DUNGOG Community Preschool continues to prepare for the growing needs and wants of the Dungog community. Over the past 18-months, the preschool has worked hard to advocate for today’s families and to secure a stronger future for the wider community.
That work has delivered real results, including four successful grants, totalling $130,107, to invest in new programs, projects and facilities improvements.
The preschool’s focus for 2026 includes:
Trialling new extended hours for preschool families
A 12-month trial of extended hours at Dungog Community Preschool (1 Chapman St site) will commence in Term 1 2026, supported by a successful NSW Department of Education “Flexible Initiative Trial” grant.
This grant will provide $74,200 in funding to run a pilot program in Dungog, enabling families to “opt-in” to an extended hours program, which will operate between 8am and 6pm Monday-Friday.
The trial is fully-funded and aims at improving service access and flexibility, and establishing a greater understanding of Dungog community needs.
Progressing activation of the 63 Dowling Street site
Activation of the former St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and hall site at 63 Dowling Street will continue this year, as part of a future Dungog education precinct.
The Development Application (DA) for a future early education centre was approved in June 2025 and funding has already been secured for early activation works through two grants: the Elders Community Giving Project ($10,000) and the NSW Government Community Building Partnership ($39,907).
These grants will see minor works undertaken between March and June 2026, including accessibility improvements (such as a new accessible bathroom) and a new shaded playground and softfall area.
These works will not only prepare the site for future early education use but will provide immediate benefits for broader community use of the site in the interim.
Collaborating to deliver new extra-curricular activities and services
As activation of 63 Dowling St continues, unused capacity at the site is being prioritised for the co-existence of aligned services and partnerships, like the Branxton Community Preschool NEST (“Nurturing Every Stage Together”) hub, where services such as allied health, kindergym, and other education and wellbeing programs are offered for students, parents and community, in facilities adjacent to the local community preschool.
Wellness and community programs at the site have already commenced this month, with more to come.
User agreement and fee schedule can be made available to prospective users. Please email dcpscommittee@dungogpreschool.com.au for further details.
Strengthening health and development skills
Dungog Community Preschool will also benefit this year from a successful NSW Department of Education “Health and Development Participation Grant” of $6,000 which will support educators in identifying and responding to health and development concerns for enrolled children, across a wide-cohort of needs.
Activating the Dungog Community Preschool School Building Fund
The Dungog Community Preschool School Building Fund was established in 2025, allowing individuals and businesses to make tax-deductible donations to the Preschool as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) contribution. Donations will complement fundraising efforts and will be used to facilitate much needed building works and improvements at both the 1 Chapman Street and 63 Dowling Street sites, ensuring quality local preschool services continue to exist in the years that follow.
Celebrating 60 years
Dungog Community Preschool enters its 60th year of early-education in Dungog this year.
This birthday milestone will be celebrated with staff, families and our community.
Details for this special occasion will be released in the coming months.
Welcoming new faces and recognising long-standing staff
This year the preschool welcomes three new staff as part of its 2026 extended hours program: Diane Johanson (Acting Director), Jodie Padmore and Bridie Harris.
“We would also like to thank Tina Overton, who has recently announced her retirement, for her many years of service both as educator and outgoing Director of the Dungog Community Preschool.”
Undertaking a future-proofed Strategic Review
Ensuring this community-based service is “fit-for-the-future” is an important committee priority, which is being supported by an independent strategic planning activity, which commenced in January.
The review will ensure alignment of industry needs, governance instruments and key Council planning strategies. Community and family consultation throughout this process will occur, with plans for a community meeting to be held in the first half of the year.
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