Hunter Families to Benefit From Major Public Preschool Expansion

newy.com.au – Hundreds of young families across the Hunter are set to benefit from the creation of 1,000 new free public preschool places, with the awarding of contracts to build 12 new facilities in the region.

The preschools are part of the Minns Labor Government’s ambitious plan to construct 100 new public preschools across New South Wales, an initiative funded through the record $2024-25 State Budget investment in early education. The expansion will double the number of public preschools across NSW and deliver up to 9,000 additional placements.

Construction of the 12 Hunter-based preschools is scheduled to begin later this year, with completion targeted for early 2027. The new facilities will be co-located with public primary schools to create a seamless educational pathway for children.

New public preschools will be built at:

Booragul Public School

Cessnock Public School

Ellalong Public School

Gillieston Public School

Kearsley Public School

Kurri Kurri Public School

Maryland Public School

Nulkaba Public School

Shortland Public School

Tenambit Public School

Teralba Public School

Weston Public School

These new public preschools will provide quality, play-based educational programs, helping ensure children develop key learning, social and emotional skills from an early age. Families can view pattern book artists’ impressions of the planned preschools online.

The expansion forms part of the government’s wider efforts to improve access to preschool across NSW. Of the 100 new preschools, 49 will be located in regional areas, while another 48 are earmarked for fast-growing parts of Sydney, including the west, north-west and south-west. The locations were chosen following a rigorous selection process that identified communities most in need.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said regional families often face significant barriers in accessing preschool. “That’s why the Minns Labor Government is delivering new public preschools across the Hunter,” she said. “Once complete, these 12 new public preschools will provide 1,000 new, free preschool placements for Hunter families every week. These public preschools will make a real difference to young working families and ensure every child in NSW can access high-quality early education, no matter their postcode.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley highlighted the importance of early learning in setting children up for success. “Every kid deserves a great start, no matter where they’re from,” she said. “These new preschools mean families in the Hunter won’t have to fight for a spot — they’ll know their child’s future is being taken seriously from day one. The early years are everything. It’s where kids find their confidence, their voice and their love for learning. That’s why this matters so much. For too long, families in the Hunter have been left behind. We’re changing that — because investing in our kids now means a stronger future for everyone.”

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison welcomed the news, particularly for families in Tenambit and Gillieston Heights. “These public preschools will be well-loved assets for our young families and will help set our children up for future success at big school,” she said. “Access to preschool is so important for young families, and I am proud to be part of a Labor Government that is delivering for regional communities.”

Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said the new preschools would offer vital support to local families. “The Cessnock area will benefit greatly from our new public preschools, where the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect many local families,” he said. “Access to high-quality, reliable public preschool for free will make a world of difference to our community, and I look forward to seeing construction begin.”

Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said the preschools at Booragul and Teralba would provide much-needed options for families with young children. “These new public preschools will offer access to early learning and establish a smooth transition into schooling,” he said. “I’m sure this news will be welcomed by the community and form a great foundation for future growth in the area.”

The announcement is a key step in the Minns Government’s broader effort to rapidly expand the provision of free public preschool across NSW and address growing demand in both regional and metropolitan communities.