Warning: This story contains details of alleged child sex offences which may distress readers.
Former President of the Western Amateur Radio Club (WARC), Michael Simon Wilson, VK3FAAO, has been charged with possessing child abuse material and sex offences, including bestiality, according to the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
Victoria Police said the charges related to the alleged sexual assault of a teenage boy in Hoppers Crossing on August 16, 2024.
Wilson was not a childcare worker.
Detectives who examined Wilson’s devices, including amateur ‘ham’ radio devices, discovered material linking him to Melbourne childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown, who has been charged with more than 70 child sex offences.
“Michael Wilson stepped down as President and was removed as a member of the club from the beginning of May this year.
“At the time of his departure, the committee was not aware of the reasons for his resignation. It was only upon the news being reported that the committee became aware of the allegations against Michael,” WARC Vice President, John Forrest, VK3JNF, said in a statement.
“The (WARC) committee will cooperate fully should we be called upon by authorities to assist in any investigation,” Mr Forrest, VK3JNF, said.
Police will allege that Joshua Brown and Michael Wilson are known to each other.
They are scheduled to appear in court in September.
Mr Brown’s charges allegedly involve eight children at the Creative Garden Early Learning Centre in Point Cook, in Melbourne’s western suburbs, between April 2022 and January 2023.
The Victorian government has established a webpage with information for affected families. Information, including details of the government’s dedicated hotline, can be found here.
– With ABC News, wires and amateur radio operators.
– WARC, the ACMA and the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) have been contacted for comment.
- 1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732
- Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114
- Full Stop Australia: 1800 385 578
- Bravehearts: counselling and support for survivors of child sexual abuse: 1800 272 831
- Child Wise: counselling provider: 1800 991 099
