Grants Program

Type: Initiative (Expression of Interest)

Note: This is not a grant or funding opportunity

Key Grant Incentive Details

Western NSW PHN is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from eligible Residential Aged Care Homes (RACHs) across Western and Far West NSW to participate in the Strengthening Virtual Care Capability in Residential Aged Care Homes initiative.

This initiative supports residential aged care homes to strengthen their use of virtual care, improving access to timely clinical services, supporting earlier intervention and reducing avoidable hospital transfers, particularly in regional, rural and remote communities.

Who can apply

Eligible Residential Aged Care Homes located within Western and Far West NSW.

What is provided

Successful applicants will receive:

• Fit‑for‑purpose virtual care equipment supplied at no cost
• Workforce capability support through a time‑limited Community of Practice in 2026 for nominated Virtual Care Champions

The Community of Practice will support skill development, shared learning and practical implementation to embed virtual care into routine workflows.

Important information

This initiative provides equipment and workforce capability support only. No direct funding is provided.

How to apply

Eligible Residential Aged Care Homes across Western and Far West NSW can apply by submitting an Expression of Interest by completing the online application form.

Further information

• Lisa Boes
• Digital Health Support Officer
• lisa.boes@wnswphn.org.au

To apply for this initiative:

1. Review and accept all conditions in the Grant Applications Guidelines
2. Complete and submit the Application Form HERE.
3. Submit your application by Monday 13 April 2026 (on or before 5 pm) to confirm acceptance of the EOI conditions.

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