Grants Program

WNSW PHN is supporting the Opioid Dependence Treatment (ODT) Incentive which aims to increase the accessibility of ODT for people across the WNSW PHN region and reduce morbidity, mortality and health burdens associated with Opioid Dependence. This incentive seeks to increase the undertaking of the Opioid and Treatment Accreditation Course (OTAC) for General Practitioners (GPs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in the region, subsequently increasing the number of accredited prescribers.

Key Grant Incentive Details

Applications are invited from interested and eligible practitioners (GPs and NPs) working within the WNSW PHN region to conduct activities based on the Grant scope and objectives.

What are my Requirements if I am Awarded a Grant?

Eligible GPs and NPs who are awarded grants will be required to attend the one-day OTAC in Dubbo on Saturday the 9th of May 2026. These practitioners are then required to complete the required half day placement as part of accreditation with an Addiction Medicine Specialist or Existing Accredited Prescriber. The WNSW PHN will aid successful practitioners to link in with an Addiction Medicine Specialist or Accredited Prescriber to undertake placement. Placement can be undertaken in person or virtually (in consultation with WNSW PHN).

Grant recipients will also be required to commence the prescribing of ODT to at least 2 clients within 6 months following accreditation. Evidence of this activity will need to be provided to the WNSW PHN.

Additional ongoing support will be provided to grant recipients in the form of access to a regular Community of Practice (COP) led by an Addiction Medicine Specialist alongside other practitioners prescribing ODT in the region.

Grant Funding Details

Funding of up to $3000 per applicant, varying based on need (greater travel requirements will equate to a greater grant value).

Further Information

Olivia Cambridge
Program Manager, Alcohol and Other Drugs
0487 733 061 or Olivia.cambridge@wnswphn.org.au

How to Apply

To apply for Grant funding:

1. Review and accept all conditions in the Grant Applications Guidelines
2. Complete the Application Form

Grant Applications Close: 9am, 16 April 2026

The WNSW PHN region has a relatively low proportion of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) residents. In 2025, only 3.8% of the population were born in countries where English is not the main language, and just 0.3% of overseas-born residents reported limited or no English proficiency. Although cultural diversity is not widespread in the region, CALD communities still face unique challenges in accessing primary health care. Recognising these needs is essential to ensure fair planning and the provision of culturally appropriate, inclusive services. In areas with smaller CALD populations, accessing services and providers skilled in culturally responsive care can be even more difficult, potentially affecting health outcomes.

To address these needs, WNSW PHN is providing small, targeted grants to local community organisations aimed at improving primary care access and supporting mental health and wellbeing within CALD communities.

The largest CALD populations by number are found in the following LGAs:

1. Dubbo Regional
2. Orange
3. Bathurst Regional

Together, 62.8% of all residents from predominantly non-English speaking countries in the WNSW PHN region live in these three areas.

The five most common countries of birth for CALD residents in Western NSW PHN are:

1. India (2,209)
2. Philippines (1,748)
3. Nepal (1,303)
4. China (707)
5. Germany (685)

Key Grants Details

Initiatives we’re looking to fund

A range of activities and initiatives may be considered appropriate to support community-led wellbeing including, but not limited to:

1. Culturally safe social connection activities that build knowledge and networks within CALD communities (e.g. community groups, playgroups, creative or wellbeing activities).
2. Community led events or workshops that strengthen resilience and reduce stigma in particular mental health, that are delivered in culturally appropriate and in language ways.
3. Community designed projects that support empowerment and capacity building, with active CALD community involvement.
4. In language information and navigation support to improve awareness of local services Primary Health Care services and how to access them.

• Culturally appropriate health and wellbeing activities that support physical and mental health (e.g. exercise, movement, mindfulness, nutrition).

• Community education and practical skills programs on preventative health, mental health, and family wellbeing, tailored to CALD contexts.

Priority will be given to local organisations focusing on initiatives already supporting CALD communities and within identified LGAs where larger populations reside.

Grant Funding

Grant of up to $10,000 will be made available to eligible organisations.

Further Information

Clarissa Kelly
Primary Care Access Manager
0461 533 568
Clarissa.kelly@wnswphn.org.au

How to Apply

To apply for grant funding:

1. Review and accept all conditions in the Grant Guidelines
2. Complete the Application Form

Grant Applications Close: Ongoing until funds exhausted

WNSW PHN is supporting the rollout of the Active Minds, Active Bodies program across Western and Far West NSW to promote new inclusive, meaningful, and sustainable physical and social activities for older Australians in our priority areas which include: Far West LGAs (Unincorporated NSW, Broken Hill, Central Darling, Balranald, Wentworth), Orana LGAs (Lachlan, Cobar, Brewarrina, Coonamble, Walgett, Bogan, Warren, Bourke, Gilgandra Narromine and Warrumbungle Shire). Other areas will be considered if there are not sufficient successful applications from the priority areas.

This initiative aims to foster community connection and encourage active ageing through locally responsive and culturally appropriate engagement. The program is designed to support older people living in community – including those from Aboriginal communities, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQI+ communities, and individuals with mobility challenges – by offering opportunities to participate in activities that enhance physical wellbeing and social inclusion.

WNSW PHN is committed to working in partnership with community-based organisations, Councils, health professionals, or Aboriginal Controlled Health Organisations who propose and deliver activities that reflect local strengths, priorities, and cultural practice.

Key Program Details: Community-Led Activity

Initiatives We’re Looking to Fund

Applications are invited from interested eligible organisations to establish new community self-sustaining activities based on the program scope and objectives. Considering your organisation’s nature, context, capabilities, and interests, please propose activity/activities that align with these objectives and submit a proposal reflecting the goals of this initiative.

Activities supported through the Active Minds, Active Bodies Community-Led activity Grant program must align with WNSW PHN’s commitment to enhancing health and wellbeing outcomes for older Australians – particularly through inclusive, meaningful, and sustainable physical and social engagement. All funded initiatives should be proposed and delivered in partnership with local communities to ensure cultural safety, relevance, and long-term impact. Activities should respond to the diverse needs of older people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, LGBTQI+ individuals, and those with the challenge of chronic conditions, while fostering active ageing, and social connection.

Community-Led Activity Grants

We invite eligible organisation such as community groups, clubs, local councils, and Aboriginal Controlled Health Organisations to apply for grants of up to $5,000 to establish and initiate new local activities for older people.

This funding is intended solely for start-up purposes for activities that can be self-sustaining as there is no ongoing funding available.

Grant Funding Details

Funding up to $5,000 per eligible organisation (excl GST).

Grant Applications Close: 23 March 2026, 9:00AM

More information

All details can be found in the Application Guidelines available for download below.

Watch the information session here.

To apply for Grant funding

• Review the application guidelines (available for download below) and accept all conditions. 
• Complete the Application Form: HERE

Please submit application on or before 23 March 2026 9.00AM.