Changes to G8 services across Australia

It was announced on April 30^th that 40 G8 services across Australia will close.

And I’m going to say something that might feel uncomfortable, but there’s a part of me that thinks, this is a good day.

Not for the families, children or the teams who rely on these services. That part is heavy, and it matters.

But for our profession as a whole?

This is part of the reset.

We cannot keep saying we want to rebuild trust
while accepting services that continually operate below the standard.

At some point, there have to be consequences.

And I want to say this with care, because context always matters. We are human. This work is complex. No service is perfect.

But there’s a difference between being human and continually operating below the standard. What we’re seeing right now is that difference becoming visible.

This is what rebuilding credibility actually looks like.

It’s not a campaign.
It’s not a rebrand.

It’s the standard being lifted.

And I also think there’s a message in this for everyone in our profession.

For providers who choose not to operate at a high standard, these are the consequences.

For teams who stay in services, see what’s happening, and feel frustrated but don’t step into being part of the solution, these are the consequences too.

Because nothing changes if nothing changes.

And I know that’s not always easy to hear.

But if we genuinely want better for children, for families, and for our profession, we all have a role to play in lifting what “good” actually looks like.

I don’t think this is the end of it.

I actually think we’re going to see more of this over the coming months. Not as a shock, but as part of where we’re heading.

A system that no longer carries services that aren’t working. And makes space for the ones that are.

This is the uncomfortable part of growth. But it’s also where change happens.