Nestled in the heart of Wilton, Bingara Gorge Community Preschool and School Aged Care is a modern, purpose-built centre that provides education and care for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years. With 117 places and a beautiful outdoor space that features slides, a large sandpit, and a bike track, it’s a place where children and families thrive. And in few weeks, we will be opening a new Term Only Preschool in addition to the existing services we offer.
But what makes this place truly special is the incredible community vibe you’ll find here. The team of educators embrace the Big Fat Smile value of Connection, recognising it as a fundamental element to authentic relationships with colleagues, children and families. Through shared experiences, as rich as they are rewarding, the Bingara Gorge Community Preschool team has overcome challenges, grown and celebrated their successes. And since children stay for up to 12 years, the connections between educators and families get stronger and stronger with every passing year.
To explore the unique sense of community, we sat down with Paige, Centre Director and educators Brooke, Aine, Crystal and Nakita. They all agree, one of the best things about working at Bingara Gorge Community Preschool is this very strong community connection that they feel. Educator Aine, who has moved to Bingara Gorge from Ireland describes what this means to her:
‘I love working here because of the team. I started as a trainee educator in September 2023 and Paige and the team made me feel very welcome. They’ve all become my family away from home.’
Speaking to educator Nakita, it obvious that the team genuinely enjoy each other’s company:
‘Our team is more than a team. They make coming to work so enjoyable by creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all.’
And this is not just the words of a select few team members. In fact, in November, Director Paige was formally recognised for her efforts to foster community connections, promoting understanding and inclusion, when she received a Highly Commended Values Award.
What this looks like in practice, is how the team at Bingara Gorge leverage their local community to scaffold children’s learning. To benefit the service and the community alike, Bingara Gorge Community Preschool hosted a Scholastic Book Fair event last year, promoting a love for reading. Not only are the community invited into the service for events such as the book fair, but the team also venture out. Equipped with six seat strollers for the youngest community members, children and educators go on regular excursions to the park and local shops. In August, the service hosted the Bingara Gorge Olympic Games in the local park, Director Paige elaborates:
‘During the Olympic Games last year, the children showed an interest in learning about the games. We kept count of the medal tally, especially the Australian medals, and the children’s favourite sports was running. We then went on an excursion to the local park where we held our very own Olympic Games with running races, spoon/egg races, sack races, and own very own Bingara Gorge Community Preschool medal podium.’
Also, for educator Brooke, the community is what makes Bingara Gorge such a special place to work:
“I love working at Bingara Gorge Community Preschool, mainly because of the community. It’s such a close-knit group. The families are easy to talk to, the children are beautiful—they love to learn, they love to play. Together, as a team of children, families, and educators, we make Bingara Gorge a great place to be.”
At Bingara Gorge Community Preschool, community is not just in the name – it’s at the heart of everything they do.
Are you ready to be part of the Big Fat Smile team? Come join our new Term Only Preschool that is opening in April 2025.
If you’re a passionate early childhood teacher ready to take the next step in your career as a service coordinator, we want to hear from YOU!
Apply today: apply here or contact [email protected] for more information.
