An artist’s rendition of one of nine preschools in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven that will begin to be built this year. Photo: NSW Government.
The construction of nine new preschools from Cringila to Sanctuary Point is a step closer to reality.
The NSW Government announced contracts have been awarded for the build of the new facilities, co-located with public schools.
The contract for a preschool in Cringila was awarded to HPAC Pty Ltd and the contract for the other eight preschools was awarded to Patterson Building Group.
The preschools in Cringila, Berkeley West, Lake Heights, Lake Illawarra South, Barrack Heights, Hayes Park, Bomaderry, Greenwell Point and Sanctuary Point will together accommodate up to 800 children per week.
Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said the sites were chosen because they serviced fast-growing populations.
“It is wonderful that these new preschools are being built in fast-growing areas where local families need them most,” she said.
“These preschools will make a huge difference for young families right across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.”
They will be fee-free, providing cost-of-living relief for families, Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said.
“This investment will be life-changing for so many children in Wollongong and the broader Illawarra-Shoalhaven region,” he said.
“These new public preschools will give hundreds of local children now and long into the future the best possible start to their education while providing much-needed cost-of-living relief for families.”
Construction is set to begin later this year, and a NSW Government spokesperson said the milestone is part of a historic building boom.
One hundred new public preschools are set to open across NSW by early 2027, including 49 in regional areas.
Construction is set to begin this year on most of the nine preschools.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the project was part of an $8.9 billion spend on education from the Minns Labor Government.
“This investment is part of our commitment to rebuilding public education and ensuring local families have access to high-quality early education close to home,” she said.
Member for South Coast Liza Butler said families across the Shoalhaven had long struggled to access early childhood education due to a lack of places and high costs.
“By delivering these new public preschools, we’re giving local children the best start in life while easing the financial burden on parents,” she said.
“For too long, families have struggled to find accessible and affordable early childhood education.
“This investment will change that, ensuring every child – no matter their background – has the opportunity to thrive.
“I look forward to seeing construction begin next year and keeping our community updated as we deliver these much-needed preschools for the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.”
