Police have charged a 62-year-old man in connection with an alleged illegal filming incident at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre in Keilor Downs, Melbourne. The man has also been banned from the facility and all other leisure centers operated by Brimbank Council.
Officers responded to the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre shortly after 11 a.m. on Sunday, October 25, following a report of the alleged incident. According to reports, a patron in a family changing room cubicle noticed a phone recording from underneath a gap. When confronted, the man allegedly deleted the video and discarded the phone in a nearby bin.
A pool lifeguard reportedly retrieved the phone, and police later recovered the footage from the device's 'recently deleted' folder. The man, identified as a resident of Caroline Springs, was arrested and subsequently charged with one count of producing child abuse material and one count of producing intimate images. He has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in Sunshine Magistrates' Court on March 23.
Victoria Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges. A police spokeswoman stated that officers are working with the aquatic center and are in the process of contacting individuals who may have been impacted by the alleged conduct, anticipating that further victims may be identified. The police emphasized their commitment to a thorough investigation.
Brimbank Council, which manages the aquatic center, issued a statement expressing deep concern over the alleged incident. The council confirmed the termination of the man's membership from all its leisure facilities and stated that the safety and well-being of the community are their highest priorities. The council is cooperating with police and indicated that a safety review of the changing rooms will be conducted.
The Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre, which opened in 2022, serves over 1.5 million visitors annually. Police are urging anyone with further information or who may have been at the aquatic center around 11 a.m. on Sunday to contact Crime Stoppers.