Two new public preschools for Ballina

TWO new public preschools will be built in Wollongbar and Lennox Head as part of a $769 million State Government expansion of early childhood education.

The fee-free centres will each accommodate up to 80 children and are expected to open by early 2027.

Acting Minister for Education Courtney Houssos said the new schools would help meet demand in high-growth areas.

“All children should have access to high-quality early education, no matter their postcode,” she said.

The preschools will be co-located with existing public primary schools to make transitions to kindergarten easier for families.

Construction at Wollongbar will begin later this year, with Lennox Head to follow once a contractor is announced.

Wollongbar Public School principal Jennifer Thomas said having a preschool on site would improve school readiness and learning outcomes.

Lennox Head Public School principal Deborah Langfield said the new centre would help build strong community connections.

The schools are part of a plan to deliver 100 new public preschools for 9000 children by 2027, with nearly half located in regional NSW.