Small communities in southern NSW in need of specialist services are getting relief through the expertise of Charles Sturt University (CSU) students and the innovative SpICE partnership program.

The Specialist Integrated Community Engagement (SpICE) program is a collaboration between the University, the NSW Department of Education and Communities, Murrumbidgee Local Health District, and the Indigenous Coordination Centre of the Federal Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The program aims to use the skills of CSU students to benefit as many people as possible in local communities. Along the way, it is hoped people will start thinking and acting differently about how to share and build specialist skills and knowledge in rural and remote communities.

CSU SpICE  coordinator, Dr Ruth Beecham, said, "SpICE aims to improve the lives of rural and regional communities and families across central and southern NSW by developing their capacity to solve problems for themselves, by using the up to date skills, knowledge and enthusiasm of students enrolled in CSU degrees".

The creation of a playgroup in the small township of Jindera, near Albury, has shown how SpiCE can deliver tangible benefits. Jindera residents wanted to establish a playgroup in the town, but were restricted by having a limited amount of time to start the group and the need to ensure it would be available to all community members.

Jindera Public School principal Ms Lianne Singleton said the town was growing and included many new families.

"Connecting people and participation are huge issues for us. A new playgroup would be an opportunity for kids to mix, as well as parents and grandparents," she said.

Local parent Ms Melanie Delahunty said there had been strong demand for a playgroup in Jindera.

"Everyone is pregnant and having babies, so it's all young parents," Ms Delahunty said.

"I want a place for Jack to play, for me to get to know people in my community, and to provide support for me. Having a child later in life, and not having anybody, I was alone in Jindera."

CSU SpICE partnership students Ms Maricelle Green, enrolled in teacher education, and Ms Monique Sandral and Ms Amy Marshman, enrolled in speech pathology, worked with members of the Jindera community to help form a permanent community playgroup.

They hosted a meeting of interested families who have since established the playgroup which is held each Wednesday and managed by the local families. The students also continued research into establishing sustainable groups, linking the Jindera group with Playgroups NSW.

"Now I am excited to bring my kids to school and then come to the hall for playgroup. I have something good to come to on Wednesdays," Ms Delahunty said.

Ms Green was enthusiastic about her involvement with SpICE and its growth into Jindera. "Later on in the year, other CSU students will expand our SpICE work. The Jindera community has expressed interest in having guest speakers attend the playgroup, and to make closer links between the local primary school, preschool, allied health services and mobile library services," she said.

Dr Beecham explained that the SpICE partnership program makes a commitment to communities.

"This means for the next few years students from various CSU programs will work together to build knowledge and skills in partnership with community members and organisations in and around Jindera," Dr Beecham said.

SpICE placements are currently in Jindera, Henty, Albury, Tumut, Forbes, Wagga Wagga, Parkes, Griffith, Gundagai and Coleambally. Dr Beecham said more communities across NSW have expressed interest in hosting SpICE placements in their communities.