The Sowerby Street premises, built thanks to a $1.1 million contribution from BHP Billiton Mt Arthur Coal, celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art expansion on Wednesday.

And, the development will allow the school to increase its daily student numbers from 80 to 120.

“Back in 2010, a committee decided to extend the kindergarten,” Mrs Constable said.

“So, we’re very proud to stand in front of that facility today.

“A big thanks must go to pre-school founder Shirley Feeney; and Muswellbrook Pre-School Kindergarten past committee members Sarah Bell, Sue Pollard, Kylie Kelly and Allison Murphy.

“Without their tireless effort and enthusiasm, this might never have made it past the concept phase.

“We also received amazing support from the community.

“We’re excited to offer early childhood learning for generations to come.”

Mrs Constable also acknowledged the project partners for making the dream of a new facility a reality.

“Our goal for so long has been to deliver the recommended level of pre-school education to the Muswellbrook community,” she said.

“On behalf of the committee members, past and present, I would like to say thank you to the team of Michael Bell Architects, Jeff Towler Building and Nigel Meier Hunter Fencing and Landscaping, who built us this beautiful new building where we can introduce more young students to our learning and development programs.

“And, we give a heartfelt thanks to Mt Arthur Coal, whose generosity will be permanently on display in our facility through photos of project milestones and a plaque commemorating today’s [Wednesday] ribbon cutting.

“This project has brought out some of the best in our local community and we hope, in return, to bring out the best in the bright young minds that pass through our doors.”