Primary Health Networks (PHNs) were established with the key objectives of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes, and improving coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

The South Eastern Melbourne PHN catchment encompasses an area comprising 1.6 million people and stretches from St Kilda to Sorrento and as far east as Bunyip, including the major population hubs of Monash, Dandenong, Moorabbin, Caulfield, Cranbourne, Frankston and Pakenham.

From 1 July, 2016 PHNs adopted a commissioning approach to procuring medical and health care services which is based on an assessment of the health and wellbeing needs of the community. This work determines the priority areas and guides the scope of the commissioning process.

The South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN) is pleased to invite responses from eligible organisations to propose a treatment model for a Social and Emotional wellbeing approach to Alcohol and other drug treatment services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (The Service). This approach will consider the safety and well-being of individuals, families and communities engaging in alcohol and other drug treatment with a focus on:

o centrality of culture

o Aboriginal healing practices

o trauma informed treatment (with a focus on intergenerational trauma)

o family-centred therapeutic practices

o protective factors and support

o social, and cultural determinants of health

o linkages with broader culturally appropriate health and support services, including mental health services.

SEMPHN is seeking to engage an organisation to deliver the Service in the Local Government Area (LGA) of the Frankston/Mornington Peninsula within our catchment. 

Funding Applications from Aboriginal Community-Controlled organisations (ACCOs) are highly encourgared.  Partnership arrangements are also highly encouraged between mainstream organisations and ACCOs. Where mainstream organisations are tendering as the lead organisation, partnership with ACCOs should be considered  to support the delivery of culturally responsive and appropriate programs to address harmful AOD use in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The Successful Service Provider will be contracted from early/mid December 2022. Following a service implementation period, the Services will be delivered from 01 February 2023 through to 30 June 2024 (subject to confirmation of funding from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care).