Four regional towns across the Riverina are set to receive a boost in early childhood care with the construction of new fee-free preschools. Photo: FatCamera.
Four Riverina public schools are set to receive early childhood facilities, with the State Government announcing new public preschools for the area.
Beelbangera, Deniliquin South, Hanwood and Leeton public schools are all set to benefit, with construction set to begin by the end of the year, with hopes of opening by 2027.
Lavington-based construction company Zauner Construction Pty Ltd will deliver the four preschools and a fifth at Parkview Public School that was announced earlier this year.
The five new sites are projected to cater for up to 400 children, while being fee-free for parents.
The five sites, along with Gulyangarri Public Preschool in Liverpool, Sydney, will be the first new public preschools built in NSW in almost 20 years.
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said the past two decades had been difficult for young parents, especially in regional areas, and the new preschools should help alleviate some stress for families.
“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,” she said.
“The NSW Government 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.”
Member for Murray Helen Dalton detailed her experiences as a teacher and the level of importance that preschool education provided.
“As a former schoolteacher, I understand the incredible value that preschool education creates for our children and our community,” she said.
“I commend the work the NSW Government is doing in this area. It will significantly improve the level of education children in the Riverina receive.
“By building these four preschools 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.”
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the announcement of the new preschools was a historic investment that would help regional communities thrive.
“Early learning is a vital first step in a child’s education, and these new fee-free preschools will help our regional communities thrive.
“Families in our regions deserve access to high-quality early learning, and I am proud to see the Federal Government continuing to make significant investments in regional communities.”
