More than 45 preschools are included in the first stage, with $2.8 million worth of construction and renovations now underway at 31 sites from the far north through to the Eyre Peninsula and the mid-north. Four preschools are undergoing major building work, while 27 are receiving minor adjustments such as new change facilities, safety improvements and general updates to prepare them for younger children.
The Malinauskas Government is rolling out three-year-old preschool in stages through to 2030, beginning with rural and remote communities along with three metropolitan demonstration sites and the Port Pirie West Integrated Hub. By 2029, renovation works are expected to be completed at around 290 government preschools.
Education Minister Blair Boyer said the investment was a vital step. “This is a significant step in ensuring that our preschools and kindergartens have been upgraded where needed to ensure they continue to provide the best possible support and opportunities for our state’s youngest learners,” he said.
“The State Government is committed to enabling as many children as possible to access three-year-old preschool, while not compromising on the quality, safety and service that is already delivered by our preschools to families. The public system is a key part of delivering three-year-old preschool with significant numbers of children expected to enrol in government preschools – and this investment is part of readying the infrastructure to set up sites ahead of next year’s roll out.”
Sites starting in 2026 will each receive one-off grant funding of at least $10,000 to help with professional development, children’s programs, furniture, equipment and upgrades to indoor and outdoor spaces.
Burra Early Learning Centre director Sarah Stoddart said her centre was preparing to expand services. “Here at Burra Early Learning Centre we are very pleased to be providing this service to our local community and surrounds from next year, and are hosting a Parent Information Session to answer any questions the community has on 18 September at 10am,” she said.
“Our site is the only government preschool servicing the Burra region, along with outlying communities such as Hallett, Mt Bryan and Booborowie – so we have an integral role in our community supporting local families. Three-year-old preschool will build on the Rural Care service we already offer, ensuring a play-based education option led by early childhood teachers is available to local families while supporting future generations of children in the region.”
The staged rollout builds on recommendations from the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, led by Julia Gillard, which found children benefit from two years of quality, teacher-led preschool before starting school.
Among the first to take part in 2025 are preschools at Amata, Andamooka, Indulkana, Yorketown, Streaky Bay, Wudinna, Burra and many others. Aboriginal children and children in care will continue to have access to preschool from their third birthday, with the broader rollout through long day care services to follow from 2026.
Full list of preschools
- Amata Preschool
- Andamooka Preschool
- Ardrossan & Districts Comm Kgtn
- Booleroo Centre & District Kgtn
- Brentwood Drive Kindergarten
- Burra Early Learning Centre
- Central Yorke Early Learning Centre
- Elliston Children’s Centre
- Ernabella Anangu Child Parent Centre
- Eudunda Community Preschool
- Fregon Preschool
- Gladstone Kindergarten
- Hawker Childhood Services Centre
- Indulkana Child Parent Centre
- Jamestown Community Children’s Ctr
- Karcultaby Preschool
- Kenmore Park Child Parent Centre
- Koonibba Preschool
- Laura Preschool Centre
- Leigh Creek Kindergarten
- Lock Early Learning Centre
- Marree Preschool
- Miltaburra Children’s Centre
- Mimili Preschool
- Minlaton District Early Learning Ctr
- Murputja Preschool
- Oak Valley Aboriginal School CPC
- Ocean View College Children’s Centre
- Oodnadatta Child Parent Centre
- Orroroo Kindergarten
- Penong Preschool
- Peterborough Community Preschool
- Pipalyatjara Anangu Preschool
- Point Pearce Child Parent Centre
- Port Pirie West Children’s Centre
- Quorn Kindergarten
- Riverbanks College B-12 Preschool
- Riverton Kindergarten
- Saddleworth Early Learning Centre
- Streaky Bay Children’s Centre
- Warooka School Based Preschool
- Wilmington Preschool
- Wudinna RSL Memorial Kindergarten
- Yalata Preschool
- Yorketown Community Children’s Ctr
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
