Airlie was opened as part of the Burnside Presbyterian Orphan Homes in December 1914 at North Parramatta. It was originally the Administrative Block but in 1917 became a playschool for 40-50 children. By 1919 it was a home for kindergarten-aged children. It was a boys’ home in the 1930s. In 1971 it was converted to a kindergarten.
Airlie closed in 1941, as Burnside was evacuated for the duration of the war. When the children returned in 1945 it became a toddlers’ centre, and in 1946 was a preschool. Artist Pixie O’Halloran painted murals for kindergarten children on its walls in 1949. In 1971 the kindergarten was opened to the general public. From 1977 it has been operated by the Kindergarten Union (KU).
From
1914
To
c. 1971
Alternative Names
Administrative Block
1914 - 1971
Airlie was situated in the Burnside Homes at Pennant Hills Road, North Parramatta, New South Wales (Building Still standing)