Aunty Leone Smith has spent more than 40 years in the health sector, but her most enduring legacy may be the program she co-founded to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
The Capture and Keep program, established in 2015, is designed to “capture” Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into Nursing and Midwifery, and “keep” them supported through to graduation.
“We want to welcome them in, and we want to see them graduate,” Aunty Leone said.
“That means ongoing support, reassurance, and connection to culture.”
Each semester, Aunty Leone receives a list of enrolled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nursing and Midwifery students across UniSC campuses. She personally contacts every student - by phone, email or Teams - to offer support and guidance.
“I ring them. If I can’t talk to them, I leave a message and send an email with how they can get in touch and what support is available,” she said. “It’s about making a positive connection.”
The model was created at UniSC in 2013 by Dr Lynne Stuart (Mandandanji) and has been facilitated and led since 2015 by Aunty Leone (Gamilaraay).
Aunty Leone’s own nursing journey began in 1971 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children in Sydney.
“I always wanted to be a nurse. I had a tough health journey as a child, and I wanted to give back,” she said.
She draws on her experience to mentor students, often sharing stories that resonate deeply.
“I tell my students, ‘You can do it too.’”
The program has grown from 35 students in its first year to 141 currently enrolled, with 112 graduates to date.
“I’ve had students say to me, ‘Aunty, I need you,’ and I’m there,” she said. “Sometimes it’s cultural support, sometimes it’s just someone to bounce off. But I know I make a difference.”
“I’ve had situations where students have had issues and I’ve been able to make contact and say ‘this is just a hiccup’. And then we talk about what we need to do to get through it.”
One student recently gave Aunty Leone a card that read: “Your role is significant and you are so important and instrumental in guiding the next generation of deadly nurses and midwives.”
As a mature aged student Carly Holliday juggled fulltime study, part time work and family commitments while completing her studies and appreciated Aunty Leone’s phone calls.
“She’d call me every now and then to ask how I was going. I’d give her an update about my studies or my nursing placement. It was nice to know that she was there, should I have needed any extra support,” Carly said.
“Everyone’s learning journey is different. I’d encourage students who may find themselves struggling or overwhelmed to chat with her. Be open and honest and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it,” she said.
The Capture and Keep program also advocates for cultural safety in clinical placements, ensuring students are connected with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health teams and wear UniSC badges that identify their heritage.
“Some of our students don’t look Aboriginal, but they know who they are,” Aunty Leone said. “That can be hard in placements, so we make sure they’re supported.”
Aunty Leone’s work has been recognised with a Vice Chancellor’s Award and international collaboration, including a visit to North Dakota University’s First Nations nursing program.
“What we’re doing here is unique,” she said. “It’s about walking beside our students, not just academically, but culturally and emotionally.”
After 51 years as a registered nurse, Aunty Leone says she’s not ready to finish working just yet as she still has the ability to inspire, motivate and guide students through their study journey.
“I love what I do. I’m in a fulfilling role and loving it,” she said. “Making a positive connection to my students is what makes my role successful.”
For more information about the Capture and Keep program or UniSC’s Indigenous student support services, visit UniSC’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement web page.
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