When Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters called out the State and Federal Governments for failing Jamberoo families, the director of Jamberoo Community Preschool, Belinda Hibbert, felt seen.

“The Jamberoo community just comes together to support us so much,” she said.

“And now it feels like the support is even broader. It’s clear this preschool means a lot to a lot of people.”

Jamberoo Community Preschool is part of Kiama Preschool Incorporated, which has been educating local children for more than 50 years.

Generations of families have come through its doors, and now many are returning as parents.

But demand has never been higher. There are around 150 children on the waitlist in Jamberoo alone.

In Kiama, the list is even longer. Belinda estimates there are more than 300 names waiting for a place.

“A lot of families want to come to community preschools,” she said. “We are not for profit, we have higher staff-to-child ratios, and we are truly part of our local community. People know us. They see us walking up the street.”

Jamberoo Preschool legally requires three educators each day but currently employs six. That means more time for relationship building and school readiness, which Belinda believes is central to their success.

The preschool has been actively searching for a new site after years of operating on a known floodplain.

A breakthrough came when local developer Fountaindale Group offered to donate a parcel of land in their proposed Golden Valley Stage 2 subdivision.

But with that development proposal still to be formally assessed and approved, the offer remains just that, an offer.

Jennifer Macquarie, a representative of Fountaindale Group, said Council has the ability to fast-track the rezoning process if it chooses.

“Once Kiama Council’s housing strategy is adopted we will immediately start to prepare and lodge a rezoning application over the land, and then it will be up to Council and State Government how quickly the assessment progresses.”

She is also calling for a working group to be established between Council, the preschool and the developer to prevent the project from stalling.

“What is missing is a coordinated plan and a clear timeline,” she said.

Many grant programs require a matched in-kind contribution. The donated land could meet this condition, but only if its value is formally recognised and documented.

Belinda welcomed the strong advocacy from Cr Matters and said she hopes the preschool’s inclusion in Council’s Delivery and Operational Plan will spark more than just talk.

“This is not just about buildings,” she said. “It’s about giving families the start they deserve, close to home and connected to their community.”