anyone thinking of performing dangerous stunts, let alone on some of our busiest freeways amongst others driving at high speeds, should take this as a warning that it won't be tolerated," Leading Senior Constable Adam Mizzi said. "This behaviour not only puts the riders in danger, it's a risk to everyone else on the road, particularly when we are experiencing an increase in road trauma involving motorcycles," he said. Police launched an investigation after receiving reports of dangerous riding on Melbourne's busiest freeways and roads in 2025. Investigators searched a number of homes in Brookfield, Caroline Springs, Carrum Downs, Hillside, Keysborough, Narre Warren, Noble Park and Tarneit in June before the arrests were made. Three men, a 24-year-old Caroline Springs man, a 22-year-old Hillside man and a 23-year-old Tarneit man, were arrested in late July. The Tarneit man was also a learner rider, police said. The riders had allegedly removed or concealed their registration plates before entering CityLink to avoid being identified, police said. All three were charged with reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, obtaining financial advantage by deception, public nuisance, reckless riding, improper use of motor vehicle and failing to display registration plates. They were bailed to appear at court at a later date, police said. "These arrests should send a clear message that if you are choosing to partake in risky behaviour on our roads, we will hold you to account," Leading Senior Constable Mizzi said. "It might not be on the night, but you can ensure we will eventually catch up with you." Risky behaviour is a focus of road policing as motorcycle-related injuries were increasing on Victorian roads, police said. So far in 2025, 39 motorbike riders have died and 516 serious injuries were caused by a crash. Men aged between 18 and 25 made up the largest portion, around one quarter, of those with serious injuries. Anyone with information about dangerous driving can report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. If you witness dangerous driving and require immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000). A group of motorbike riders has been charged with recklessly endangering the lives of other road users after wild hooning stunts were allegedly performed on a busy highway. The alleged hoons were filmed weaving through traffic at double the speed limit on Melbourne's CityLink between 10.30pm and 11.30pm on February 21. Wheelies were performed by the riders, who wore flint attachments on their feet that threw sparks when they touched the ground, Victoria Police said. A camera person followed the riders, recording their stunts while hanging out of the window of a car, police said. The content creator also allegedly used drones to capture short videos. The footage, used to gain "social media clout", was posted online. "Anyone thinking of performing dangerous stunts, let alone on some of our busiest freeways amongst others driving at high speeds, should take this as a warning that it won't be tolerated," Leading Senior Constable Adam Mizzi said. "This behaviour not only puts the riders in danger, it's a risk to everyone else on the road, particularly when we are experiencing an increase in road trauma involving motorcycles," he said. Police launched an investigation after receiving reports of dangerous riding on Melbourne's busiest freeways and roads in 2025. Investigators searched a number of homes in Brookfield, Caroline Springs, Carrum Downs, Hillside, Keysborough, Narre Warren, Noble Park and Tarneit in June before the arrests were made. Three men, a 24-year-old Caroline Springs man, a 22-year-old Hillside man and a 23-year-old Tarneit man, were arrested in late July. The Tarneit man was also a learner rider, police said. The riders had allegedly removed or concealed their registration plates before entering CityLink to avoid being identified, police said. All three were charged with reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, obtaining financial advantage by deception, public nuisance, reckless riding, improper use of motor vehicle and failing to display registration plates. They were bailed to appear at court at a later date, police said. "These arrests should send a clear message that if you are choosing to partake in risky behaviour on our roads, we will hold you to account," Leading Senior Constable Mizzi said. "It might not be on the night, but you can ensure we will eventually catch up with you." Risky behaviour is a focus of road policing as motorcycle-related injuries were increasing on Victorian roads, police said. So far in 2025, 39 motorbike riders have died and 516 serious injuries were caused by a crash. Men aged between 18 and 25 made up the largest portion, around one quarter, of those with serious injuries. Anyone with information about dangerous driving can report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. If you witness dangerous driving and require immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000).
West Australian
21 hours ago
- West Australian
Melbourne man accused of sending death threats, anti-Semitic remarks to Australian politicians
A Melbourne man accused of sending death threats to a federal lawmaker is working with authorities on a support plan to address his underlying issues, a court has been told. The 33-year-old from Reservoir, in the city's north, was arrested on February 6 as part of an investigation by the AFP-led Special Operation Avalite – set up in the wake of the Adass Israel Synagogue firebombing late last year to probe anti-Semitic threats and violence to Australia's Jewish community and parliamentarians. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with four counts of using a carriage service to menace and one count of using a carriage service to threaten to kill. According to the AFP, it's alleged he used social media and email to make death threats and anti-Semitic comments towards a NSW-based federal MP between January 16 and 18 this year. The man is also alleged to have made threats to a Victorian state MP the same month over social media. He appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday for a short hearing after his case was referred to the Assessment and Referral Court (ARC). According to the Magistrates' Court of Victoria website, the ARC aims to assist people with complex mental health conditions receive support for up to 12 months before sentencing. 'ARC's therapeutic approach increases participants' engagement with the court process while providing treatment and support tailored to their needs and to address the underlying causes of their offending,' the website states. During the hearing, Magistrate Vincenzo Caltabiano left the bench to sit around a large oval-shaped desk with the accused man, his lawyer Jackson McLeod, a police prosecutor and court support services in a less formal setting. The court was told the man was engaging with support services to develop an individual support plan and access treatment needs. 'A lot of this stuff I've needed for years; its kind of irritating it's come this far,' he said. The accused man complained about his support worker, saying he'd avoided her recently because 'all she wants to do is drug me' and repeatedly mentioned an ex-boyfriend who, he said, had thrown his life into disarray. Mr Caltabiano said he was not going to pretend the ARC process would make things 'rosy' for the accused man, but the hope was his personal situation would improve. 'What I see in here is a number of things that hopefully if they can come together means some of these challenges become less significant,' the magistrate said after reviewing case notes. The accused man will return to court in a month for another case management check-in.
