Grafton families now have more choice and opportunities for their precious children, with the opening of the Clarence Valley's newest preschool, Clarence Community Preschool.
Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis said the new 20-place preschool in Turf Street, Grafton came to be after Cristie Harris, from the Clarence Childhood Services Association, sought his help.
"Together we secured a Nationals in the NSW Government grant of $431,000 for a recently acquired building to be refurbished," Mr Gulaptis said.
"This was undertaken through COVID and floods and while the new renovations are very close to completion, our littlest learners have started the year in a temporary building across the road at Clarence Childhood Services Association's main building.
"Cristie wasn't going to let a few delays prevent the children from starting preschool, and has moved mountains to establish a temporary site for their first term of learning."
Mr Gulaptis was joined by Nationals Candidate for Clarence, Richie Williamson, who said he was eager to continue the stunning progress of preschools in the Clarence and Richmond valleys since The Nationals were elected in 2011.
"We've gone from last to first in Australia over a very short time," Mr Williamson said.
"Under Labor, our local Nationals MP literally had to 'pedal for preschools' to raise funds for them, but since then, The Nationals in government have invested so much in preschool education that it has become affordable, often free, for local families and we now have the highest participation rates in the country.
"A high-quality early childhood education gives children the best start in life and it's really exciting to see a new preschool open its doors to meet the growing demand in the area."
Cristie Harris said they are thrilled to be able to provide a new preschool to the Grafton community.
"It has been over three decades since a new preschool opened in Grafton and with the increase in demand, we have been working for a number of years on how we can support families with their preschool needs," Ms Harris said.
"I am so appreciative to the support that has been offered by the NSW Government and in particular Chris Gulaptis in helping us get the doors open."
