A member of Oakleigh's Ward Avenue kindergarten committee appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court last week charged with stealing more than $200,000 from the kindergarten's accounts.
Periclis Telios, 40, of Oakleigh South, faced charges of stealing funds belonging to the Ward Avenue Kindergarten Association between February and May this year.
Telios appeared in court for a filing hearing. Police filed charges on October 17. He appeared in court wearing a casual shirt, jeans and carrying a children's purple backpack with the slogan 'Hot Chilli Girl'.
The Oakleigh police said the alleged stolen money was understood to include the proceeds of the committee's fund-raising over the past two years and state government grants.
Telios is due to appear in court again for a committal mention hearing on January 22.
The kindergarten is run by Early Childhood Management Services, a not-for-profit organisation. ECMS chief executive Bernie Nott said the kindergarten would continue to operate and parents could be confident there was no threat to its services.