Smile program - Southern Cross University

SCU Nursing student with a community member

SMILE in Action

Building Healthier Communities Through Service-Learning

Student Managed Initiative in Lifestyle Education (SMILE) is a transformative, student-led program exemplifying our community commitment through partnerships and social impact. The SMILE program empowers nursing students to directly respond to community health needs through creative, socially inclusive approaches for vulnerable, disadvantaged populations. 

SMILE is not just a clinical placement — it’s a social movement! This program demonstrates how universities can shape Australia’s future by embedding compassion, innovation, and community into the heart of education.

Current SMILE sites

Coffs Harbour SMILE - Woolgoogla High School
Logan East Community Neighbourhood Centre (LECNA)
Lismore SMILE - Prema House

Program Impact

Student participation

40+ students have completed the SMILE project

Award Finalist

Finalist for the 2026 Regional University Network Award

Community care

350+ community members received direct health services

Nursing students with at the sim lab in Building B, Gold Coast

Project overview

Our team works with small community-based organisations that deliver services to vulnerable people who are significantly disadvantaged through poverty, homelessness and at-risk groups.

The SMILE program involves students managing and delivering four key activities:

Students provide health assessments in the community to individuals consenting to participate in the program. Health assessments include blood pressure, temperature, pulse, height, weight, BMI, and health education.

A 1-hour weekly activity set up by students in an allocated space in the Community Centre. Students promote the Have a Chat group at the Health Kiosk and the StARTalking workshop. 

The SMILE Clinical Facilitator works with the SMILE students to develop appropriate health education presentations for the 1-hour weekly session. Students develop resources and lesson plans and create learning activities.

StARTalking is an Arts and Health 2-hour weekly workshop. All participants (students and community members) engage in art making and creative expression, including painting, ceramics, craft, design, writing, literature, storytelling, and music. The art-making activity is a diversional activity to support conversation between students and community members. The art-making is thought to assist all participants in consolidating learning, reflecting on the healthcare priority presented during the workshop, and reflecting on their health and well-being.

SMILE placement program for nursing students

“During our placement in this Community Centre we had the privilege of witnessing the incredible power of community and support among the community people. It wasn't just about the therapies or medications, it was about creating a nurturing environment and where everyone could connect, empathise and inspire each other to feel and grow. In this community, health nursing placements are incredibly informing and transformative.”