"THEY were all really excited," Old Bar Community Preschool director, Merrilyn McLoughlin said when describing the childrens' response when they saw inside the completed extension of the Old Bar Community Preschool for the first time.
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Minister for Early Childhood Education Leslie Williams led the students inside the building, where the windows had been blocked out to create an extra surprise.
According to Merrilyn, affectionately known in the community as "Miss Merri", they day was a celebration of "everyone coming together," including the community and the government. Both contributed to the extension.
Mrs Williams, member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead and federal member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie held the ribbon as preschool students cut it to officially open the building.
Around 200 people came to enjoy the opening which included a welcome to country performed in language by former student Luca Saunders, various entertainment and plenty of toys for the children to play with.
"Everyone was very impressed and supportive of what we've achieved," Merrilyn said.
It has been around two years since the preschool was notified they would be receive a grant from the Department of Education to go towards the extension.
There has been strong support from the community for the project. This includes donations of goods and equipment, voluntary labour and $45,000 in donations. The Old Bar Festival committed $20,000.
"It has been a very big process, with assistance of past staff and past committees and the entire community," Merrilyn said.
