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Building a brighter future for NSW Children: one service at a time
Fiona Alston
Sep 26, 2025
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When Cowra Early Childhood Services dreamt of a new preschool, they faced a challenge familiar to many not-for-profit childcare providers across New South Wales: transforming a bold vision into reality, within budget and under the strict requirements of government funding.
The dream wasn’t just about bricks and mortar. It was about creating a nurturing environment where children could thrive, families felt supported, and educators had the resources to deliver exceptional outcomes. Yet, like so many community-driven projects, the hurdles were significant: navigating complex grant applications, securing council approvals, and finding a builder who could deliver quality without exceeding budget.That’s where Mollard Property Group stepped in. Partnering with Cowra Early Childhood Services, they worked side by side to craft a design that not only reflected the community’s values but also met the highest standards of educational planning and cost-effectiveness. One of the standout achievements was securing development approval in just 31 days, an almost unheard-of turnaround that gave the project the momentum it needed to succeed.
Libby Ewing-Jarvie, General Manager of Cowra Early Childhood Services, reflected: “This preschool is going to be a game-changer for Cowra. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together, and grateful for the professionalism, care, and commitment that Mollard brought to the table.”
Across NSW, opportunities for not-for-profit services to access funding are expanding. From Department of Education capital works grants to preschool funding initiatives and community partnerships, the landscape is full of potential. Yet with this potential comes complexity: rigorous applications, detailed viability assessments and the pressure to demonstrate community impact.
Having an experienced partner can make all the difference when navigating the complexities of early learning infrastructure projects. The right support helps services maximise available grant funding, submit strong applications, and avoid delays or cost overruns in planning and construction phases.
For Approved Providers, educators and teachers, the priority remains on delivering outcomes for children, families and communities.
Cowra Early Childhood Services, where one community’s vision was successfully realised and now across New South Wales, similar outcomes are within reach.
From securing funding to navigating approvals, there are pathways to developing early learning environments that are both financially sustainable and supportive of positive outcomes for children.
To learn more about how this project was brought to life, read more here.
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