Ooranga opens new Gunnedah HQ to boost early learning access for rural families

Ooranga Family Mobile Resource Unit has purchased a new headquarters in Gunnedah, creating a dedicated hub for community connection and early childhood education support in remote New South Wales.

Early childhood education services for rural and remote families in northern New South Wales are set to expand, following the purchase of a new headquarters by Ooranga Family Mobile Resource Unit (FMRU).

The not-for-profit organisation, which delivers mobile early childhood education and care (ECEC) support across the Gunnedah, Tamworth, Liverpool Plains and Narrabri Local Government Areas, will establish its new base at 47 Conadilly Street in Gunnedah.

Ooranga FMRU Committee President Georgina Simson said the new premises will act as a welcoming community hub, designed to meet growing regional demand while enabling broader service delivery.

“As the demand for Ooranga’s offerings has increased in recent years, it has become clear that our current space is holding us back from expansion,” she said.

“Our 2023 Strategic Plan included the goal of a dedicated, family-friendly base. We are proud to deliver this earlier than expected to better support families, foster connection and meet emerging needs.”

Since 2015, Ooranga has seen a 34 per cent increase in families accessing its services and a 56 per cent rise in borrowings from its award-winning Toy Library.

In addition to supporting day-to-day operations, the new space will accommodate an expanded Toy Library, an inclusive play area, and rooms for mothers’ groups, visiting health professionals, community sessions and school holiday programs for children under five.

“Our members are from some of the most geographically isolated areas of the region, and many face challenges accessing essential services,” Ms Simson said.

“We hope this space helps to bridge those gaps and opens the door to more collaborative service delivery.”

Treasurer Rose Holland said the organisation’s decision to purchase a central property reflects its commitment to financial sustainability and long-term impact.

“Investing in a permanent, progressive headquarters secures our ability to operate effectively, house vital resources and provide for a growing team,” she said.

Funded through a mix of NSW Department of Education support, grants, donations and membership fees, Ooranga FMRU continues to play a critical role in delivering equitable access to early education in areas where no other providers operate.

The new headquarters is expected to be fully operational by the start of the 2026 school year.

The purchase aligns with national efforts to improve early learning access in rural and remote areas, where infrastructure and service continuity remain pressing issues.

For more about Ooranga and its work in the ECEC sector, visit www.ooranga.com.au.