[CLOSED] Opportunity for innovative suicide prevention services

March 12, 2025

South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN) is inviting tender submissions for up to four innovative suicide prevention services to reduce community suicide risk and distress.

This important initiative aims to address the urgent needs of at-risk populations through a community-led approach, integrating prevention, intervention, and postvention strategies.

In 2023, Australia saw 3,214 suicide deaths, with rates in south east Melbourne reaching their highest level since 2000. 

What's involved?

Services to address one or more stages of the suicide prevention continuum (prevention, intervention, and postvention) and should include Targeted Regional Initiatives for Suicide Prevention (TRISP) and other activities that strengthen community resilience, with a preference for one service delivered by an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO).

  • Services have the opportunity to receive up to $300,000 (ex GST) per service, including establishment costs
  • Proposals under $200,000 (excluding GST), including establishment costs, will not be considered
  • ACCO submissions will be assessed regardless of amount.

Applying for this tender

To be considered for this tender, applicants must:

  • Be a provider that currently provides services or delivers relevant activities within the SEMPHN catchment
  • Deliver the proposed services/activities within the geographical boundaries of SEMPHN
  • Be able to establish and deliver services in the Financial Year 2025/26.

Detailed eligibility is provided in the tender specifications.

SEMPHN will prioritise submissions that reflect evidence-based, innovative, and locally tailored approaches to achieving better mental health and suicide prevention outcomes.

All questions and tenders MUST be submitted via SEMPHN's eProcure by the dates below. 

Key Dates

  • 12 March 2025: Tender opens
  • 7 April 2025: Closing date for questions via eProcure
  • 15 April 2025 (3 pm): Closing date for responses
  • 26 - 27 May 2025: Interviews with shortlisted respondents (if required)
  • From 1 July 2025: Service commencement date
  • 30 June 2026: Contract end date.
Learn more and apply now

Latest news

August 13, 2025
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has announced changes to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) childhood pneumococcal schedule, following advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
August 13, 2025
Following a recent increase in mpox cases in Victoria, the South East Public Health Unit (SEPHU) has provided information for general practitioners, highlighting the key updates and actions.
August 8, 2025
South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN) will soon seek to commission general practice providers to establish four new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics servicing residents in and around the following Local Government Areas (LGAs) and locations: Bayside Stonnington - with a focus on the eastern area and bordering suburbs Mornington Peninsula - with a focus on Hastings Cardinia - with a focus on Pakenham  Please note: locations are subject to change. The upcoming Request for Tender (RfT) will outline the final eligible locations. This tender opportunity is part of the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing's commitment to expand UCCs across the country, opening 50 new clinics nationwide, including 12 in Victoria. SEMPHN expects to open a RfT in mid-late August 2025. Background information Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) reduce demand on hospital emergency departments by providing a primary care service for urgent conditions that do not require an emergency response. UCCs are GP-led services that increase access to primary care, providing treatment to people with conditions such as mild infections, sprains, broken bones and minor burns. They also offer pathology and imaging services. UCCs are expected to be open for 14 hours a day, 7 days a week (including public holidays), and are free for people of all ages (with or without a Medicare card). Visit health.gov.au and refer to the Medicare UCC Operational Guidance for more information. Eligibility requirements Detailed eligibility criteria will be available in the RfT documentation. Tender documentation and process SEMPHN will use eProcure as its portal for this RfT opportunity. To apply, interested providers must be registered for eProcure. Once registered, you will receive email notifications when the tender is published. Additionally, we publish a commissioning newsletter that shares tender opportunities and announcements. You can sign up to receive SEMaphore here . Communication and enquiries Once the RfT opens, interested parties will be able to submit questions via eProcure .The team is currently unable to answer any questions about this opportunity. We look forward to sharing more details about this exciting opportunity in the coming weeks and expanding these critically important services within the south east Melbourne region.