The East Lismore Community Preschool Inc will receive $5.2 million to rebuild its preschool through the NSW Crisis Grant Application.

After the devastating flooding on 28th Feb 2022 in Lismore, the East Lismore Community Preschool was closed and was subsequently demolished.

Since then, they have been allocated a new building on the grounds of the Wyralla Road Public School with the help of the Principal and staff of Wyrallah Road PS and the NSW government.

"It is with incredible delight, relief and excitement that we share we have been successful in our Crisis Grant Application for $5.2 million to rebuild our beloved home", it was declared on the preschool's Facebook page.

"Many thanks to all involved and we cannot wait for Lismore City Council to approve our Development Application, so we can put shovels in the ground."

"Many thanks to NSW Early Childhood Education for the funding and the support along process. Thanks to Prue Car MP for the approval of our grant."

The Department of Education invested $13 million in areas of need and demand across NSW in the 2022-23 Capital Works Grants Program supporting not-for-profit organisations to build new preschool services or expand facilities to meet increased demand and population growth. 

More information, including opening dates of future rounds, can be found on the department’s website. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, said the grants ensure all children in NSW can access quality early childhood education regardless of their location or circumstances. 

“Children build important social, emotional and cognitive skills crucial for life when they participate in structured and play-based learning before starting school,” Ms Car said. 

“We are working to improve access to preschool and ensure a sustainable supply of places where they are most needed across the state, as well as provide support to the sector.”