Official Opening Of Clarence Preschool Celebrates A Bright Future For Local Families
Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, has welcomed the official opening of the new Clarence Community Preschool in Grafton, marking a significant milestone for early childhood education in the region.
Officially opened on 5 February, the preschool, located at 166 Turf Street, will provide daily care for up to 20 children and create permanent and part-time employment for at least six staff members. The brand-new community preschool is located in a purposely renovated premise and is the first time in many years that a newly renovated community preschool has opened in the Clarence Valley.
“This is a fantastic day for Grafton families,” Mr Williamson said.
“The new Clarence Community Preschool will not only provide high-quality early learning opportunities for local children but also support local families and create jobs for our community.”
The development of the preschool was made possible through a $431,000 investment from the former NSW Nationals in Government’s Start Strong Capital Works Grants Program, with additional contributions from Clarence Family Day Care, which purchased the property in 2018.
Manager of Clarence Childhood Services Association, Cristie Harris, expressed her excitement about the preschool’s opening and its benefits for the local community.
“This preschool is going to be such a positive addition for Grafton families,” Ms Harris said.
“It provides more opportunities for children to learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment, while also enabling parents to return to work or study.”
Ms Harris also highlighted the efforts that went into creating a welcoming and sustainable environment at the preschool.
“We’ve worked with local architects and tradespeople to transform the space. New ramps have improved accessibility, and we’ve included playing equipment, solar panels, and a veggie garden to foster a sustainable and enriching experience for the children,” Ms Harris said.
“Obtaining this grant through the Start Strong Capital Works Grants Program was a privilege, allowing us to bring a much-needed new preschool to the Grafton community. This program, previously available to support community organisations in establishing new preschools, made it possible for us to turn this vision into reality.”
Mr Williamson commended Ms Harris and the team at Clarence Childhood Services Association for their vision and hard work.
“This preschool will give children the best start to their educational journey, equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in their learning and social development,” Mr Williamson said.
“It’s a credit to Cristie and her team, who have worked tirelessly to bring this project to life.”
The preschool’s design aims to maintain a home-like environment to ensure children feel comfortable and welcomed.
“The opening of Clarence Community Preschool is not just about providing places for children but investing in the future of our region,” Mr Williamson concluded.
“I congratulate everyone involved in making this vision a reality.”
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