Information on former Employee at Creative Garden Point Cook
At G8 Education, the safety and wellbeing of every child in our care is our highest priority. It is a responsibility we all share, and one that sits at the heart of everything we do.
We are aware that a former G8 Education team member has been charged with offences involving children. These allegations are serious in nature and are extremely distressing. We are focused on supporting all those impacted not just at our centres, but across the community.
Aligned with G8 Education’s commitment to child safety and protection, during the former team member’s employment, all required employment and background checks, including Working With Children Checks (WWCC), were current in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
The individual involved in this matter is no longer employed by G8 Education and is in police custody.
We are cooperating fully with Victoria Police, the Victorian Government and other relevant authorities as part of the investigation. We are committed to supporting the legal process in every way we can.
G8 Education has no tolerance for any behaviour that compromises the safety or wellbeing of children.
Support Available
The Victorian Government has a dedicated website with more information: www.vic.gov.au/childcare-centres-investigation
On the website you will find:
- Information about support services
- List of services where the alleged offender worked
- Frequently asked questions
- Links to advice about talking to children about abuse
Frequently asked questions
The pre-employment screening of all our team members is rigorous and aligned with industry regulations and quality standards. In this particular case, working with children checks and reference checks were conducted prior to their employment. No issues of concern were identified at the time.
If the Victorian Government or the Victoria Police have contacted you about getting tested, we recommend following their guidance. The Victorian Government has also established a dedicated advice line to call for support – the number is 1800 791 241.
Through the advice line you can:
- Speak to a medical professional
- Discuss whether children should be tested
The advice line will operate 8am-9pm on weekdays and 8am-5pm on weekends.
Should you need to access 24/7 support or confidential counselling, please do so through G8 Education’s provider Access EAP. Phone 1800 818 728 and advise which centre your child attends.
The Victorian Government has also established a dedicated advice line to call for support – the number is 1800 791 241.
Through the advice line you can:
- Speak to a medical professional
- Discuss whether children should be tested
Police are urging anyone with information or other concerns to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
The Victorian Government has a dedicated website with more information: www.vic.gov.au/childcare-centres-investigation
On the website you will find:
- Information about support services
- List of services where the alleged offender worked
- Frequently asked questions
- Links to advice about talking to children about abuse
All criminal investigations will be overseen by Victorian Police and the Quality Assessment and Regulation Division (QARD) that is the regulatory authority for early childhood services in Victoria. All QARD’s investigation of providers will be undertaken in consultation with the Victoria Police.