When Charles Zou arrived in Lismore for his 21-week social work placement, he wasn’t just starting a new chapter in his studies, he was stepping into a community that would soon become home.
Charles was nearly at the end of his four-year social work degree at the University of NSW when he joined Social Futures through a rural placement organised and supported by UCRH. The program he worked on, Recovery Connect, focused on supporting people affected by the devastating 2022 floods. For Charles, it was the perfect fit.
“I’ve always been interested in environmental social work,” he says. “We often think humans are at the top of the chain, but really, we live with our environment. We can’t survive without nature, animals, and all living beings. That philosophy shapes how I practice social work.”
From day one, Charles felt supported. “From the interview setup to the day I moved here, and right through to the end, I was really grateful,” he says. “I felt like I was really supported by UCRH.”
One of the highlights of his placement was learning alongside students from other disciplines. “It really broadened my lens,” he explains, showing how social work fits into hospital settings and the clinical side of care.
Charles didn’t just learn, he stayed. Within a week of finishing his placement, he landed a job with Headspace Lismore as an Enhanced Access Support Coordinator, helping young people navigate referrals and support services. He’s now permanently based in the Northern Rivers.
“I love the Lismore community,” he says. “It’s diverse and welcoming, especially as a gay man. I feel like I belong here.”
Outside of work, Charles is often found hiking local trails, chasing waterfalls, or soaking in sunsets. “This place makes you think about life in a really fundamental, non-materialistic way,” he says.
His advice to other social work students considering rural placements? “Be open. Explore areas outside your comfort zone. Even if it’s unexpected, walk that path – you never know what you’ll get out of it.”
Charles’s story is a powerful reminder of why rural placements matter. They don’t just build skills, they build connections. They help students find purpose, and communities find the professionals they need.
Across Australia, rural and regional areas face real challenges in attracting and keeping healthcare professionals, including social workers. Placements like Charles’s are a proven way to change that. They give students hands-on experience, help local services deliver care, and often lead to long-term careers in the regions.
At UCRH, we’re proud to support placements that make a difference, for students, for communities, and for the future of rural health.
