Minns Labor Government addicted to gambling

The NSW Opposition has slammed the Minns Government’s inaction on problem gambling, after the 2025-26 budget revealed a drastic increase in gaming machine revenue.
 
The budget papers project $2.6b will be brought in from the pokies tax on clubs and hotels across the state in 2025-26, with that figure forecast to rise to more than $3b by 2028-29.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said when a government relies on gambling losses to prop up its budget, it’s not just lazy, it’s wrong.
 
“The Minns Labor Government promised to tackle problem gambling, but instead they’re banking on it growing, with gaming machine revenue set to soar by 31 per cent since 2023-24,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“Every dollar made from someone’s addiction is a dollar taken from their family, their future, their wellbeing.
 
“Seven months on, there’s still no response to the Independent Panel’s roadmap for reform, just silence and a growing dependence on pokies revenue.
 
This budget proves Labor isn’t serious about reform—it’s addicted to the revenue, and the community is paying the price.”
 
Shadow Minister for Gaming and Racing Kevin Anderson said Labor would rather cash in than address the issue.
 
“The Minns Labor Government talks a big game when it comes to problem gambling and harm minimisation, but this budget demonstrates that it’s all talk, and no action from Labor,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“What we’re seeing here is a 31 per cent increase in gaming machine revenue over five years since 2023-24, and much or most of that revenue is coming from the pockets of problem gamblers.
 
“The situation is worsening in NSW, which is extremely concerning, and these ongoing significant increases sadly suggest the Government has no plans to fix things.”
 
There are also questions around why the Government still hasn’t responded to the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform’s ‘Roadmap for Gaming Reform report, seven months after it was released.
 
“Labor’s delayed response to the report is leaving the community, and the industry in the dark about the future of gaming in NSW,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“There’s mounting evidence Labor’s gaming policies are failing, yet there’s nothing in this budget that shows a commitment to address the report’s recommendations.
 
“Despite an election commitment to tackle problem gambling, the Minns Government has demonstrated very little willingness or interest to uphold that promise.”

Largest Ever Netball Junior State Titles on Record

From Gunnedah to Goulburn, Kiama to Ku-ring-gai, Mudgee to Manly and Penrith to Port Stephens—240 teams from every corner of NSW, the largest number on record, are gearing up for the biggest weekend on the junior netball calendar. 

The 2025 HART Junior State Titles, taking place this weekend from 5–7 July, promises three action-packed days of elite junior competition, community spirit and netball magic. With more than 2,500 young athletes set to take the court, the event stands as a true celebration of grassroots sport and the Netball NSW pathway. 

“Since its inception in 1969, the Junior State Titles has grown into one of the premier development pathways for emerging netball talent. This year, the 14U age category is at full capacity with a record breaking 82 teams competing along with 21 teams in the 14U Championship Division,” Stacy Harding, General Manager Competitions said. 

The tournament is occurring at two venues – Baulkham Hills Shire Netball Association, which will host the 12U, 13U, and 14U Championship and Division 2 teams, along with the 14U Male Championship (Sunday/Monday only) and Penrith District Netball Association, which will welcome Division 3 and 4 teams in the 12U, 13U and 14U age groups.  

Thanks to the generous support of HART, naming rights partner since 2019 and Penrith City Council, the event is set to be bigger and better than ever. Their contribution helps Netball NSW deliver a first-class experience for players, officials, families and fans alike. 

The atmosphere at the Junior State Titles is second to none. From the vibrant opening ceremony to decorated tents, the courtside excitement is where talent and teamwork shine. 

All eyes will be on the likes of Randwick, the reigning 13U Championship winners, as they aim to go back-to-back in the 14U division. Meanwhile, Manly Warringah, who dominated the 12U Championship in 2024, will look to continue their winning ways in the 13U bracket. 

But it’s not just about what happens on the court. Off-court fun includes special appearances from NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball players, team mascots Sporty and GIA, giveaways from HomeWorld, chill-out time at the GIANTS Zone, and the chance to grab exclusive Junior State Titles merchandise from Valour. 

The countdown is on. The stage is set. Let the 2025 HART Junior State Titles begin! 

NSW Government delivers cost of living relief with $250 washing machines

The Minns Labor Government has introduced a scheme to provide thousands of new, energy and water-efficient washing machines at a significantly discounted price for pensioners, veterans and social housing tenants. 

Up to 8,000 eligible households can get their hands on a brand-new front-loader washing machine for $250, thanks to a program to help low-income households with cost-of-living pressures, including water and energy bills.

Eligible applicants can trade-in their old water and energy inefficient top loader machine and receive a brand-new high-end Westinghouse 8kg front loader for $250. 

The NSW Government has teamed up with The Good Guys to provide the heavily discounted machines, with the fee covering delivery, installation and a two-year warranty as well as removal and recycling of their old appliance.

Applications are now open online for all Centrelink or Department of Veterans Affairs-issued concession card holders in NSW. 

We encourage households to act quickly to snap up their machine – but advise applicants to check first if their laundry space can house the Westinghouse model, which is 850mm high, 600mm wide and 660mm deep.

To apply and check if you are eligible, please visit: Washing Machine Exchange Program.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said: 

“This could not come at a better time, we know people are struggling with cost-of-living pressures and high water and energy bills are a huge part of that.

“We’re not just talking about cost-of-living relief, we’re delivering it. This program will lower power bills, cut water use, and make life a little bit easier for thousands of people.

“These new washing machines are not only good news to help people save, they’re better for the environment too, saving an estimated 20,000 litres of water each year.”

Minister for Veterans David Harris said: 

“This is a fantastic initiative allowing veterans, pensioners and social housing tenants to get their hands on a great appliance valued at more than $650 for just $250, including installation and removal.

“Veterans served in defence of this great land, so the least we can do to assist in lowering their energy bills.

“This is just one of the ways the NSW Government is helping people every day with cost-of-living pressures.”

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“I encourage pensioners to apply for one of these new washing machines. At a highly discounted rate, this service will take your older machine away and replace it with a new and improved model. 

“Not only will you end up with a brand-new washing machine at less than half price, it could potentially lower your utility bills, too.”  

Biag Capasso, Managing Director, The Good Guys said:

“We’re delighted to be teaming up with the NSW Government to roll out these subsidised washing machines across the state to people who need them most. It’s one of many ways The Good Guys help families with their day-to-day needs. 

“This program will be in high demand which is why we have plenty of stock, and our delivery team is ready to help customers, in both regional and metro areas, by removing old top loaders and install the new Westinghouse machines.” 

Building Commission NSW blitzes Central West

Building Commission NSW visited the Central West in early June to conduct inspections on new residential properties as part of the agency’s continued commitment to monitor building work in regional NSW.

The Central West inspection blitz saw the NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard and a team of inspectors visit 62 sites across Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst and Blayney.

15 inspectors split their time between general building work inspections, specialist trades like plumbing, electrical, gas and air conditioning, as well as Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) checks.

As a result of the compliance campaign Building Commission NSW has drafted 15 Rectification Orders for a range of defects detected during the four-day blitz.

Before these orders are finalised and made public, Building Commission NSW will consider written representations from the developer or principal contractor, as required by legislation.

The blitz also saw Building Commission NSW issue 18 penalty infringement notices (PINs) valued at $13,700 for issues related to builder and certifier’s signage, unlicenced work and supervision of trades.

In addition to the PINs, Building Commission NSW inspectors issued 57 written direction notices (WDNs) for specialist electrical work.

Building Commission NSW also used its time in the Central West to conduct three council meetings and four community “drop-in” sessions providing residents the opportunity to raise building-related issues and ask questions about the regulatory process.

In Orange, Building Commission NSW partnered with the Master Builders Association (MBA) at an evening industry event where 140 attendees shared insights about construction within the region.

The regional inspection program has seen inspectors visit the Mid-North Coast, Tweed and Riverina-Murray so far this year, to ensure residential buildings outside the metro postcodes are up to par.

Including the Central West blitz, Building Commission NSW has visited 223 residential building sites, expects to issue or has issued 58 orders for building defects, and issued 72 PINs, as part of this regional push.

Building Commission NSW also plans to visit other regional locations across the State to ensure local construction sectors are working to the highest possible level. 

Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Building quality is one of the top priorities of the Minns Government.

“The NSW Government is committed to lifting standards in the residential construction industry across the entire state and that includes our regions.

“The Central West inspection blitz is part of an ongoing program to ensure that homeowners, no matter where they live, can have confidence in the quality of their homes.”

Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Inspecting 62 sites across Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst and Blayney, Building Commission NSW is about ensuring regional communities are confident local builders and developers are all working in accordance with building standards and regulations.

“The Central West visit didn’t just focus on enforcement, with council meetings, community “drop-in” sessions and the well-attended industry event in Orange, Building Commission NSW listened to locals and heard directly from the sector about the challenges and opportunities in the region.

“That feedback is invaluable as the Minns Government shapes its future policy and regulatory approaches.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato MP said:

“Homeowners in the electorate of Orange deserve to be confident that their home is safe and sound when they move in.

“I’m pleased that Building Commission NSW is focused on ensuring building standards in the Central West, and I look forward to the Commission continuing its inspections right across the regions in order to protect hardworking homeowners.”

NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard said:

“On this trip to the Central West, 30 Building Commission NSW staff travelled 822 kilometres to conduct compliance inspections, engage with local councils, communities and stakeholders.

“While inspections were just a small part of what our team did in the Central West, it was still very important to check in on the local industry and ensure the building work is of good quality.

“After almost 150 interactions with tradespeople on sites across Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo and Blayney, we were pleased with the level of compliance we saw.

“But the 57 written direction notices issued for electrical work alone speak to the importance of checking in, as there is still work to be done.

“Whether it’s the Central West or the coast, homeowners deserve confidence that their home is safe and sound when they move in.

“We will continue to visit the regions to make sure our standards are being met and if not, we’ll act.”

Minns Labor Government turbocharges the delivery of new schools for Sydney’s fast-growing North West

Families in Sydney’s North West are set to benefit from three new public schools and two new public preschools in Box Hill and Gables, as the Minns Labor Government continues to deliver world-class education to one of the fastest growing suburbs in the state.

Today the NSW Government is beginning construction on a new primary school and preschool in Gables and Box Hill area, and revealing the designs for a new primary school, high school and public preschool in Box Hill, while also expanding access to a temporary school in the area.

Once complete, these three schools will cater for more than 3,000 local students in The Hills, with room to grow as the local community continues to expand.

Construction underway on a new public school and preschool in Gables

Construction has officially started on a brand new public primary school and public preschool in Gables. Located at 1 Pennant Way, the new school will cater for 1,000 students.

A public preschool will also be delivered on-site, providing quality, fee-free early learning for up to 120 children per week, and allowing families with kids in preschool and school to avoid the double drop off.

Both the public primary school and public preschool will open to students for Day 1, Term 1 2027.

Designs revealed of new Box Hill permanent schools and a new public preschool

Designs are also being revealed for new permanent public schools in Box Hill – including a public preschool, primary school, and high school – all three of which will open on Day 1, Term 1 2028.

All schools and preschool will be co-located on Terry Road, Box Hill, easing the pressure of drop-off and pick-up for local families.

When opened, both the new primary and high schools will cater for 1,000 students each, with the room for the high school to expand as the student cohort grows. A public preschool will also be delivered on-site, providing quality, fee-free early learning for up to 120 children per week.

Minns Government fast-tracks public education access in Box Hill

The Minns Labor Government is also expanding access to the temporary Box Hill Public School that opened to Kindergarten to Year 2 students on Day 1, Term 1 this year.

From Day 1, Term 3 this year, it will now welcome students from Years 3 to 6, providing a world class education to even more students while their permanent school is built.

This temporary school was built by the Minns Labor Government in a record 45 days.

An additional temporary high school is also being built on the same site as the temporary primary school.

From Day 1, Term 1 2026, the temporary Box Hill High School will open for Year 7 students, and the school will grow as more classes are added in subsequent years.

Record Investment in North West schools and preschools

Box Hill and Gables was identified by the Government’s Enrolment Growth Audit as one of the top 10 areas for student growth in the state.

The former Liberal National Government failed to deliver any public schools for this area over their 12 years in government, despite student enrolments growing from 119 in 2018, to 1,445 in 2023 – a 1,114 per cent increase.

These new public schools and preschools build on the Minns Labor Government’s major investment in school infrastructure across The Hills area, with seven new and upgraded schools delivering approximately 240 new permanent classrooms and providing capacity for 5,500 students.

The projects expanding student capacity and access to public schools in The Hills area include:

  • New primary school and public preschool in Gables
  • Major upgrade at Excelsior Public School
  • Major upgrade at Rouse Hill High School
  • New Box Hill Public School and public preschool
  • New Box Hill High School
  • Major upgrade at Matthew Pearce Public School
  • Major upgrade at Castle Hill Public School

These three schools are a part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $9 billion investment in public school infrastructure across NSW over the next four years. This includes a commitment to deliver 100 public preschools by 2027, with 51 to be built in Western Sydney.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“My father was a public school teacher so I know how important world class public education is, but it starts with having local public schools built in growing communities like this.

“Thousands of families moved into this area on the promise of new schools that were never delivered by the former government – we’re delivering those schools, with construction underway and doors set to open for thousands of local kids.

“This is all part of our plan to deliver a world class education for every child in NSW by delivering new and upgraded schools and fee-free preschools while investing in our teachers through a historic pay rise that has seen a 40 per cent drop in teacher vacancies since we were elected.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning, and Acting Minister for Western Sydney Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government, with the strong advocacy of Deputy Premier Prue Car, is committed to rebuilding public education to provide local communities with free high-quality education.

“The Liberals and Nationals failed communities right across The Hills because they didn’t properly plan for essential infrastructure like schools and hospitals that families in these growing suburbs need.

“Every child deserves access to a great local public school, and these schools are being delivered as quickly as possible for the local community who have fought hard to have their educational needs met.” 

Federal Attorney-General and Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland said:

“I’m proud to see the first sod turned on a new public school that will become a hub for the Gables community.

“This school is not just bricks and mortar—it’s an investment in the future of our children and something this community has waited years for.

“I’m thrilled to see this project forging ahead and I look forward to seeing the finished product that will benefit families in our growing community for generations to come.”

$200,000 up for grabs to engage seniors

The Minns Labor Government is building more inclusive communities for older people by partnering with community groups and councils to host activities and events that encourage seniors to remain active, engaged and healthy.

Applications are now open for the $200,000 NSW Seniors Festival Grant Program 2026, with funding of up to $5,000 and $10,000 available for events taking place during next year’s festival taking place from 2-15 March.

The theme for 2026 is ‘Live life in colour’, to encourage seniors to celebrate new adventures and embrace creativity, new connections and an active lifestyle.

The annual festival is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting more than 500,000 people across the state to attend free and low-cost activities and events focusing on art, sport, music, entertainment, technology, travel, health, wellbeing and recreation.

This year, 35 organisations hosted events across the state that were attended by about 17,000 older people, including bush dances, art retreats, fitness classes and high teas.

The grant program offers funding of $1,500 to $5,000 for community programs and activities, and up to $10,000 for local government hosted large-scale activities.

The Seniors Festival is the Minns Labor Government’s way to celebrate our state’s seniors and thank them for their continuing contributions to our local communities. Importantly, it is a key part of our actions to build inclusive, age-friendly communities for older people, so they can stay safe, active and healthy.

Applications close on Tuesday 12 August 2025. Applicants should visit the grants program website to see past recipients understand the types of events that receive funding.

Visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/seniors-festival-grants-program/nsw-seniors-festival-grant-program-2026 to apply. Regional applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Minister for Seniors, Jodie Harrison said:

“There are about 1.9 million people aged 60 and over in New South Wales – or about 23 per cent of the state’s population – and they are important members of our community who should be recognised and celebrated.

“Each year the NSW Seniors Festival brings joy and laughter to thousands of our seniors. These grants help ensure that the festival extends across the state, providing opportunities for all seniors to get involved, enjoy new experiences, continue learning, and stay active and connected.

“I strongly encourage local governments and community groups – especially those in our regional areas – to apply to host events and activities for a seniors audience at next year’s Festival.”

Minns Labor Government shuts down lifeline for small business owners

The Minns Labor Government has delivered another blow to the state’s small businesses in its recent Budget by axing funding for the highly successful Service NSW Business Connect program.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said small businesses are the engine room of our economy and the backbone of local communities.
 
“They’re run by mums and dads, and young entrepreneurs giving it a go.
 
“Cutting support like Business Connect doesn’t just hurt balance sheets; it hurts jobs, confidence, and the next generation of business owners.
 
“Government should be making it easier to succeed, not harder,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Small Business Tim James said the decision to defund the program was short-sighted and deeply damaging.
 
“The Minns Labor Government has turned its back on small businesses at a time when they are grappling with soaring costs, weak consumer confidence and economic uncertainty,” Mr James said. “NSW leads the nation in number of business insolvencies.”
 
Business Connect has supported thousands of small businesses across NSW by providing up to 8 hours of free, one-on-one tailored advice that assists businesses with strategic guidance, digital marketing, financial planning, business resilience and more.

“Business Connect has delivered real and tangible assistance to small businesses, but despite positive feedback from small business on the benefits, Labor has pulled out the axe.”
 
The program is now scheduled to end on 30 September 2025.
 
“These cuts will hurt already struggling small businesses. It’s not just a cut to advice, it’s a cut to confidence, innovation and jobs,” Mr James said. “It’s a cruel irony given Labor’s record spending and growing debt.”
 
The Liberal and National Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to urgently reverse this decision and commit to continuing to fund Business Connect services.
 
“Small business owners deserve better than to be abandoned by the Minns Labor Government,” Mr James said.

Check before you travel as weather impacts continue

Travellers are advised to stay across updates from emergency services and check transport apps before setting off in coastal areas lashed by heavy rain and intense winds. 

Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins said while the weather is easing back in many areas, it remains a dynamic and changing situation for our road and public transport and for the train network people should still avoid non-essential travel.

“We’re grateful people have listened to the advice to avoid non-essential travel today, and we’ve seen a significant drop in the number of vehicles on the road and passengers on the public transport network,” Mr Collins said. 

“This has helped us with our work to provide connections and services for frontliners and essential workers who had to be on the network today. 

“Trees brought down by the combination of drenching rain and very strong winds have had the greatest impact for roads and train services over the last two days.

“Our teams were prepared, and have responded quickly to deploy replacement bus services and clear road and train lines as needed. 

“Some of this work on our train line, including damage to wiring caused by trees coming down on the line near Dora Creek will take longer to repair, and replacement bus services will likely need to continue for this section of the line into tomorrow. 

“While rain has eased off for many areas – the return of strong southerly winds along the coast afternoon and this means we could see new impacts emerging. 

“Safety is always our top priority, and as rain continues for the Illawarra and South Coast we’re urging drivers to please take extra care, drive to the conditions and never drive through floodwaters.

“This evening, and even tomorrow morning, we’re asking people to and allow extra time to get to your destination, and check for updates before you set off.  

 “Public transport passengers can jump online and check the latest timetables and disruptions transportnsw.info/alerts, and drivers can check the Live Traffic app or or visit livetraffic.com.”

CURRENT NETWORK IMPACTS

Public Transport:

  • On the T1 Western Line buses continue to replace trains between Penrith and St Marys due to overhead wire repairs at Kingswood.  Passengers can also consider catching local bus routes 770, 774, 775 and 776 between Penrith and St Marys instead.  
  • On the Central Coast & Newcastle Line, buses continue to replace trains between Wyong and Fassifern due to overhead wiring repairs at Dora Creek.
  • On the South Coast Line, trains are running at a reduced speed due to the wet weather.
  • F1 Manly ferries resumed Wednesday morning between Manly and Circular Quay. Buses had been replacing services due to the heavy swell on Tuesday.
  • Several bus routes around Sydney and the regions diverting due to flooded local roads.

Roads:

  • Road closures are currently in place for Oxford Falls Road at Oxford Falls and Audley Weir at Royal National Park.
  • There is water over the road and drivers should travel with care along the Illawarra Highway at Burrawang and Nelson Bay Road at Anna Bay.

For the latest information: 

  • Road closure information and real-time traffic conditions, check livetraffic.com or visit the Live Traffic app
  • Transport disruptions, check travel alerts
  • Current warnings visit the NSW SES website www.ses.nsw.gov.auor follow on social media @NSWSES
  • Transport for NSW encourages anyone travelling to download the Hazards Near Me Latest weather and warnings at Bureau of Meteorology
  • App, the BoM Weather App and the Live Traffic NSW App
  • Call 132 500 for assistance from SES and in an emergency, always dial Triple Zero (000). 

FDC Renews Support for Netball NSW

FDC Renews Support for Netball NSW at 2025 First Nations Netball Tournament Netball NSW is proud to confirm that leading construction and fit-out company FDC has renewed its support as the sole sponsor of the Netball NSW (NNSW) Warada team competing at the 2025 First Nations National Netball Tournament.

As part of the overall cost of sending the team to the event, a $20,000 investment from FDC will ensure that every Netball NSW athlete is fully funded to compete. This funding covers travel, accommodation, playing kit, and high-performance support. Unlike athletes from other teams, who pay levies of more than $1,000, these players will attend with no out-of-pocket costs—removing financial barriers to participation.

“We are incredibly grateful to FDC for their ongoing support of our First Nations team,” said Netball NSW CEO Tracey Scott. “We are grateful for their commitment to continue to work in partnership with NNSW to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, coaches and umpires have the opportunity to shine on the national stage.”

After backing the team at the inaugural tournament in 2024, FDC’s continued sponsorship reaffirms the company’s strong commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes, coaches, and umpires in New South Wales.

“At FDC, we believe in the power of sport to bring people together and create real opportunities,” said FDC’s founder Ben Cottle. “We’re especially proud to support a tournament that not only celebrates First Nations excellence, but also champions women in sport and gender equality. This partnership with Netball NSW reflects our commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders — on and off the court — and aligns closely with our Reconciliation Action Plan and broader dedication to equity, inclusion and social responsibility.”
The 2025 First Nations National Netball Tournament will take place at Frankston’s Jubilee Park Stadium from Wednesday 20 to Sunday 24 August. Now in its second year, the event will expand from three to five days—reflecting its rapid growth and increasing importance as a celebration of First Nations excellence in netball.

Launched in 2024, the tournament marked a historic milestone in Australian netball, offering a national platform to showcase Indigenous talent and accelerate the development of future stars. Three NSW athletes — Acacia Ellers, Jayda Grant and Jaylah Boney — were selected from last year’s tournament to join the Black Swans to compete at the 2024 Pan Pacific Tournament.

“We’re really grateful to FDC,” NSW First Nations representative Jaylah Boney said. “Through this partnership we know that we’ve got the best high performance support provided to us by Netball NSW.”

FDC’s sponsorship represents more than financial support. As a longstanding champion of women’s sport and major partner of GIANTS Netball, FDC’s commitment to the NSW First Nations team reflects a deep belief in sport as a vehicle for change, empowerment, and reconciliation.

With FDC by their side once again, the Netball NSW First Nations team is set to take the court in 2025 ready to inspire—on and off the court.

Riverina families set to benefit from new public preschools

Hundreds of families across the Riverina are a step closer to accessing fee-free, high-quality early learning, with contracts awarded for four brand-new public preschools in the region.

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

As the biggest expansion of public preschools in the state’s history, 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 metropolitan Sydney and 49 are in regional NSW, prioritised in areas of highest need based on a rigorous selection process.

The four public preschools will be built at:

  • Beelbangera Public School
  • Deniliquin South Public School
  • Hanwood Public School
  • Leeton Public School

A fifth public preschool will also be delivered in the Riverina region through the multimillion-dollar upgrade of Parkview Public School announced by the Premier earlier this year.

Zauner Construction Pty Ltd will deliver the four public preschools, with construction expected to begin later this year and doors opening by early 2027. Contracts for the public preschool at Parkview Public School will be awarded later this year.

Once open, the five sites will cater for up to 400 local children a week.

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

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. 

This historic investment is a major turnaround from the former Liberal National Government, who didn’t build a single public preschool in 12 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 five new public preschools across the Riverina in areas where they are needed most.  

“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.”

Member for Murray Helen Dalton said:

“As a former school teacher, I understand the incredible value that pre-school education creates for our children and our community.”

“I commend the work the Minns Labor Government is doing in this area. It will significantly improve the level of education children in the Riverina receive.”

“By building these four pre-schools at existing primary school locations, it will make life easier for families when it comes to pick-up and drop-off times.”

“This is extremely important in regional areas particularly, given the distances that can be involved.”