At the heart of our community
For 70 years at George Street and 50 years at Brunswick Street, we’ve nurtured generations through play, creativity, connection and belonging on Wanarruwa Country. Join us to celebrate our past, present and future, and the community spirit that makes our preschool feel like home.
One celebration.
Two familiar places
On 24 October, we’ll begin at Brunswick Street before continuing the celebration at George Street. Join us to revisit familiar spaces, explore photos from across the decades and share memories with the people who have been part of our preschool’s story.
A building. A community.
Generations of children
Our preschool began in 1956, but the story of our George Street building started almost a century earlier
Before colonisation
Country cared for across generations
For over 20,000 years, this land has been home to the Wanarruwa people — a place to gather and connect, nurtured across generations. Cedar trees and eucalypts grew here, alongside kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas.
1873
A meeting place for the community
Temperance Hall opens on George Street — a building that will become home to our preschool decades later.
1955
The flood changes everything
A major flood leaves the preschool on Cathedral Street unusable. Families begin looking for alternative premises.
1956
East Maitland Preschool is born
The newly formed association leases the hall on George Street. It needs to raise £3,000 for repairs to make the building ready for children.
1958
A home of our own
In 1958, the association purchases the George Street building, giving the preschool a permanent home for generations of local children.
1976
More room to play and grow
A second preschool opens on Brunswick Street, welcoming 40 children a day. In 2026, it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
2026
The story continues
Both preschools continue to welcome children today. Thousands of local children have attended over the decades.
Remember those days?
Familiar playgrounds, buildings and rooms, filled with memories of play, discovery and friendship. Take a look back at the places that have changed alongside us over the years — and see what you remember from your time at East Maitland Preschool.
Brunswick Street Preschool
George Street Preschool
