Gundagai Preschool Kindergarten Reaches Key Development Milestone

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke today welcomed a key milestone for the
NSW Government-funded redevelopment of the Gundagai Preschool Kindergarten.
The project has reached the tender stage which means it is a significant step closer
to the commencement of construction.


Director of Gundagai Preschool Kindergarten, Stacey Smith said the project team is
absolutely delighted to have the tender for construction now live and on the open
market.


“This step makes the build seem that little more real, and that little more achievable,”
Mrs Smith said.


In order for preschoolers to continue their learning with minimal disruption and to
maintain safety, the redevelopment will be completed in two stages.


“The call to carry out the two-stage construction for the project is a substantial
achievement for the Gundagai community and it’s just fantastic to see this key point
being reached,” Ms Cooke said.


Excitingly, Stage 1 involves the construction of the new main preschool building and
carpark, with staff and children relocating from their existing premises to the new
building prior to the commencement of Stage two.


Stage two will see the old preschool building demolished and the construction of the
remaining planned buildings.


“On behalf of the preschool community, I would like to share my gratitude and
excitement. The new preschool project has been a long term plan for Gundagai
Preschool Kindergarten Inc. and a permanent fixture within the preschool’s strategic
plan,” Mrs Smith said.


“It has been a joint effort with many hours being clocked-up by our local member
Steph Cooke, staff at the Gundagai-Cootamundra Regional Council and the amazing
Preschool Committee both past and present to reach this milestone.”


The NSW State Government is funding the construction of the brand new community
preschool for the town which draws young children from surrounding areas.


Since 2018, Gundagai has received over $2 million in funding for the redevelopment
of the Gundagai Preschool Kindergarten, largely under the 2019 Start Strong Capital
Works Grants Program, designed to increase the number of preschool places
available in areas of need and demand.


“We want to ensure that our community has a high quality facility. A facility that is
purpose built, innovative, flexible, and provides an opportunity for quality learning
and support to children and families,” Mrs Smith said.


Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, Sarah Mitchell said early
childhood education is essential and this preschool will help generations of young
children grow the foundations to succeed in life.


”I’m thrilled that the new preschool in Gundagai is progressing thanks to a $1.5
million investment from the NSW Government,” Ms Mitchell added.


Ms Cooke said the new building on First Avenue, will help ensure that more children
receive superior early education services in improved facilities.


“This wonderful preschool community has outgrown the existing building, where the
much-loved preschool has been operating for over half a century. It is a new era and
such an exciting time for Gundagai,” Ms Cooke said.


In a further boost for the local community, the project will create more jobs through
the construction phase and beyond, with added flow on effects for the local
economy.


Ms Cooke said each milestone reached in this project is a tribute to the hard work of
Director Stacey Smith, the Preschool Committee and staff at the centre.


“They have worked tirelessly for years and it’s an honour to celebrate this latest
news with them.”