The Minns Labor Government is delivering more fee-free early learning for families across Queanbeyan, with two new public preschools now open for up to 160 children each week.
Queanbeyan East Public Preschool and Queanbeyan South Public Preschool have officially opened today, giving local families access to high-quality, fee-free early learning in the year before their child starts school.
Each new public preschool can welcome up to 80 children each week, and features two state-of-the-art learning spaces, dedicated staff facilities and landscaped outdoor play areas. The preschools are staffed by qualified early childhood teachers and School Learning Support Officers, providing children with a high-quality, play-based early learning program.
Queanbeyan South and Queanbeyan East are the fourth and fifth new public preschools to open as part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic program to build 100 new public preschools across NSW by early 2027. They are part of 49 new public preschools being delivered in regional NSW under the program.
More early learning places are also on the way for communities across Monaro, with construction underway on a new public preschool at Jindabyne Public School, which will also provide places for up to 80 children per week.
A new public early learning service is also being delivered alongside the new public primary school planned for Googong, set to welcome students from Day 1, Term 1 2028.
The new preschools build on the Minns Labor Government’s significant investment in public education infrastructure across the region, including the new Googong High School, the new permanent Bungendore High School and the expansion of Jerrabomberra High School.
The Minns Labor Government is investing $769 million to double the number of public preschools across the state and provide up to 9,000 additional children with access to high-quality, fee-free early learning.
The rollout forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education, backed by a record $9.2 billion investment in new and upgraded schools across NSW, including $2.3 billion for regional public schools.
Families interested in enrolling their child can contact Queanbeyan East Public School or Queanbeyan South Public School to submit an expression of interest.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
“The Minns Labor Government wants every child to have the best possible start, no matter where they live, and that means delivering high-quality public early learning close to home.
“These two new public preschools are part of the biggest expansions of public preschool education in our state’s history, with 49 of our 100 new public preschools being built in regional NSW.
“From Queanbeyan and Jindabyne to right across regional NSW, the Minns Labor Government is investing in the state-of-the-art schools and preschools families need and deserve.”
Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:
“Queanbeyan has some fantastic preschools, but for as long as I can remember there have been waiting lists or families who just couldn’t afford to send their kids.
“That’s just not good enough, which is why I’m delighted the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to Queanbeyan South and Queanbeyan East has not only been delivered, but delivered early.
“After more than a decade of inaction from the Nationals, who built no public preschools in Monaro, the Minns Government is building four across the region.
“That’s what investing in public education looks like, and it’s wonderful to see these new preschools opening their doors and giving local children the chance to learn, grow and build those important early connections within their own community.”
Queanbeyan South Public School Principal Kelly Broomham said:
“We are thrilled to welcome our youngest learners and their families to our new public preschool.
“Our preschool will provide access to high-quality early learning programs and a place where our little ones can start their educational journey in a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment.
“Having a public preschool on our school grounds allows local children to become part of our school community from the very start. This connection will help make their transition to kindergarten smooth and natural.”
Queanbeyan East Public School Principal Danny Scott said:
“Opening our doors to this new preschool is a wonderful moment for our school community. Our qualified early learning educators have worked hard to create a space where children can explore, play, and learn every single day.
“This preschool gives our youngest learners access to high-quality early education right here in their own community, supported by dedicated teaching staff and purpose-built learning spaces.
“We look forward to supporting this next generation of learners as they grow within our school community.”
