Funding Opportunity: Organisations Invited to Apply for Culturally Responsive Mental Health Services
16 Mar 2026
The initiative aims to improve access to mental health support for people who may struggle to use mainstream services.
South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from organisations that can provide tailored support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations.
The services will offer brief, structured and evidence-based mental health support designed to meet the cultural needs of these communities. The program will also complement the new national Medicare Mental Health Check-In service expected to roll out in 2026.
Organisations can apply to support one or both priority groups. Separate responses are required if applying for both communities.
Procurement overview
Expressions of Interest are now open and must be submitted through the application form on the SWSPHN website. Applications close at 5 pm on Thursday, 23 April 2026.
Successful providers will operate within a stepped-care framework, delivering short and structured mental health interventions tailored to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally diverse communities.
Background
The Medicare Mental Health Check-In service is a national program providing guided and self-guided cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) programs.
To avoid duplication of services, the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has directed SWSPHN to focus on commissioning local mental health services for people who cannot access mainstream programs or whose needs are not being met by existing services.
Information session
An online information session will be held on 25 March at 10 am via Zoom. The session will explain the EOI process, outline the expected outcomes and allow organisations to ask questions before submitting their applications.
Key dates
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EOI opens: 16 March 2026
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Information session: 25 March 2026 at 10 am
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Last queries: 20 April 2026 at 5 pm
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EOI closes: 23 April 2026 at 5 pm
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Evaluation period: 24–28 April 2026
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Successful applicants notified: May 2026
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Contracts finalised: June 2026
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Service delivery begins: 1 July 2026
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through the SWSPHN website using the official application form. Applicants must also attach supporting documents including:
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Activity Work Plan
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Budget template
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Insurance certificates (public liability, professional indemnity, cyber security and workers compensation where applicable)
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Contact details for two professional referees
Applicants will also need to answer questions about their organisation’s experience, skills and readiness to deliver the program.
https://swsphn.com.au/
Source: South Western Sydney Primary Health Network