Western Plains App
Western Plains App
What's what out west!
What's OnShop WestEat Drink StayYour Local MemberYour CouncilAdvertise NOWEducationEmergency ContactsPuzzles & GamesRadio
Western Plains App

Bourke early learning centre to begin building

Western Plains App

River McCrossen

08 July 2025, 2:40 AM

Bourke early learning centre to begin buildingAn artistic impression of what early learning facilities could look like once they are built. SOURCE: NSW government

Construction is set to begin later this year for Bourke's Early Years Transition Centre after the NSW government announced it has awarded a construction contractor.

 

Shape Australia is responsible for the build, which is expected to be ready for opening by early 2027.

 

A government spokesperson said the centre will be on the same site as Bourke Primary School to make drop off and pick up easier for families.

 


“Having the Early Years Transition Centre on site will improve transition to school for our Kindergarten children, improve learning outcomes and offer convenience for parents," Bourke Public School Executive Principal Margaret Gordon-Poole said.

 

 “The start of construction for the new Early Years Transition Centre is an exciting step forward for the entire Bourke community."

 

The new centre will cater for 80 children a week while the government says more details on the design will be shared as the project progresses.


The government has released "indicative" artist impressions of the future early learning facilities. IMAGE: NSW government

 

The contractor is also expected to deliver three preschools school in Menindee, Parkes and Broken Hill.


The news has been welcomed by Bourke and District Children's Services General Manager Prue Ritchie, whose service runs a not-for-profit early learning centre.

 

"What makes the biggest difference for children - and the evidence demonstrates that it's 600 hours per year for two years before school," said Bourke and District Children's Services General Manager Prue Ritchie, who's service runs a non-for-profit preschool.

 

"That really allows early childhood services to commence early childhood education, but also to support families about the importance of education and preparation for school."


 

A spokesperson for the Department of Education and Early Learning could not confirm how much funding will go into the build, which is now in the planning process.

 

The cost will depend on each facility's size and location.