12/05/2026
What a wonderful way to spend part of the day at The Willows Pre School and Early Learning Centre after receiving a very special handmade invitation from the children themselves! 😊🎨
It was fantastic to see firsthand the amazing work being done by the dedicated staff, who create such a positive environment focused on play based learning, nature play, community connection and child-led development. The energy, creativity and confidence of the children was incredible to see. 🌿🧸📚
I was even invited to sit in a very important “big chair” while the children proudly introduced themselves and shared some very entertaining stories with me — I’m still not sure whether I was there as Mayor or as the class student for the morning! 😂🪑
I also quickly learnt that the children take the classroom rules very seriously, with several little supervisors politely reminding me that shoes had to come off before stepping onto the rug! Safe to say I was kept well in line during the visit 👞➡️🧦😂
To top it all off, two of the students had even created a cut out version of me from a photograph — which may have been slightly better behaved than the real one! 😄✂️
A huge congratulations also to the centre on their outstanding success at the Orange Show over the weekend, taking home several awards. A well-deserved recognition of the passion and care that goes into everything they do. 👏🏆
Thank you to everyone at The Willows for the warm welcome and for the important role you play in helping shape the next generation. 🌟
Orange City Council - Wiradjuri Country Orange City Life