Families were of the opinion that the bathroom dating from 1974 needed a well-deserved makeover.

The need for the refurbishment was confirmed by a research project carried out in collaboration with the University of Newcastle.

Coupled with a steady fundraising initiative lasting for a couple of years, the refurbishment finally became possible with the assistance of a Community Building Partnership grant from the State Government, which amounted to 72 per cent of the total project cost.

Children and the preschool director Jannelle Gallagher carried out the research project that prepared the refurbishment.

Children worked eagerly to identify problems with the bathroom and to draw up their own plans.

“They wished to recreate the bathroom as a functional, private, aesthetic, educational and social place,” Ms. Gallagher said.

“The research also collected the wishes and visions of the preschool community.”

This ground-breaking research was internationally acclaimed as first of its kind and has been published in international journals.

The findings already influenced early childhood practices in the Hunter and as far as Scotland.

The work was carried out on time and on budget by A&K Mackay Building Company and was officially opened by Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr.