Less than two months after their childcare centre was severely damaged in an antisemitic arson attack, Only About Children Preschool Maroubra has reopened its doors, after staff and students temporarily relocated to a Randwick City Council community centre.

The centre has welcomed students at the new location this week, after preschool and council staff worked to relocate the preschool to a nearby Council-run community facility, fast-tracking approvals processes to minimise disruption to the centre’s services.

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said he was grateful Council has been able to support the students and staff of the centre during a difficult time.

“The centre was an innocent victim in the spate of shocking antisemitic attacks across Sydney.

“I commend staff who have been working behind the scenes with centre management to help fast-track the required approvals for the new childcare centre.

“This has been a difficult time for the families, staff, and children affected, and we hope this temporary arrangement provides some relief as they work towards a full recovery.

“Randwick Council continues to stand with our community in times of need, and we are grateful for the efforts of everyone involved in making this temporary solution possible.”

Maroubra Only About Children has been closed for seven weeks after the centre was set alight and spray-painted with antisemitic graffiti around 1am on Tuesday 21 January.

About Children CEO, Anna Learmonth, said “We’re incredibly grateful to Randwick City Council for their support in making this temporary campus a reality. So much work has happened behind the scenes, and seeing children and families back together in such a beautiful space is truly special.”

“The children are loving the space and reconnecting with their educators. They’ve been exploring the outdoor areas on excursions, turning this temporary campus into a new learning adventure.”

“This is a temporary home, and we’re looking forward to rebuilding our campus. But for now, it’s wonderful to be back together, doing what we love.”

Maroubra Only About Children is anticipated to remain at the community centre for about six months to while workers repair the severely fire-damaged building.