Hundreds of families in the Hunter are closer to accessing free early learning, as contracts to deliver 12 new public preschools are awarded as part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic program to build 100 new public preschools across NSW.
The 12 new Hunter public preschools will offer free places for up to 1,000 children every week, providing quality, play-based educational preschool programs, ensuring our youngest learners are given the best start in life.
Construction on all 12 public preschools is expected to begin later this year, with each public preschool set to be delivered by early 2027, co-located with public primary schools.
New public preschools to be built in the Hunter at:
- Booragul Public School
- Cessnock Public School
- Ellalong Public School
- Gillieston Public School
- Kearsley Public School
- Kurri Kurri Public School
- Maryland Public School
- Nulkaba Public School
- Shortland Public School
- Tenambit Public School
- Teralba Public School
- Weston Public School.
The new public preschools are part of the Minns Labor Government’s record investment into early education, which will double the number of public preschools in NSW, boosting the overall number of public preschool placements by up to 9,000.
Of the 100 new public preschools, 49 are in regional NSW, and another 48 will be delivered in growing Sydney’s West, North-West and South-West located in communities identified as most in need following a rigorous selection process.
This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s record investment to rapidly expand the provision of public preschool in NSW, funded by our record investment in the 2024-25 Budget.
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 the Minns Labor Government is delivering new public preschools across the Hunter.
“Once complete, these 12 new public preschools will provide 1,000 new, free preschool placements for Hunter families every week.
“These public preschools will make a real difference to young working families across the Hunter, and will help ensure every child in NSW can access a high-quality early education, no matter their postcode.”
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“Every kid deserves a great start, no matter where they’re from. These new preschools mean families in the Hunter won’t have to fight for a spot – they’ll know their child’s future is being taken seriously from day one.
“We all know the early years are everything. It’s where kids find their confidence, their voice and their love for learning. That’s why this matters so much.
“For too long, families in the Hunter have been left behind. We’re changing that – because investing in our kids now means a stronger future for everyone.”
Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:
“The new public preschools for our Tenambit and Gillieston Heights communities are much needed.
“These public preschools for Gillieston Heights and Tenambit will be well-loved assets for our young families and set our children up for future success at big school.
“Access to preschool is so important for young families, and I am proud to be part of a Labor Government that is delivering for regional communities.”
Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said:
“The Cessnock area will benefit greatly from our new public preschools, where the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect many local families.
“Access to high-quality, reliable public preschool for free will make a world of difference to our community, and I look forward to seeing construction begin.”
Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said:
“New public preschools at Booragul and Teralba will provide access to early learning for families with young children and establish a smooth transition into schooling.
“I’m sure this news will be welcomed by the community and form a great foundation for future growth in the area.”