In 1988 a small group of people in the community planted an idea to build a Kindergarten for children in the local area. The idea, like a seed, was loved and nurtured and soon it grew.

The Highfields & District Kindergarten was founded in June 1988, meeting at the Baptist Hall in Kuhl’s Road until the Committee decided to build a permanent home. The land was donated by the Crow’s Nest Shire Council. The Council and the Commonwealth Bank loaned money, however the bulk of the funds came from fundraising. The frame was erected by parents with the help of a local builder and those first families knocked on every door in the neighbouring area, selling besser blocks, which were used in the construction. The initial fit out and equipment were humble; second hand, sourced at auction or assembled from cheap materials. The parents and volunteers worked tirelessly every weekend until the project was completed and the doors were officially opened on 8th April 1990.

In 2007 a second Unit was added to the Kindergarten, a Heritage Bank construction loan was combined with a capital grant through the Department of Education. Some local businesses kindly donated items to fit out the extension, whilst the Kindergarten families conducted many fundraising activities to help acquire all the equipment necessary. This extension saw the capacity double, with the Kindergarten welcoming twice the number of children.  

In 2015 the Kindergarten celebrated 25 years in operation at this site. A gala dinner was held with all past Committee and staff invited and in honour of this grand occasion, a time capsule was assembled and planted in the playground garden for the delight of a future generation.

Today, the Kindergarten continues to be owned by the community, operating as a not‑for‑profit organisation. This special place thrives as it is embraced each year by a new parent Committee and thoughtful families who continue the hard work, dedication and passion of past custodians. It is up to us all, as a community, to become part of its history, safeguarding growth of a place where we can proudly say that children come first.