Gum Nut Gully Preschool (GNG) has been an integral part of the Manningham community since 1987. For nearly 40 years, we have nurtured young minds in a calm, emotionally secure environment grounded in nature-based play and inquiry.

Located on the edge of Currawong Bush Park and the Mullum Mullum Creek in Doncaster East, GNG offers something truly special - a learning environment where the natural world is not just a backdrop, but our third teacher. Our preschool has earned an "Exceeding" rating in the National Quality Standard across all seven quality areas—a testament to our educators, philosophy, and the unique location that supports it.

Manningham Council has proposed to move our beloved preschool to a new site at Corsican Reserve, a small corner surrounded by residential homes. This is not a simple change of address—it is a decision that threatens the very identity and core values of our preschool.

Here are the key reasons why we are opposing this move:

1. Our Environment is Our Classroom

Our preschool’s philosophy and curriculum are deeply rooted in our natural surroundings. The bushland, parks, and native wildlife aren’t just a backdrop — they are active participants in our children’s learning. The environment is often referred to as the "third teacher" in early childhood education, and for good reason.

Relocating to a site that lacks trees, shrubs, and natural spaces would fundamentally alter the learning experience we provide. The new location simply cannot support the nature-based play and inquiry that are central to our program.

2. Community Building at Its Best

Our current location, adjacent to the local playground, naturally fosters friendships and community bonds. Families often stay to play, chat, and connect after drop-off and pick-up. These spontaneous moments have led to lifelong friendships and a strong support network among families.

Relocating to the proposed site would mean losing this valuable space that brings our community together.

3. Bush Kinder Program Viability 

Our Bush Kinder program is a unique and much-loved part of our offering. The proposed site is 500m away and up a steep hill which will make transporting the equipment required to run bush kinder extremely challenging threatening the program’s long-term viability — a loss we simply cannot afford.

4. Parking and Safety Concerns

The proposed new site lacks the infrastructure to safely support our community. With 10 staff members and 60+ families arriving and departing at the same time, parking will be challenged. 

Additionally, the absence of speed bumps on Corsican Avenue raises serious safety concerns for children and families during peak times.

✅ What We’re Asking For
We, the undersigned, call on the Manningham City Council to:

• Abandon the proposed relocation of GNG to Corsican Reserve
• Recognise the irreplaceable value of our current location to our children’s learning, wellbeing, and community
• Engage in open consultation with families, staff, and the broader community to find alternative solutions that do not compromise the preschool’s philosophy and future

✍️ Sign the Petition — Stand With GNG
By signing this petition, you're helping to protect a vital part of our community and ensure that future generations of children can continue to learn and grow in the unique and nurturing environment that only GNG provides.

🖊️ Add your name today and make your voice heard.
💬 Share this petition with friends, family, and local groups.

Together, we can keep Gum Nut Gully Preschool right where it belongs.