The educator at the centre of Operation Moonbi has been identified as Hamish Tait, 35, from Glossodia, NSW. He faces more than 320 charges relating to child abuse offences allegedly committed between 2009 and 2025.
For more than a year, suppression orders prevented the public from knowing the identity of the accused, a standard measure in child abuse cases to protect victims and ensure a fair trial. The lifting of these orders in July 2026 marked a turning point: what was once hidden in shame became a matter of public name. This shift underscores how disclosure changes the narrative, moving from secrecy to accountability and why the revelation of Hamish Tait’s identity carries such symbolic weight for families, educators, and the wider community.
Police allege Tait produced child abuse material, filmed private acts without consent, and engaged in sexual offences against children. He has been in custody since July 2025, with suppression orders lifted in July 2026, allowing his identity and employment history to be made public.
Scope of Employment
According to AFP, Tait worked at 62 childcare facilities across NSW and interstate. Alleged offending occurred at five centres, including four childcare services and his own early education business.
Locations Worked
Below is a list of locations in which Tait has worked. Between 2009 to 2025, he worked at or attended 62 early childhood education facilities, predominantly in Sydney's north-west. During this period, it's alleged he committed multiple offences against children at five facilities, which includes four childcare centres and his own early education business.
- Alasan Cottage Preschool
- Amata Anangu School
- Beaumont Hills OOSH (Jigsaw OOSH or Beaumont Hils OOSH)
- Bright Minds Cranebrook
- Carinya Neighbourhood Childrens Centre Inc
- Cocoon Early Learning Centre
- Cooranbong Valley Community Preschool
- Dee Why Kindergarten
- Endeavour Early Education - Kariong
- Explore & Develop Leichhardt
- Explore & Develop Roseville
- Explore & Develop Waitara
- Fit Kidz Learning Centre Box Hill*
- Fit Kidz Learning Centre Dural North
- Fit Kidz Learning Centre Dural South
- Fit Kidz Learning Centre Glenwood North
- Fit Kidz Learning Centre Glenwood South
- Fit Kidz Learning Centre Putney*
- Fit Kidz Learning Centre Rouse Hill*
- Fit Kidz Learning Centre Turramurra
- Fit Kidz Learning Centre Vineyard
- Fit Kidz Learning Centre Warrawee*
- Friendly Faces Childcare
- Glenning Valley Child Care Centre
- Glenorie Preschool
- Goodstart Early Learning Centre Woodcroft
- Gorokan Preschool
- Gracelands Early Education Centre
- Heritage House Cherrybrook Early Education Centre
- Jasmine Preschool
- Jigsaw OOSH Dural
- Kiddiwinks Play, Laugh & Learn - Warriewood
- Kindy 4 Kids
- Kradle 2 Krayons Long Day Centre
- Leura Child Care Centre
- Little Peoples Early Learning Centre Wollongong
- Maraylya Early Learning Centre
- Milestones Early Learning, Baulkham Hills
- Mimosa Kids
- MindChamps Early Learning & Preschool Lane Cove
- Montessori Academy - Alexandria
- Montessori Academy - Engadine
- Montessori Academy - Gymea
- Montessori Academy - Penrith
- Montessori Academy - Zetland - Victoria Park
- Morisset and District Children's Centre
- Oakville Preschool
- Pacific Hills OOSH / BAASC
- Pennant Hills Before & After School Care
- Peter Pan Kindergarten
- Quakers Hill Kindergarten and Child Care Centre
- Silverdale Child Care Centre
- Tiny Tykes family day care
- Wiggles & Giggles Cranebrook
- Wild Earthlings Cumberland State Forest
- Wild Earthlings Glenorie*
- Wild Earthlings Sydney Park
- Wild Earthlings Wolli Creek
- Willunga Child Care Centre
- Windsor Preschool
- Woodport Early Learning Centre
- Young Academics Early Learning Centre Rouse Hill
* Indicates locations where police allege offending occurred.
It is important to note that impacted families have already been contacted by the AFP and NSW Health. Support services have been offered and continue to be provided.
Investigation Details
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Operation Moonbi began after a referral from U.S. authorities.
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Forensic analysis uncovered millions of electronic files linked to Tait.
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The AFP confirmed collaboration with NSW Police, NSW Health, and the Department of Communities and Justice.
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Families of children who attended the centres have been contacted and offered counselling.
This case is described as one of the most serious childcare abuse investigations in Australian history. It has raised urgent questions about:
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Safeguarding failures across multiple centres.
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Regulatory oversight and how one individual was able to move between so many services.
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Trust erosion among families relying on early childhood education.
Ongoing Case and Next Steps
The case against Hamish Tait remains ongoing. He has been remanded in custody since July 2025, and the sheer scale of charges — more than 320 offences — means the legal process will be lengthy.
What is likely to happen next:
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Court proceedings: Multiple hearings will continue as prosecutors present evidence gathered during Operation Moonbi.
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Further forensic analysis: Authorities are still examining electronic files, which could lead to additional charges.
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Support for families: Counselling and community outreach will remain a priority, with services like Full Stop Australia and Kids Helpline actively engaged.
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Sector review: Regulatory bodies are expected to strengthen safeguarding measures, reviewing how one worker was able to move between 62 facilities over 16 years.
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Sentencing prospects: If convicted, Tait faces a significant custodial sentence, likely among the harshest for childcare-related offences in Australia.
Further Reading
References:
Identity of Childcare Worker Charged With More Than 320 Child Abuse Offences Revealed
Operation Moonbi