The Minns Labor Government is delivering the first of 49 public preschools rolling out across regional NSW, with Tamworth families among the first to benefit from this historic investment in early learning.
Construction is nearing completion on Tamworth's newest public preschool, co-located at Hillvue Public School. Expressions of interest to enrol are now open, with doors anticipated to open in time for Term 2.
The public preschool will offer places for up to 80 children per week, and features state-of-the-art learning spaces, dedicated staff facilities, a kitchen and landscaped outdoor play areas.
Hillvue Public School is one of three public schools across the New England region receiving a co-located public preschool. Construction is also underway on the new public preschool build at Warialda Public School, and works are due to commence on the new public preschool at Toomelah Public School.
These new preschools are part of the NSW Government's historic $769 million investment to deliver 100 new public preschools by early 2027, doubling access to fee-free early learning across the state. Nearly half of these public preschools will be located in regional NSW.
As one of 33 Connected Communities schools in NSW, the new preschool at Hillvue will expand access to high-quality, culturally responsive early learning, strengthening partnerships with Aboriginal families and communities, and supporting continuity of learning through to school.
Construction is also well underway at nearby Tamworth High School, as part of the High Potential and Gifted Education Partner School program.
Tamworth High School is one of 14 regional schools receiving infrastructure upgrades to support the delivery of advanced learning opportunities for high-potential students. The major upgrade will enhance the school's multipurpose hall, library, food technology rooms, gymnasium and agricultural and horticultural facilities, ready for the start of Term 4 this year.
The work is part of a record $9 billion investment in new and upgraded public schools across NSW, including $2.1 billion for new and upgraded schools for regional NSW.
This investment is backed by a rebuilt teaching workforce, with vacancies dropping to a 12-year low following Labor's historic wage rise and additional policies to reduce teacher workload.
The Minns Labor Government's work to rebuild public education in NSW stands in stark contrast to the former Liberal National Government, which failed families across the state by neglecting to build and upgrade schools, delivering no new public preschools, overseeing declining student outcomes and failing to keep up with population growth.
Families can contact Hillvue Public School or visit the NSW Department of Education website for further information.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"Affordable, high-quality early learning can set children up for the best possible start, but we know regional families have struggled to access these services in their communities.
"That's why we're investing $769 million to build 100 new public preschools co-located at public schools, making the school drop off and pick up easier for families.
"Families in Tamworth will be among the first in our regions to benefit from this historic investment, with the new Hillvue public preschool ready to open its doors for the start of Term 2."
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:
"Hillvue Public Preschool will be one of the first of our 100 new public preschools to open, part of the major rollout families are seeing across the state.
"After years of neglect by the Liberals and Nationals, families in Tamworth will soon have access to a high-quality, fee-free public preschool close to where they live.
"The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work rebuilding public education across regional NSW because all children deserve access to high-quality public education, no matter where they live."
Hillvue Public School Executive Principal Jayne Johnson said:
"Our new public preschool is more than a building - it's a foundation for a child's development, curiosity, and confidence.
"Most of a child's brain development occurs by age five, and this preschool will provide high-quality learning, ease children's transition to school, and make life easier for families with siblings at Hillvue Public School and across Tamworth.
"We look forward to welcoming every family and child who joins us."
