New public preschools on the way for Illawarra and south coast families

Families across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions are set to benefit from a significant expansion of public preschool infrastructure, with contracts awarded for the construction of nine new fee free facilities. These preschools will be co-located with existing public schools.

The initiative, delivered by the Minns Labor Government, will provide up to 800 preschool places per week across the new sites. This investment represents a commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible early learning in areas experiencing significant growth, while also relieving financial pressure on families.

This milestone forms part of a broader commitment to build 100 new public preschools across New South Wales by early 2027, including 49 in regional areas. The first of these preschools, Gulyangarri Public Preschool in Liverpool, opened in October 2024, with a further 40 contracts already awarded in Western Sydney.

The nine new preschools in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region will be located at Barrack Heights, Berkeley West, Bomaderry, Greenwell Point, Hayes Park, Lake Heights, Lake Illawarra South, Sanctuary Point, and Cringila public schools. These sites were strategically chosen based on community needs and population growth.

Construction of most of the new facilities will begin in 2025, with the community to be kept informed throughout the process. Updates will include site planning details, construction milestones, and delivery timelines to ensure transparency and local engagement.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, emphasised the importance of this investment, stating that it reflects the government’s commitment to rebuilding public education and giving every child the best start in life.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park, highlighted the significance of early childhood education in a child’s development, especially in the crucial first 2,000 days of life. He also noted the meaningful cost of living relief these fee free services will bring to families in the region.

Local MPs echoed their support, with Member for Wollongong Paul Scully calling the investment “life-changing” for families, and Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson praising the focus on fast-growing communities where demand is highest.

Member for South Coast Liza Butler called the announcement a “huge win,” acknowledging the long-standing challenges families have faced in accessing affordable preschool education. She pledged to keep the community informed as construction progresses.

Labor MLC for Kiama Sarah Kaine also welcomed the news, especially the development of Bomaderry Public Preschool. She noted that such infrastructure will provide lasting benefits to the region by supporting children’s development and easing family pressures through equitable access to early education.

Access announcement here.