Generations of learning: Albury preschool expansion officially opened

Pictured from left: Justin Clancy MP, Member for Albury, the Hon. Sarah Mitchell, MLC, Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning, Albury Preschool Director Jo Barton & Albury Mayor Kevin Mack.

The Alma Street site, which has served local families since 1975, has now been transformed through a major redevelopment. The project has delivered new administration, learning and play spaces, doubling the number of children who can attend each day, with refurbishment of the original 1970s building also underway.

The project was made possible through a $1.8 million NSW Government contribution and significant support from AlburyCity, which provided $50,000 for detailed plans, $250,000 for architecture and project management, and a 10-year, $200,000 interest-free loan to assist with construction. The Preschool also contributed approximately $250,000 to the works.

Albury Preschool Director Jo Barton said the expansion is allowing up to an additional 150 children to access preschool education each week.

“It has also brought our building into the 21st century! Our team now has access to purpose-built classrooms, administration, planning and meeting spaces to collaborate and engage with families, our extended community and allied health services, which ultimately results in improved early learning outcomes for the children of Albury."

Albury Mayor Kevin Mack said the expansion was a celebration of both community effort and shared investment.

“Hundreds of local children have taken their very first steps in learning and friendships at the Albury Preschool over the decades,” Mayor Mack said. “This expansion ensures even more families in our community will have the opportunity to access quality early education.

“Council is proud to have partnered with the NSW Government and the Preschool to make this project possible.”

Designed by local architects Akimbo and then JWP Architects, the project also delivers new spaces for community programs, strengthening the preschool’s role as a hub for local families.

Albury Preschool, a not-for-profit centre built by the community for the community, provides early education programs for up to 300 children aged three to six across each week.

The Hon. Sarah Mitchell, MLC, Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning, Justin Clancy MP, Member for Albury, and Mayor Mack, along with Deputy Mayor Jessica Kellahan and Councillors Alice Glachan and Geoff Hudson joined preschool staff, families and children in the evening to celebrate the opening.