THE NSW Labor government has made a promise of $60,000 worth of funding towards crucial improvements at Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Preschool.

Last week Labor candidate for Port Stephens Kate Washington announced that, if elected, her party would provide the money which would enable a second stage of extensions for the preschool to go ahead.

These extensions would provide the service with a bathroom upgrade, new flooring and drainage works, storage space and much-needed disability access improvements.

Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Preschool is going into its 38th year of providing affordable childcare in the Port Stephens area. The not-for-profit centre is community-based and caters for over 30 local children each day between the ages of 3 and 6.

“This is an important investment by Labor in the future of Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Preschool. We want to support the wonderful work being done here to give our children the best start in life. The money will ensure the preschool enjoys brand new facilities and can finalise existing renovations,” Ms Washington said.

She said the preschool was in desperate need of a bathroom to accommodate people with a disability and the verandah area was well overdue to be concreted so the children could have more space.

“This is a huge win for everyone who believes in the preschool – including the many dedicated parents and staff. Having state-of-the-art facilities will go a long way to improving the daily experience.”

“Our community is incredibly diverse. The preschool caters for children from a wide variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds as well as children who need specialist support.”

“I will always do everything I can to ensure schools and preschools in Port Stephens

are properly resourced.”