First regional public preschool in more than 20 years opens as NSW expands early learning access

The first new public preschool to open in regional and rural New South Wales in more than 20 years has welcomed children in Tamworth, as the NSW Government progresses a $769 million expansion of public preschool provision across the state.

Hillvue Public Preschool officially opened on 11 August, becoming the first of 49 new public preschools being delivered across regional and rural NSW.

Located on the grounds of Hillvue Public School in Tamworth, the fee-free preschool will accommodate up to 80 children each week.

The purpose-built facility includes two learning spaces, dedicated staff facilities, a kitchen and landscaped outdoor play areas.

The preschool was built in six months and is one of three new public preschools being delivered in the New England region, alongside Warialda and Toomelah Public Preschools.

The opening forms part of the NSW Government’s $769 million commitment to double the number of public preschools across the state.

All 49 new public preschools planned for regional and rural NSW are expected to be ready for children by early 2027.

The expansion sits alongside a $2.3 billion investment in new and upgraded schools across regional NSW through the 2026–27 NSW Budget.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the opening would give Tamworth families greater access to fee-free preschool within their local public school community.

“For parents, today’s milestone means access to a fee-free preschool program in a trusted local public school environment,” Ms Car said.

“It makes the transition to school much easier and gives children the confidence and foundational skills they need before starting kindergarten.”

The location of Hillvue Public Preschool within an existing public school is intended to support continuity between preschool and school.

Hillvue Public School is also one of 33 Connected Communities schools in NSW.

The Connected Communities approach places an emphasis on partnerships between schools, families and communities.

At Hillvue, the Government said the new preschool would expand access to culturally responsive early learning, strengthen partnerships with Aboriginal families and communities and support continuity of learning through to school.

Hillvue Public School Principal Jayne Johnson said the preschool would support children to develop curiosity, connection and confidence.

“The preschool’s culturally responsive environment will support our children to explore and learn, easing the path to kindergarten for them and their family,” Ms Johnson said.

“We look forward to providing high-quality education and care to all our Tamworth families.”

The new service will provide fee-free preschool education to up to 80 children each week from Tamworth and surrounding communities.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said expanding early learning provision in regional areas could also support families to remain in their local communities.

“We know that investing in early learning in regional and rural areas makes a real difference, supporting children to thrive while helping families stay and build their lives locally,” Ms Moriarty said.

“By delivering new public preschools across regional NSW, we’re ensuring families outside our major cities have the same opportunities and access to services close to home.”

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison described the opening as an important milestone for regional NSW.

“This is what real investment in the regions looks like: a purpose-built, fee-free preschool giving 80 local children a week the best possible start, close to home, in a community they already know,” Ms Aitchison said.

For the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, Hillvue represents the beginning of a significant expansion of publicly delivered preschool provision across regional NSW.

With 49 regional and rural public preschools expected to be ready for children by early 2027, the rollout will increase the number of fee-free preschool places available through the public education system.

The co-location model also places an emphasis on connections between early learning and school, with the Government positioning the new preschools as part of a broader public education pathway.

For providers and sector leaders, the rollout will be an important development to watch as new public preschool capacity comes online across regional communities during the coming months.

Further information is available from the NSW Government media centre here.