The Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the latest round of its Small Town Engagement Model (STEM) grants.

Grants of up to $50,000 are available for innovative models of care improving access to primary health services in communities of 5,000 or fewer.

EOI applications must:

• Request up to $50,000 in STEM funding,
• Be able to deliver the proposal within the 2025-26 financial year,
• Specify a town of up to 5,000 people in a rural LGA* where they propose to deliver the initiative,
• Specify how a Model of Care will improve the equity of access to primary health care services and can be measured before and after the initiative is implemented,
• Explain how the proposed project or service funding will be used (noting that funding cannot be used for salaries, wages, travel, accommodation or capital works).

*Rural LGA's include Moree Plains Shire Council, Gwydir Shire Council, Narrabri Shire Council, Gunnedah Shire Council, Tenterfield Shire Council, Inverell Shire Council, Glen Innes Severn Council, Armidale Regional Council, Tamworth Regional Council, Liverpool Plains Shire Council, Uralla Shire Council, Walcha Council, Upper Hunter Shire Council, Muswellbrook Shire Council, Singleton Council, Dungog Shire Council and Mid Coast Council.

Innovative Models of Care

Innovative models of care are new or redesigned approaches to health care delivery that aim to improve the quality, efficiency and equity of access to services.

Examples of innovative models include, but are not limited to:

Scenario 1: A visiting health care provider conducts regular face-to-face consultations at a local primary care business and telehealth support during non-visit days, ensuring continuous care and accessibility for rural residents.

Scenario 2: Digital health technology is integrated into local businesses to improve access to primary health care services. This could involve implementing health measurement tools in pharmacies, setting up telehealth equipment and rooms at community centres, or other innovative solutions that bridge the gap between providers and consumers.

Scenario 3: Health care providers partner together to target identified health issues for specific priority populations (e.g. CALD or First Nations communities), or specific cohorts (e.g. women's health, farmers' health or mining communities), creating new services, delivery locations, and/or outreach programs.

Who can apply?

EOIs may be submitted by:

• local councils,
• primary health care professionals (e.g. Nurse Practitioners, GPs, Allied Health professionals, Pharmacists, Aboriginal Medical Services staff)
• primary health care education and service providers
• community groups that deliver primary care services
• non-government organisations (NGOs)

The EOI process

This EOI is a two-stage process. The first stage of the EOI submission does not have funding associated with it.

Stage 1 - All EOI are assessed by the PHN to understand:

• the target population
• their health needs and barriers
• the innovative model of care proposed
• the potential impact of the project and STEM funding
• funding and post-pilot financial viability

Shortlisted EOI applicants will be eligible to participate in the second round of assessment.

Stage 2 - During Stage 2, proposal feasibility, sustainability, risks and mitigations are explored and considered. Proposals may be further developed in consultation with applicants, before funding decisions are made and applicants are notified of the outcome of their EOI application.

Ready to Apply?

Expressions of Interest are now open.

If you have an idea for an innovative model of care in a rural community of 5,000 people or fewer, we want to hear from you.

Submit your EOI by 30 August 2025.

Start your EOI application now

For more information on the PHNs Rural Health Access Initiative visit https://thephn.com.au/what-we-do/rural-health-access. Need help? Contact the Rural Health Access Team at ruralhealth@thephn.com.au or call 1300 859 028 during business hours.