Coonamble Children Services receives much-needed upgrade
Coonamble Children Services will soon be able to enrol more children after plans to build a new multi- purpose playroom on Crown land was approved.
Crown Lands, part of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, approved an expansion of services on the site following the lodging of a landowner’s consent application in October 2022.
The approval paves the way for Coonamble Children Services (CCS)to extend and renovate its centre, with construction work slated to begin in January 2024.
The centre’s existing internal courtyard will be turned into an enclosed multi-purpose playroom. At present the courtyard is unable to be used, as it does not protect the children or staff from rain or the region’s scorching heat.
The new multi-purpose playroom will be CCS’ largest room and will be an all-weather, safe, educational, interactive and friendly space for all the children to learn and grow.
Currently, the centre is at capacity for enrolments in 2024 at 32places. The centre employs 14 staff. Coonamble only has two childcare centres, and the waitlist for families hoping to enrol their children to CCS has ballooned to up to 12 months. Once the new room is completed, more children in the area will be able to enjoy quality play-based learning.
The community-centre was first opened in 1988. This new renovation is the first step in what CCS hopes will be a multi-stage plan to improve its facilities and increase the centre’s capacity.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“Crown land is held by the NSW Government on behalf of the public. While many people associate Crown land with public reserves, sporting grounds and cultural heritage sites, we also provide the land to be used for other public and social purposes such as childcare.
“Crown land reserves play an important role supporting communities and helping them thrive. All children, no matter where they live, should have access to world-class early childcare.”
Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:
“I believe it’s important all kids have access to high-quality early education, which is why I am so thrilled that Coonamble Children Services will be expanding in 2024.
“Coonamble is full of hardworking mums and dads who deserve to have as much access to childcare as other parents around the state. This new development will help them do so, which is great news for our community.”
Coonamble Children Services’ Committee President Sophie Cullen said:
“The construction of a brand-new, state-of-the-art multi-purpose playroom is a game-changer for us. The new space will allow all our kids, from infants, to toddlers to pre-schoolers, a large space to play and learn. The room will also be properly insulated, which means our little ones will be protected from the extreme Aussie weather and can play in safety and comfort.
“We couldn’t have done a single thing without permission from Crown Lands, and I thank the NSW Government for their support as we embark on making our centre even better into this decade and beyond.”