North Coast TAFE students studying mental health and community services are participating in a volunteer art project aimed at beautifying the community.

The project involves the painting of electrical padmounts, which are large electrical boxes mounted on concrete pads. With over 400 of these padmounts across the Manning River and Great Lakes regions, the project is estimated to last for a couple of years.

One of the artists, Christie Delaney, is currently studying a Diploma of Community Services with North Coast TAFE, as well as a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work. The project is part of her community deployment.

"I'm doing community work as a placement," she told the Manning River Times.

Another TAFE student participating in the project, Julian Downing, who's studying a Certificate IV in Community Services, has chosen to be involved even though his course doesn't stipulate volunteer work.

The project is a collaborative endeavor between North Coast TAFE, House With No Steps and Essential Energy.