Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 28, The Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) has launched a major initiative to build 100 new public preschools, aiming to double their total number by 2027, with an estimated investment of US$504 million (A$769 million). Construction has started on the first site at Cartwright Public School in South West Sydney.

The program is expected to provide preschool places for 9,000 children across the state. Of the 100 schools, 51 will be located in metropolitan Sydney and 49 in regional areas, with priority given to communities with the highest need. Work is scheduled to begin on 25 schools this year. Each new facility will include a kitchen, toilets, and landscaped outdoor areas suitable for early childhood education.

In addition to new builds, the NSW government will invest US$65 million to support community preschools in expanding hours and accommodating more children. A further US$39 million is earmarked for constructing and upgrading 50 preschools at non-government facilities. The plan also allocates US$131 million to Aboriginal-led early learning initiatives, US$11 million for additional capital works, and US$19 million for scholarships aimed at increasing the number of trained early childhood educators.

State Premier Chris Minns said: “For too long, families have struggled to find affordable, high-quality early learning close to home. We’re changing that, building public preschools right alongside public schools to make life easier for parents and give every child the opportunity to thrive. The former government didn’t build a single public preschool in twelve years.”

The initiative is part of NSW’s broader strategy to enhance access to early childhood education, support working families, and strengthen regional and metropolitan communities. By integrating preschools with public schools, the state seeks to improve convenience, accessibility, and continuity in early learning for children.

The comprehensive funding plan also aims to develop a skilled early childhood workforce and support Indigenous-led education programs, reflecting a commitment to equity and inclusivity. The government highlights that these investments will create long-term benefits for children, families, and the wider community by ensuring early access to quality education.

Through this ambitious campaign, NSW expects to significantly expand both infrastructure and services in early learning, supporting the growth of a sustainable and high-quality preschool network across the state. The initiative combines new construction, upgrades, and targeted support programs to address current gaps in preschool availability and provide opportunities for children across urban and regional areas.