The recent expansion of Cooma Lambie Street Preschool marks a significant milestone for the Snowy Mountains community, addressing the rising demand for early childhood education fuelled by the Snowy 2.0 project. With an additional 40 children accommodated each week, the upgraded facility promises to ease pressure on local families.
The expanded preschool is a response to this demand, with the New South Wales government awarding $586,000 to Cooma Lambie Street Preschool for its renovation and modernisation. The funding enabled the construction of three new learning spaces, including a learning room, administration office, and staff meeting and training area.
Teaching director Cathy Lambie emphasised the importance of the expansion. “We’ll be able to provide more children across the region access to top-quality and affordable early childhood education,” Lambie said.
“It is important as many children as possible can access early learning, as it is crucial to their brain development, learning how to regulate emotions, fine motor skills and life skills they need before they are five for a smoother transition to school.”
The expansion allows the preschool to care for a total of 99 children, aged three to five, across five days, adding 20 licensed places each day.
Impact of Snowy 2.0 on the community
Snowy 2.0, a massive renewable energy project, is transforming the Snowy Mountains region. The project will provide on-demand energy and large-scale storage, supporting Australia’s transition to a low-carbon future. During its development, Snowy 2.0 is expected to generate around 4,000 jobs, with Cooma becoming a hub for its workforce. An estimated 500 workers will settle in the town, according to a news release.
Lou-Anne Lind, executive director at the NSW Department of Education, highlighted the significance of the preschool expansion for local families. “It is great to see that more children can now learn and play in this preschool, which staff and families have been waiting patiently for,” Lind said.
“This expansion will meet local demand and cater to the region’s growing population.”
The project was funded through the NSW Department of Education’s Start Strong Capital Works Program. Lind emphasised the department’s commitment to ensuring every child, regardless of their background or location, has access to high-quality early learning.
“Access to structured, play-based early learning sets children up for success and prepares them for the transition into the first years of school,” she said.