Big Fat Smile

We started way back as a little action group (think the mouse who roared).
We grew to become Illawarra Children’s Services (trusted brother, aunt and confidant).
We extended our work and our reach to a big part of Australia (way past Corrimal Post Office). So we changed our name to Big Fat Smile (so we could tell you more about who we are and what we want for the world).
Always advocates, educators and pace-setters (we’ve been earning our stripes since 1981).
We’re community owned and love that we’re not-for-profit (we also like puppets and colouring outside the lines).

Below this line are four gigantic things we offer

Community preschools, playgroups and play centres for children up to five years of age
Creative workshops and skoolzout – our recreation clubs – for children of school age
Fantastic studio and outreach programs in the arts for children of all ages
Include Me programs so that every child has an opportunity to participate and grow
Tricked you! (remember, we said there were four things)

We’ve covered the basics, and here’s the super important stuff about Big Fat Smile

We love monsters, fairies and imaginary friends (as long as they’re smiling, because dreaming, imagining and thinking outside the box are important).
We ‘totally get’ the ‘jump up and down’ and ‘do the hokey pokey’ thing (because it’s all about self expression and creativity).
We take our responsibilities seriously (but we also laugh, learn and feel really good about things).
We work and live for positive interactions (and we also turn frowns upside-down, as you’d expect).
We help children, families and communities to reach their potential (through sophisticated programs, exceptional staff, and the way we listen, interact and champion opportunity for all).

This is what we believe about ourselves so we can deliver for children, families and the community

We are creative: thinking from a different angle. All angles. Not status quo or average. We’re already surrounded by so much compliance. Break the ‘norm’.
We are fun: we leave positivity and good vibes in our wake. Smile. Smile. And smile again. It’s contagious. Energy and enthusiasm are essential every day.
We are diverse: having open arms, honouring difference and being approachable. It’s being respectful, and understanding that every person and opinion counts.
We are leaders: encouraging everyone to be leaders, everyday. Fresh approaches. Seeking opportunities. It’s what makes us successful.
We are learners: modelling for every child the wonder of exploration, discovery and growth.

Big Fat Smile is a not-for-profit community organisation, governed by an elected board.

The Board includes parents, children’s services professionals, and experts in disability services, education and key business disciplines. The Board determines strategic directions for the organisation.  The Company President is Jenny Dixon.

For all Board related enquiries please contact…
Board Secretary
Big Fat Smile Board
PO Box 475 Corrimal NSW 2518
Email: board@bigfatsmile.com.au

Big Fat Smile is led by a senior executive group, based at the organisation’s central HQ in Corrimal.

The senior executive group is responsible for delivering on strategic directions set for the organisation by the Board of Directors.  The company CEO is Bill Feld.