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Compulsory unpaid placements are central to undergraduate degrees in fields like nursing, teaching, and social work. Yet, with most requiring 800–1,000 unpaid hours, balancing this commitment against today’s soaring living costs is increasingly unfeasible. 

that surveyed undergraduates from nine universities, 79 per cent of nursing and midwifery students experienced financial hardship during their unpaid placements, with many unable to maintain part-time jobs due to demanding schedules. 

Although a government stipend of $319.50 per week for eligible students will be introduced in mid-2025, the ‘placement poverty’ crisis is pushing vulnerable students into further financial hardship. Indigenous students are also disproportionately affected, with additional factors including systemic barriers, cultural obligations, and financial hardships making unpaid placements even more difficult. 

Supporting Indigenous students 

Launched in partnership with the and UOW’s Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (WIC) in June 2024, the Indigenous Student Placement Fund provides urgent financial relief to Indigenous students undertaking placements, allowing them to focus on their studies without the additional burden of financial stress. 

Established as part of the Calleo group of companies, CICF was set up to deliver skilled professionals to clients while supporting Indigenous causes, such as improving employment and career development opportunities. Created in 2019, the CICF has provided more than $1,000,000 to assist First Nations people, and ‘close the gap’ initiatives across sectors including education and training, healthcare and wellbeing, and leadership. 

Michael G. Smith AO, Major General (Retd), and Development Advisor for Calleo, explained the motivation behind the fund: “We felt for quite a while that it seems grossly unfair…that as part of their coursework, [students] have to do unpaid placements. For many people, this provides a huge problem, and particularly for Indigenous people, because that means they don’t often have the time to go out and earn extra income.” 

Changing futures, transforming lives 

First-year nursing student Matilda, a Yuin woman from the NSW South Coast region of Eden, is among the first recipients of this support. Becoming a nurse is a lifelong ambition for Matilda, but she recalls the initial dread of completing her placement at a hospital in Sydney’s southwest.  

“As a financially disadvantaged person, the thought of going on placement has been very scary…I have been stressing about how I will afford to get myself to and from every day as well as feed myself,” Matilda shared through WIC. 

The Placement Fund has allowed Matilda to fully engage with her vital experience in the field. “With this grant, [I am] able to focus my time and energy on experiencing placement rather than stressing about how I can afford to eat and transport myself.” 

Taking action today 

Although some government support is on the horizon, Michael Smith underscores the crucial role of philanthropic efforts in the interim. “In these situations, philanthropy is so important – that those organisations that can assist, do so. Otherwise, we’re not providing opportunities, or we are denying opportunities out of need,” he said. 

By providing what he describes as “sustainment money,” the Fund has made an immediate impact. The $20,000 pledge for the 2024/25 financial year is expected to support up to 20 students.  

“These students still need to put bread on the table, and this [fund] can help them through a difficult time,” he said. “Donors can make a difference to people's lives, helping students achieve their qualifications and make a huge contribution to society.” 

This initiative continues to grow, with further expansion anticipated as more supporters, including the Peter and Elizabeth Moore Foundation, contribute to the cause. 

Community transformation 

As Indigenous students pursue careers in healthcare, education, and social work, these fields are unfortunately among the most burdened by unpaid placements and placement poverty. In response, Smith’s vision for the Indigenous Student Placement Fund goes beyond education, becoming the first step in long-term community transformation. As it gains momentum, Smith is passionate for this game-changing donor opportunity to form a blueprint for other Australian universities. 

“We think the initiative taken by UOW is sensational,” Smith said. “Supporting this program means supporting Australia’s future.” Conscious of the widespread and current impact of placement poverty on students, Smith shares a genuine message of support: “By continuing, and [persevering] your studies, you will achieve enormous goals, and you will be able to contribute to society in a very positive way,” he said. “[Calleo] has a huge way to go in our Reconciliation Action Plan, but these partnerships will directly enhance reconciliation in Australia.”