Work starts on Cowra Preschool and Early Childhood Precinct

Families in the Central West are a step closer to more quality early learning options with the beginning of construction on the new Cowra Community Preschool and Early Childhood Precinct.

Operated by the Cowra Early Learning Cooperative (CECS), the new preschool will accommodate up to 60 children per day, easing local waiting lists. It will also allow CECS to consolidate its many early learning services into one education and care precinct.

The development was made possible by the provision of a 10,550 square metre block of Crown land, and $3.7 million from the Department of Education’s Start Strong Capital Works program.

The Minns Labor Government committed $17 million in Start Strong Capital Works Grants last year to improve access to preschools in areas of need across the state.

The precinct will feature modern learning spaces, outdoor play areas, and facilities designed to support inclusive and culturally responsive education.

The new preschool will support smoother transitions to school and enable more children across the region to access high-quality early learning.

CECS provides early and middle childhood education and care services to more than 500 families. It operates a long day care service, out of school hours care services, family day care, mobile long day care and preschool services at a range of sites.

The precinct is expected to open mid 2027.

Cowra Early Childhood Services Cooperative Ltd General Manager Libby Ewing-Jarvie said:

“It’s a joy to see construction begin. We’ve planned every inch of this space with care and community at heart. This preschool is a promise to our youngest citizens that their voices matter and their futures are worth investing in.

“We’re deeply grateful to the NSW Department of Education, Crown Lands, and Cowra Shire Council for walking this road with us, and to our CECS team for steering every twist and turn with heart and grit.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“This is a fantastic example of Crown land being used to meet the needs of local communities.

“By unlocking public land for early childhood education, we’re helping build stronger, wellconnected communities across NSW.”

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 Minns Labor 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.

“In addition to funding capital works, we are also investing $100 million to help interested community preschools to expand the services they offer through initiatives like extending their opening hours and the age range of children enrolled.”