PLEASE LOOK CAREFULLY – POLICE ISSUE URGENT APPEAL AFTER RELEASING CLOTHING PHOTOS IN BID TO IDENTIFY ALLEGED CHILDCARE ABUSE VICTIMS
Images of distinctive clothing have been released as authorities attempt to identify victims of a Sydney childcare worker who allegedly abused more than 130 children.
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Hamish Tait is facing 329 charges related to the alleged abuse of the children over a 16-year period.
His charges include 162 counts of producing child abuse material, 81 counts of filming a person engaged in a private act without consent and 24 counts of using a child under 14 years for the production of child abuse material.
The alleged offending is said to have occurred between 2009 and 2026.
The matter remains before the courts.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) on Thursday released seven images of clothing to assist with victim identification.
The images were found on electronic devices seized as part of the investigation under Operation Moonbi.
Included in the release is an image of a puffer vest with a dinosaur pattern, with the photo likely taken on June 26, 2023 at a Rouse Hill childcare centre.
The images of the puffer vest were likely taken at a Rouse Hill childcare centre. (Supplied: AFP)
Images of shorts with a blue pattern and a t-shirt with an animal pattern on the front and left shoulder was estimated to have been taken between February 18, 2020 and March 3, 2024 at a Rouse Hill childcare centre.
Authorities say they hope the public will recognise the distinctive clothing. (Supplied: AFP)
Public assistance is also sought to identify a two-tone shirt, with the image likely taken on January 9, 2018 at a Putney childcare centre.
The image of the two-toned shirt is believed to have been taken at a Putney childcare centre. (Supplied: AFP)
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Emmanuel Tsardoulias said it was hoped the items would be recognised by parents, carers or the general public.
“We understand this week’s news about Operation Moonbi has been tough for members of our community. The abuse of trust we allege has occurred is confronting,” he said in a statement.
“Our investigation will continue, and we thank the public for their cooperation, patience and support as we continue to make inquiries.”
Do you know more?
If you have any information about the story, contact Ethan Rix.
The AFP previously said Mr Tait had either worked at or attended 62 childcare centres over the course of his career, but believe his alleged offending occurred at four centres in Sydney and at his own early education business, Wild Earthlings in Glenorie.
Police have established a website under Operation Moonbi, which includes a list of the 55 childcare centres where Mr Tait worked at or attended between 2009 and 2025, predominantly in Sydney’s north-west.
The ABC understands several centres have been removed from the list over the past few days after detectives confirmed that Mr Tait had no access to children during brief visits, which often focused on speaking to staff.
SOURCE: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-16/afp-release-images-in-sydney-childcare-abuse-investigation/106920830
