Official opening at pre-school

After almost two decades, the Bouddi Peninsula community saw more than 200 residents and community stakeholders attend the official opening of Pretty Beach Preschool on September 19.

Guests included Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein, Member for Terrigal Chris Hartcher, Cr Terri Latella and Community Services NSW representative Ms Shauna Walliker.

A welcome by president of the Pretty Beach Preschool Volunteer Management Committee Mr Angus Kell was followed by the Welcome to Country ceremony led by Aunty Barbara Grew of the Mingaletta Aboriginal Corporation.

Cr Holstein was joined by former president of the preschool committee Mr Hans Egger, preschool director Ms Kim Chippindale and architect Mr Milos Obradovic in giving speeches on the day.

"The sun shone on the celebrations and the delighted smiles on the faces of children really told the story," preschool committee member Ms Helen Tinson said.

"The day kicked off with Naomi Jones, a former Walsingham preschool student, and Elissa Koppen, both students from the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music, playing for the crowd of around 200 people that had gathered for the official proceedings.

"Special presentations of Wollemi pines were made to several individuals who had played a key role in the project.

"The crowd of past and present preschoolers, their families, staff and committee members were then invited to look through the preschool building and grounds and enjoy an afternoon of entertainment.

"Fabulous entertainment was first provided by performers from the Gina Jeffreys' Performance Workshop, a young troupe of talented local performers trained by country music singer Gina Jeffreys.

"This was followed by Yellow Kat, an interactive children's show full of fun, singing and dancing.

"Preschool mum Zoe Braithwaite from Outrageous Entertainment wowed the crowd with her circus playground of hoops, juggling, twirling and balancing.

"Children of all ages delighted in the face painting and enjoyed the sausage sizzle and mini-cupcakes baked by the preschool parents."

Members of the Hardy's Bay Residents Group welcomed the new facility.

Group publicity officer Mr Allan Wilson said: "After the numerous tireless hours of work from staff, volunteer management committees and community members, the preschool realised its dream when, in May 2010, it commenced operations in a new, purpose-built preschool building."

Press release, 24 Sep 2010 Helen Burchell, Pretty Beach Community Preschool Press release, 5 Oct 2010 Allan Wilson, Hardy's Bay Residents Group