Work Starts on Cowra Preschool and Early Childhood Precinct

It’s been some years in the making, and after a successful outcome obtaining major capital works grant funding from the NSW Department of Education, Cowra Early Childhood Services broke ground on Cowra’s soon-to-be Community Preschool at 14 Short Street last Thursday.

With the Department of Education providing $3.7 million in grant funding and CECS providing over $1 million to fund the necessary pre-work, this venue will provide quality early childhood education and care to preschool children and their families for generations to come.

The site is Crown Land, transforming what was once an energy depot, into a beautiful and essential space for local children.

The commencement of construction was marked with a traditional Wiradjuri blessing, representatives from all levels of government, and many local stakeholders of CECS.

The preschool will provide 60 places for preschoolers and the development will generate significant benefits for the Cowra

community, with 75% of contractors sourced locally and close to 100 projectrelated opportunities being created.

These opportunities range from on-theground construction work to the supply of building materials and services from local businesses.

Libby Ewing-Jarvie, CECS General Manager commented “ This moment marks more than the start of a building, it reflects CECS shared belief that children thrive when their environments are shaped by kindness, creativity and belonging. The foundation of our vision for preschool is the idea that learning begins with relationships - with each other and with place.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“We are delighted to provide funding for this new preschool and early childhood precinct that will expand access to affordable, quality early learning for families in Cowra.

“This is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to support high-quality community-run preschools and early learning services in local communities around the state, increasing access in areas of high demand like the Central West.”

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, said being able to access high-quality and trusted childcare close to home was incredibly important, particularly for single-parent households or families where mum and dad are both working.

“This latest investment will ensure that Cowra can support more working families and give their children the best start in life with a supportive education. Throughout my time as a Member, securing grants and funding for preschool facilities has remained one of my biggest priorities,” she said.

The preschool will be operational in 2027.

• Topics:
• Public Works
• Community
• Education