Preschool relocation at Umina deemed a win for community

Following strong community advocacy, a final location for Umina Beach Public Preschool was confirmed on Friday, August 29, marking a major win for local voices.

The original plan, announced in April, would have placed the new state-funded preschool on the Kindergarten to Year 2 green space with an adjoining car park – a move that drew strong opposition from parents and residents.

The community quickly mobilised, launching an online petition, writing to MPs and the Department of Education, and rallying support through the Umina Beach Public School Parents and Citizens Association (UBPS P&C).

A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Education said after consultation with the school community and local council, it had been decided the new preschool would be located in an existing building on the school site, refurbished to create modern learning spaces.

The decision preserves the green areas that were at risk and removes the plan for an on-site car park, addressing the core concerns of families.

UBPS P&C President Stevie Skene, who represented the community in the Project Reference Group alongside school executives and state officials, said the result reflected nearly a year of persistence.

“After almost 12 months of determination and advocacy, our community has secured a fantastic outcome for the future of our school and families,” she said.

Skene said School Infrastructure NSW had initially considered relocating the Aboriginal Community Space, but mishandled the process.

“This was handled inappropriately and with little empathy for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and students,” she said.

“In recent weeks, the Department of Education has revisited the proposal with greater care, listening closely to Julia and me throughout the discovery phase.”

Julia Morgan, the school’s Aboriginal Education Resource Teacher, will continue working closely with the project team.

Under the agreement, the Aboriginal Community Space will move to a refurbished Book Nook building, preserving the green play space and retaining mature trees.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch welcomed the outcome.

“The NSW Government has listened to the local community and acted,” she said.

“I have been assured that the Department has worked with the school Principal to ensure that no student learning will be disrupted.

“This public preschool will play a critical role in addressing early education shortages on the Central Coast.”

Students also voiced their relief.

“I’m very glad to see that our playground has been protected and that the voice of our community has been heard,” School Captain Jessie Taylor said.

UBPS P&C Vice President Nellie Feeney said the outcome means existing and future students can learn, grow and play “in the safe and beautiful spaces they deserve”.

Tesch thanked UBPS P&C, the school community and neighbours for their input, calling the campaign “a journey of change to improve our community for all”.

The Umina Beach Public Preschool will offer a high-quality play-based educational program and will be delivered by Term 1 in 2027.

The Department of Education has committed to working with the Koorana Aboriginal Education Consultative Group to finalise relocation of the Aboriginal Community Space before construction begins.

Ivona Rose