New $5.8 million investment to strengthen mental health care in general practice

Residents living with severe and complex mental health needs across the Murrumbidgee region are expected to benefit from a new multidisciplinary mental health program, with Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) today announcing a tender opportunity. 

The Better. Together. program is designed to deliver integrated and holistic mental healthcare through local general practices. 

Better. Together. builds on MPHN’s earlier mental health nurse‑led and multidisciplinary services delivered in general practice. These services demonstrated high satisfaction among clinicians and participants and helped inform the design of the expanded program. 

MPHN CEO Narelle Mills said the program recognises the central role of general practice in coordinating care for people with severe and complex mental health needs. 

“This investment enables us to expand integrated mental healthcare in settings people already use and trust,” Ms Mills said. 

Four program hubs will be set up in Wagga Wagga, Young, Griffith and Deniliquin. Multidisciplinary team clinics are planned to be delivered through general practices across all 21 Local Government Areas in the Murrumbidgee region. 

The funding will provide for clinical and support staff to work as a team, helping people coordinate their care through general practice and local services. 

Ms Mills said Better. Together. is designed to complement existing mental health services while improving coordination of care for people who need it most. 

“Through this program, we want to bring together experienced providers to help strengthen how mental health care is delivered and coordinated across the region.” 

More information about Better. Together., including tender documentation and key dates, is available at https://mphn.org.au/tenders

The Better. Together. program is funded by the Australian Government through the Primary Health Network program.