Kindy spirit shines bright as Nambour families join the Mapleton Community

When Cyclone Alfred devastated Nambour Community Preschool and Kindergarten, 35 kindergarten children were suddenly left without a place to learn and working parents faced weeks of uncertainty.

The service, also known as James Street Kindy, along with The Range Community Kindy committees and their respective teaching teams, responded with remarkable tenacity, and thanks to strong community spirit, 27 of those families have now found a temporary new home at The Range Community Kindergarten premises in Mapleton.

“James Street Kindy suffered extensive water damage and faces a significant recovery journey,” said Brooklyn Coyle, President of The Range Community Kindergarten.

“While they work to rebuild, it’s a privilege for us to be able to share our premises with them and help ensure their children’s learning continues.”

Under a shared-occupancy arrangement, James Street Kindy will deliver its own program on Thursdays and Fridays, while The Range maintains its usual program on Mondays, Tuesdays, and alternating Wednesdays. The two centres continue to operate independently, each retaining their own staff, programs, and identities. The arrangement commenced last week, with both kindy Presidents connecting at the Mapleton Markets to celebrate the collaboration.

Staff from both centres are working together to coordinate the shared use of learning spaces, ensuring that the environment continues to support a high-quality, play-based program for all children. 

“This collaboration reflects the true spirit of our community,” Brooklyn said. “It’s about working together to maintain a rich, nurturing environment where children can continue to learn, grow, thrive, and undertake the important preparations for their transition to Prep next year.”

Brooklyn also acknowledged the determination of the James Street Kindy committee. “Their tenacity and focus in the face of such a significant setback has been inspiring. It’s a reminder of how vital community kindergartens are, and why they deserve our support now more than ever.”

For the incoming families, it’s more than a temporary arrangement, t’s a reminder of the strength and value of community kindergartens across Queensland. “It’s a wonderful example of collaboration, and a special opportunity to welcome 27 new families into our local hinterland community,” Brooklyn said.

As James Street Kindy begins the long process of rebuilding its own facility, both kindergartens remain committed to providing outstanding early learning experiences. If you would like to support the James Street Kindy rebuild, please contact committee@rangekindy.qld.edu.au to find out how you can help.

Range Community Kindergarten President Brooklyn Coyle (right) and James Street Kindy President Jordy Kennedy .