Flood-hit kindy prepares for 2027 return

From left, committee members Kim Teillet-Meunier & Leanne Sandon with Darryl Argo, whose long-standing connection to the local building industry and commitment to the Kindy has been invaluable. 

One of Nambour’s most cherished community institutions is preparing for its next chapter, with Nambour Community Kindergarten in James Street set to reopen in 2027 following an extraordinary community-led rebuilding effort.

After severe flooding in March 2025, the Kindy’s insurance claim was denied, leaving the not-for-profit kindy facing an uncertain future. 

The committee explored alternative options but ultimately remained committed to restoring the Kindy in its James Street home.

In the early stages of the recovery, staff, their partners and parent volunteers undertook the difficult task of stripping out and cleaning the site, and were widely praised by the professionals for their thorough work.

With support from Sunshine Coast Council, specialist architects JDA Co were engaged to design a flood-resilient redevelopment.

A key driver of the rebuild has been Darryl Argo, whose long-standing connection to the local building industry and commitment to the Kindy has been invaluable. He brought his former business, Accord Homes, on board to support the rebuild, coordinating trades and assisting with delivery, and has also contributed countless hours of hands-on labour.

Adding a further layer of community connection, one of the directors of Accord Homes, Anthony Bowden, attended the Kindy as a child – a full-circle link that has made the rebuild especially meaningful. Former Kindy parents, painter Gareth Simmonds and plasterer Sean have also contributed significant time and skills.

What once appeared to be an overwhelming challenge has become an inspiring local recovery story.

The restoration of the Kindy is nearing completion, ahead of open days scheduled for Term 4 this year. Please contact jamesst.kindy@bigpond.com or head to https://www.nambourcommunitykindergarten.com.au/ for enquiries.