G8 Education highlights progress on workforce, quality and sector leadership at 2025 AGM

G8 Education has outlined strong progress across key strategic areas at its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), reinforcing its commitment to quality improvement, workforce development, sector leadership and long-term sustainability.

Chairperson Debra Singh described 2024 as a year of strong execution against the Group’s strategic plan, supporting greater stability across the G8 network and advancing its ambitions to contribute to a more accessible and high-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) system.

 

“Our purpose-led strategy remains clear. Through sector advocacy, quality improvements and workforce investment, we are making a positive impact for children, families and educators,” Ms Singh said.

 

Workforce investment and stability

 

Workforce development remains central to G8’s strategy. The Group was one of the first large providers to deliver the 15 per cent wage uplift secured through the sector’s Multi-Employer Agreement (MEA).

 

• More than 2,300 team members currently engaged in study pathways towards Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) and Diploma qualifications
• 84 per cent of centres with a bachelor-qualified ECT in place
• Reduced reliance on agency staff, strengthening educator consistency and child continuity

 

CEO Pejman Okhovat confirmed that workforce stability has helped support stronger educator-child relationships across services.

 

“Stable, qualified teams are essential to delivering the high-quality education and care experiences that our children deserve,” Mr Okhovat said.

 

Quality, child safety and continuous improvement

 

G8’s quality results have continued to strengthen. Currently, 93 per cent of centres are rated as Meeting or Exceeding the National Quality Standard (NQS), which is two percentage points higher than the national sector average.

 

The Group has maintained its focus on strengthening child safety through refreshed educator training, enhanced audit processes and leadership accountability frameworks under its Child Safety Framework.

 

Further investments have been made in quality coaching and mentoring initiatives, supporting continuous improvement practices across all services.

 

Advocacy, sector leadership and sustainability

 

The Group continues to engage with governments, regulators and peak bodies to advocate for sustainable sector growth, improved educator conditions and strengthened quality standards with the following areas of progress called out:

 

• Solar panel installations expanded across additional centres
• Growth of the hybrid vehicle fleet across operationsDelivery of Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) milestones
• Renewal of sustainability-linked loan facility tied to ESG outcomes

 

G8 reaffirmed its strong support for major sector reforms including the introduction of the Three-Day Guarantee and broader universal early learning initiatives outlined by the Productivity Commission.

 

“We are committed to being part of shaping a stronger and more accessible early learning system in Australia,” Mr Okhovat said.

 

Financial and operational update

 

G8 noted that early 2025 trading conditions reflected broader sector challenges. Later-than-usual family engagement and ongoing cost-of-living pressures impacted occupancy across the network.

 

As at the week ending 20 April 2025, spot occupancy was 64.7 per cent, three percentage points lower than the prior corresponding period. Year-to-date occupancy sat at 64.1 per cent. However, the Group reported improved enquiry trends during March and April, with greater family engagement and stronger activity across services.

 

"In conclusion, I want to express my sincere appreciation to our G8 team for their unwavering dedication and compassion in supporting our children every day," Mr Okhovat said.

 

"Their partnership with families plays a vital role in shaping positive early education outcomes. It is truly a privilege to help lay the foundation for lifelong learning for the next generation of Australian children."

 

G8’s 2025 AGM presentation and address materials can be accessed here.