New St Anthony’s Preschool and Long Day Care Centre Blessed in Marsfield
The new childcare centre at St Anthony’s Parish Marsfield has reached an important construction milestone. Fr Greg Walsh CM blessed the concrete slab on Monday 27 July 2026, ahead of the centre’s expected opening in early 2027.
The new early childhood centre is being built on parish property at 129 Balaclava Road, Marsfield, next to St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School.
Following the blessing, parishioners and guests gathered for a light lunch and an opportunity to recognise the progress of the project.
A new Catholic childcare centre for Marsfield families
St Anthony’s Preschool and Long Day Care will provide early education and care for children from six weeks to six years of age.
The single-level centre will include purpose-designed indoor and outdoor learning spaces supporting children’s physical, social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual development.
Its location within the St Anthony’s Catholic precinct will help strengthen the relationship between the preschool, primary school, parish and families throughout Marsfield and the surrounding community.
The service is expected to welcome children from early 2027.
Operated by Sydney Catholic Early Childhood Services
The centre will be operated by Sydney Catholic Early Childhood Services, also known as SCECS.
SCECS provides Catholic early education and care that recognises parents as the first educators of their children. Its approach combines play-based learning, responsive care, school-readiness experiences and the spiritual development of each child.
The Marsfield centre is expected to operate from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Welcoming families into the St Anthony’s community
The new centre will allow St Anthony’s to begin accompanying children and parents during the earliest years of family life.
Its purpose extends beyond providing childcare. As part of the Catholic precinct, the centre will offer families a place of welcome, belonging and connection with the school and parish community.
It may also help families make a smoother transition from early childhood education into St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School.
Supporting the parish’s future
The development makes productive use of parish land while providing an important service for local families. It will also contribute to the parish’s long-term financial sustainability and help support its continuing pastoral mission.
Fr Greg thanked parishioners for their patience and understanding during construction. Although building work inevitably creates some temporary disruption, the completed centre will provide a lasting benefit for children, parents, educators, the parish and the wider Marsfield community.
The accompanying photographs show the progress of construction and an artist’s impression of the completed St Anthony’s Preschool and Long Day Care centre.
Join the St Anthony’s Preschool and Long Day Care waitlist
Families can learn more about the centre and join the waitlist through the official St Anthony’s Preschool and Long Day Care website.
We ask parishioners to continue praying for everyone involved in the project and for the children, families and educators who will one day bring this new centre to life.
Frequently asked questions
When will St Anthony’s Preschool and Long Day Care open?
The new St Anthony’s Preschool and Long Day Care centre in Marsfield is expected to open in early 2027.
Where is the new St Anthony’s childcare centre?
The centre is located at 129 Balaclava Road, Marsfield, next to St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School and within the St Anthony’s Catholic precinct.
What ages will the centre accept?
The centre will provide early education and long day care for children from six weeks to six years of age.
Who will operate the centre?
The centre will be operated by Sydney Catholic Early Childhood Services.
How can families join the waitlist?
Families can join the waitlist through the official Sydney Catholic Early Childhood Services website.
About St Anthony’s Parish Marsfield
St Anthony’s Parish Marsfield is a welcoming Catholic community serving families, students, professionals and residents of Marsfield, Macquarie University and surrounding suburbs. Rooted in the Vincentian tradition, the parish works alongside St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School and the wider Catholic community to support children and families through faith, education, service and parish life. Everyone is welcome to attend Mass, visit the parish or learn more about the Catholic faith.
