Topic: Mental health

South Western Sydney PHN (SWSPHN) and South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) are inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from local stakeholders to support the implementation of the South Western Sydney Regional Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to 2030.

EOIs are open to people with lived and living experience of mental illness and/or suicide, along with GPs, allied health professionals and representatives from government and community organisations.

A commitment between SWSPHN and SWSLHD, developed in partnership with local consumers and stakeholders, the regional plan outlines a shared vision to strengthen collaboration across the region, improve access to care, and ensure services remain person-centred and culturally safe. The plan identifies 14 action areas to be delivered through coordinated, practical initiatives.

EOIs are now being sought for Steering Committee and working group membership. Interest can be expressed for both, however, individuals will be selected for either the Steering Committee or a working group.

Working groups will be established Iteratively and will be time-limited, depending on activity timeline and resourcing.

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the implementation of the regional plan. This includes guiding governance, overseeing working groups, monitoring progress, and ensuring activities align with the plan’s vision, principles and objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• actively participating in meetings (initially monthly)
• providing strategic direction, including guidance on priorities, resourcing and budgets
• approving and overseeing activities progressed through working groups
• monitoring progress against deliverables and managing risks and issues
• ensuring the stepped care approach is embedded across planning and implementation

To join the Steering Committee, click here

Working groups

Working groups will play a central role in implementing the actions of the plan, bringing together people with relevant expertise, sector knowledge, and lived or living experience to co-design and deliver priority actions.

An initial four working groups have been identified:

1. mental health promotion and prevention
2. integrated care and service pathways
3. workforce development and capacity building
4. digital innovation and technology

Working groups will be time-bound, convened as actions move into development or implementation and will operate only for the duration of those activities. Some initiatives may involve collaboration across multiple groups, and members may express interest in one or more groups depending on their expertise and availability.

Key responsibilities include:

• attending meetings as convened
• contributing to planning, co-design and implementation of actions
• completing agreed tasks within set timeframes
• maintaining up-to-date reporting and alignment with the direction of the Steering Committee
• representing their organisation and contributing subject matter expertise
• advocating for implementation and shared ownership of plan activities
• collaborating with other working groups and local organisations

To join a working group, click here

The plan builds on the previous regional plan, which concluded in 2025 following five years of collaboration and input from more than 200 stakeholders.

The next phase provides a clear roadmap to strengthen coordination across the region. By bringing together key stakeholders, the plan aims to support a more integrated, person-centred mental health system, with lived experience embedded in decision-making.

Stakeholders interested in contributing to the implementation of the plan are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest by 12 June 2026.

For more information, contact Bella Starr at bella.starr@swsphn.com.au.

Leaders from across the health and community sectors gathered to celebrate the launch of the new Regional Mental Health and Suicide Prevention plan, marking an important milestone for mental health collaboration across South Western Sydney. 

Developed in partnership between South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) and South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), the plan sets the direction for the next five years of coordinated action to support people experiencing mental health challenges and those at risk of suicide. 

The launch event brought together representatives from primary care, hospital services, community organisations and people with lived experience to highlight the importance of working together to improve mental health outcomes across the region. 

The plan outlines shared priorities focused on improving access to care, strengthening integration between services and ensuring community needs remain at the centre of planning and delivery. 

It builds on the foundations of the previous Regional Mental Health and Suicide Prevention plan, which brought together primary care, hospital services and community organisations to strengthen coordination and improve outcomes for people across South Western Sydney. 

The event also highlighted opportunities for continued collaboration across the health and community sectors, reinforcing a shared commitment to creating a more connected, responsive and person-centred mental health system for the region. 

Find out more about the new Regional Mental Health and Suicide Prevention plan

If you have a lived or living experience of suicide, you’re invited to express your interest in joining the South Western Sydney Suicide Prevention Lived Experience Advisory Group (SWS SPLEAG). 

The new specialist advisory group will provide organisations, services and initiatives in South Western Sydney with access to expert and timely consumer and carer advice related to suicide prevention. 

Drawing on lived experience perspectives, the group will strengthen the development, co-design and continuous improvement of suicide prevention services, ensuring they are responsive, effective and sustainable in meeting community needs.  

SWSPHN is forming SWS SPLEAG in collaboration with Lifeline, Roses in the Ocean and South Western Sydney Local Health District. 

Who can apply? 

You’re eligible to join if you’re an adult living, working or studying in South Western Sydney who has a lived or living experience of suicide, including people who: 

• have experienced suicidal thoughts 
• have survived a suicide attempt 
• have supported a family member, friend or loved one experiencing suicidal distress 
• have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide 

We strongly encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQI+ communities, men, young people and older adults. 

What’s in it for you? 

• an opportunity to use your experience to improve suicide prevention in your community 
• specialist training provided by Roses in the Ocean 
• remuneration for your time, skills and expertise 

What will the group do? 

The advisory group will guide and influence suicide prevention work across the region. 

This may include: 

• shaping and co-designing services supporting best practice in community and clinical settings 
• informing workforce planning and recruitment 
• helping create safe, supportive environments for people with lived experience 

Expressions of interest to join SWS SPLEAG are now open.  

If you need support completing your application, please contact Roses in the Ocean at workshops@rosesintheocean.com.au