The Minns Labor Government has opened the first of its 49 new public preschools in regional NSW, giving Tamworth families greater access to fee-free, high-quality early learning, close to home.
Hillvue Public Preschool was officially opened today by the Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison and will accommodate up to 80 children a week from the growing Tamworth community.
Located on the grounds of Hillvue Public School, the new preschool features two state-of-the-art learning spaces, dedicated staff facilities, a kitchen, and landscaped outdoor play areas.
The opening marks a major milestone in the Minns Labor Government’s $769 million commitment to double the number of public preschools across the state. Hillvue is the first new public preschool opened in regional and rural NSW in more than 20 years. This stands in stark contrast to the former Liberal National government, which failed to deliver a single new public preschool during their 12 years in office.
Built in just six months, Hillvue is one of three new public preschools being delivered in the New England region, alongside Warialda and Toomelah Public Preschools.
All 49 new public preschools across regional and rural NSW will be ready for children by early 2027.
These new preschools form part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education, backed by a $2.3 billion investment in new and upgraded schools across regional NSW as part of the 2026-27 NSW Budget.
The Minns Labor Government is working to ensure every family has access to a world-class public education with a qualified teacher in every classroom and preschool.
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.
Enrolments at Hillvue Public Preschool are now open. Families can contact Hillvue Public School or visit the NSW Department of Education website for further information.
Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding public education from the earliest years right through to Year 12 and we’re delivering for families in Tamworth and across regional NSW.
“We know families in regional communities missed out on access to high-quality early learning, close to home, for too long during more than a decade of neglect by the Nationals and Liberals.
“For parents, today’s milestone means access to a fee-free preschool program in a trusted local public school environment. It makes the transition to school much easier and gives children the confidence and foundational skills they need before starting kindergarten.”
Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:
“Hillvue is the first new public preschool to open in regional or rural NSW in more than 20 years – and it’s only fitting that it’s opened right here in Tamworth. One of the states most iconic regional cities.
“This is what real investment in the regions looks like: a purpose-built, fee-free preschool giving 80 local children a week the best possible start, close to home, in a community they already know.
“For too long, regional families were left behind, with more than a decade going by without a single new public preschool built anywhere in regional NSW. The Minns Labor Government is changing that.”
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
“This new preschool at Hillvue is a fantastic outcome for Tamworth families, giving local children access to quality early education right in the heart of their community.
“We know that investing in early learning in regional and rural areas makes a real difference, supporting children to thrive while helping families stay and build their lives locally.
“By delivering new public preschools across regional NSW, we’re ensuring families outside our major cities have the same opportunities and access to services close to home.”
Hillvue Public School Principal Jayne Johnson said:
“We’re so excited to welcome our new preschoolers to Hillvue Public Preschool today, and to support those children develop their curiosity, connection and confidence in this wonderful new service.
“The preschool’s culturally responsive environment will support our children to explore and learn, easing the path to kindergarten for them and their family.
“We look forward to providing high-quality education and care to all our Tamworth families.”
