Families in Wollongbar and Lennox Head are a step closer to accessing fee-free, high-quality early learning, with contracts awarded for two brand-new public preschools. 

Each public preschool will be co-located with an existing public primary school, making drop-off and pick-up easier for families and helping children transition into kindergarten with confidence.

The NSW Government’s rollout of 100 more public preschools will provide access to high-quality early learning for up to 9,000 children across NSW by 2027. Of the 100 new public preschools, 51 are in metropolitan Sydney and 49 are in regional NSW, prioritised in areas of highest need based on a rigorous selection process.

The two public preschools will be built at Woolongbar and Lennox Head Public School. Once open, the two sites will cater for up to 160 local children a week.

Lipman Construction Pty Ltd will deliver the new public preschool at Wollongbar Public School, with construction to begin later this year. Contracts for the public preschool at Lennox Head Public School will be awarded later this year.

Doors will open for both public preschools by early 2027.

They will join the recently opened Gulyangarri Public Preschool in Liverpool – the first new public preschool built in NSW in almost 20 years.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said, “Access to preschool can be difficult for young families, particularly in regional areas, which is why we are delivering two new public preschools across the towns in the state’s far north in areas where they are needed most. 

(An artists impression of the new preschools. Image supplied)

“The Minns Labor Government, with the advocacy of Deputy Premier Prue Car, is committed to improving access to free, quality public preschool for our youngest learners because we know how crucial early learning is for a child’s development.  

“The former Liberal National government failed to deliver for young families in the regions and didn’t build a single new public preschool while in office.

“The Minns Labor Government made this historic commitment to deliver the biggest expansion in public preschools in NSW’s history because we strongly believe all children should have access to high-quality early education, no matter their postcode.”

Minister for Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty said, “Early learning is a vital first step in a child’s education, and these new fee-free preschools will help our regional communities thrive. 

“With 49 new public preschools across regional NSW, this historic investment is a major turning point for regional families after years of neglect by the former Liberal National Government who failed to invest in public preschools.

“Families in our regions deserve access to high-quality early learning and I am proud to see the Minns Labor Government continuing to make significant investment in regional communities.” 

Wollongbar Principal Jennifer Thomas said, “The start of construction for our new preschool is an exciting step forward for the Wollongbar community.

“Having a preschool on site will strengthen transition to school for our children, increasing their sense of belonging. This will improve engagement and learning outcomes as well as offer convenience for our parents.”

Lennox Head Public School Principal Deborah Langfield said, “It’s great news that we will have a preschool on our new school site. This is an important opportunity to strengthen connections with the community and support children as they begin their learning journey.

“We look forward to welcoming the children and their families when the preschool opens.”