Hillvue Public Preschool has opened as the first new public preschool in regional or rural NSW in more than 20 years, giving Tamworth families greater access to fee-free early learning close to home.
Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison officially opened the preschool on the grounds of Hillvue Public School on Tuesday, with the facility to accommodate up to 80 children a week from the growing Tamworth community. It features two learning spaces, dedicated staff facilities, a kitchen and landscaped outdoor play areas, and was built in just six months.
The government said the opening followed more than a decade without a single new public preschool built anywhere in regional NSW under the previous Coalition government.
“Hillvue is the first new public preschool to open in regional or rural NSW in more than 20 years – and it’s only fitting that it’s opened right here in Tamworth,” Minister Aitchison said.
“This is what real investment in the regions looks like: a purpose-built, fee-free preschool giving 80 local children a week the best possible start, close to home, in a community they already know.”
Hillvue is one of three new public preschools being delivered in the New England region, alongside Warialda and Toomelah, as part of a $769 million commitment to double the number of public preschools across the state. All 49 new public preschools planned for regional and rural NSW are due to be ready for children by early 2027, backed by a $2.3 billion investment in new and upgraded regional schools under the 2026-27 NSW Budget.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the opening was part of a broader push to rebuild public education in the regions.
“We know families in regional communities missed out on access to high-quality early learning, close to home, for too long during more than a decade of neglect by the Nationals and Liberals,” Deputy Premier Car said.
“For parents, today’s milestone means access to a fee-free preschool program in a trusted local public school environment. It makes the transition to school much easier and gives children the confidence and foundational skills they need before starting kindergarten.”
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the preschool would help families build their lives locally.
“We know that investing in early learning in regional and rural areas makes a real difference, supporting children to thrive while helping families stay and build their lives locally,” Minister Moriarty said.
Hillvue is one of 33 Connected Communities schools in NSW, a model intended to expand access to culturally responsive early learning and strengthen partnerships with Aboriginal families.
Hillvue Public School Principal Jayne Johnson said staff were looking forward to welcoming the first intake of preschoolers.
“We’re so excited to welcome our new preschoolers to Hillvue Public Preschool today, and to support those children develop their curiosity, connection and confidence in this wonderful new service,” Ms Johnson said.
“The preschool’s culturally responsive environment will support our children to explore and learn, easing the path to kindergarten for them and their family.”
Enrolments at Hillvue Public Preschool are now open. Families can contact Hillvue Public School or visit the NSW Department of Education website for further information.
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