Australian Federal Police have released further details about the childcare centres where former childcare worker Hamish Tait, 35, worked or visited, as part of Operation Moonbi, their investigation into alleged child sexual abuse offences spanning a 16-year period between 2009 and 2025.
Mr Tait has been charged with 329 offences relating to the alleged sexual abuse of children and the production of child abuse material. The charges relate to allegations involving more than 136 identified child victims from 121 families, while investigators are continuing efforts to identify a further 22 potential victims.
The charges have not been tested in court and Mr Tait has not entered pleas to the allegations. A non-publication order sought by the AFP to protect the investigation and allow time to identify and contact affected families was discontinued in court on 13 July 2026, clearing the way for this information to be made public.
Hawkesbury Centres Listed
The AFP's Operation Moonbi website identifies several childcare and early learning services within the Hawkesbury Local Government Area where Mr Tait either worked, visited or delivered professional services.
Those centres are:
- Fit Kidz Learning Centre Vineyard – Early Education Care
- Jasmine Preschool, Freemans Reach – Incursion Session
- Maraylya Early Learning Centre – Educator Session
- Oakville Preschool – Incursion Session
- Tiny Tykes Family Day Care, Agnes Banks – Incursion Session
- Windsor Preschool, South Windsor – Educator Session
The AFP has emphasised that being listed does not mean offences are alleged to have occurred at those centres.
Police have identified five locations across New South Wales where they allege offending occurred. None of those five locations are within the Hawkesbury Local Government Area.
Why He Attended So Many Centres
Investigators have also explained why Mr Tait appeared at such a large number of childcare services.
According to the AFP, his attendance fell into several categories:
- Early education care employment;
- Training and assessment activities;
- Professional educator sessions;
- Children's incursion programs; and
- One voluntary placement.
Police say these different roles enabled him to attend numerous childcare services throughout New South Wales between 2009 and 2025.
Investigation Continues
AFP Acting Commander Luke Needham said investigators have so far identified 136 alleged victims, but are continuing to seek the identities of another 22 children believed to have been affected.
Police said families of all currently identified alleged victims have already been contacted.
Investigators are urging anyone with information that may assist the investigation to contact the AFP's dedicated Local Contact Point on (02) 9765 1000, through the Operation Moonbi website, or via Crime Stoppers.
Support for Families
The investigation has caused understandable concern among parents and carers across Sydney, including within the Hawkesbury.
Police have stressed that the publication of the list is intended to assist families in determining whether their children may have had contact with Mr Tait and to encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Parents whose children attended one of the listed Hawkesbury services should note that the inclusion of a centre on the AFP list does not indicate that offences are alleged to have occurred there. In several instances, Mr Tait's attendance was limited to professional development sessions with educators, training and assessment activities, or children's incursion programs.
Where to Get Help
The AFP has established Operation Moonbi to provide updates about the investigation and information for families.
Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact the AFP's Local Contact Point on (02) 9765 1000.
Families requiring emotional support can contact:
- 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732;
- Lifeline on 13 11 14; or
- their local general practitioner or counselling service.
The Hawkesbury Gazette will continue to report on significant developments in this matter as they occur.
