Organisations looking to deliver culturally responsive low intensity mental health services across the South Western PHN region are now invited to express their interest.
SWSPHN is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) to service Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and/or culturally and linguistically diverse populations with locally-relevant low intensity mental health support services that meet the needs of consumers within these cohorts, who are unable to access mainstream services or for whom services do not meet their needs.
Services delivered through this funding opportunity will complement the new national Medicare Mental Health Check In Service (MMHHCI service) being rolled out in 2026.
Interested parties may apply for one or both priority population cohorts. If applying for both, separate responses are requested for each target community, and it should be clear in your response which community you are applying to service.
Procurement overview
Expressions of Interest are now open and can be submitted via the application form at the bottom of this page including all relevant attachments. Applications close 5pm, Thursday, 23 April.
Successful providers will operate within a stepped-care framework to offer brief, structured and evidence-based low intensity mental health interventions. Services will be tailored to meet the specific needs of people from culturally and linguistically diverse and/or Aboriginal and Torries Strait Islander backgrounds.
Background
The Medicare Mental Health Check In (MMHCI) service is a national service providing guided and self-guided cognitive behaviour Therapy (CBT) programs.
To prevent duplication, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing mandates SWSPHN must re-prioritise planning and commissioning localised low intensity mental health services to meet the needs of consumers who are unable to access mainstream services or for whom the service does not meet their needs.
Online information session
An information session took place on Wednesday, 25 March, from 10am via Zoom. The information session included an overview of the EOI, outline the outcomes sought, the process for submission and to allow potential respondents to ask questions. See below presentation and Q&As.
Information session slideshow (PDF)
Information session questions and answers (PDF | updated 7 April 2026)
Key dates
| EOI open | 16 March 2026 |
| Information session | 25 March 2026 @ 10am |
| Last queries | 20 April 2026 @ 5pm |
| EOI closes | 23 April 2026 @ 5pm |
| Evaluation period | 24 April 2026 – 28 May 2026 |
| Successful applicants notified. Contract negotiations commence | May 2026 |
| Contract execution | June 2026 |
| Unsuccessful applicants notified | June 2026 |
| Full implementation and service delivery commencement | 1 July 2026 |
How to apply
Respondents must submit their EOI through this website by filling in the application form linked on this page and attaching relevant documentation including the completed Activity Work Plan and Budget templates, as well as copies of certificates of currency for relevant insurances.
Other important documentation to note before applying:
Example of Commissioned Services Agreement (CSA)
All Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 5pm, Thursday, 23 April 2026.
Culturally responsive low intensity mental health services EOI
Tip – have this information handy before you begin your application:
- details and copies of your certificates of currency for your public liability, professional indemnity, cyber security and workers compensation insurances where applicable
- download and complete these documents: Activity Work Plan [Word doc], Budget Template [Excel]
- contact details of two professional references
- be prepared to answer two free-text questions to describe your relevant skills and experience and readiness to take part in the program view these questions beforehand [txt]
Questions and enquiries
Any questions relating to this EOI can be emailed to tenders@swsphn.com.au. Questions and answers will be published on this webpage at the end of each week.
Enquiries regarding this EOI can be directed to Pritika Desai, Commissioning Manager, on 4632 3000.