Work is now underway on all 12 new public preschools being delivered across the Hunter, as the State Government moves toward its commitment to build 100 new public preschools statewide.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley and Cessnock MP Clayton Barr today marked the start of construction at Weston Public School. The new facilities are part of a significant expansion of early childhood education and will collectively provide places for up to 1,000 children each week across the region.
The preschools are being co-located on existing public school campuses, including at Booragul, Cessnock, Ellalong, Gillieston, Kearsley, Kurri Kurri, Maryland, Nulkaba, Shortland, Tenambit, Teralba and Weston. Each site will include modern learning spaces, staff facilities, kitchens, toilets and landscaped outdoor play areas.
The State Government says the new sites are the first public preschools built in almost two decades. The projects form part of a wider $9 billion program of new schools and upgrades across NSW, including major redevelopments at Gillieston Public School and new schools planned for Medowie and Huntlee.
Education outcomes across the Hunter are also being supported through programs such as Inspire, which provides gifted education pathways in every public school. High schools in Lake Macquarie and Muswellbrook are among 33 partner schools benefiting from a $100 million investment, with upgrades including a new marine studies laboratory at Lake Macquarie, and improved creative and performing arts facilities at Muswellbrook High School.
