The Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing requires that primary health networks produce a comprehensive health needs assessment every 3 years. We use this assessment – in conjunction with government and partner organisations – to identify opportunities to improve care and make evidence-informed decisions on how and where to invest funds and resources.

In addition to producing the 3-year comprehensive health needs assessment, we undertake a voluntary annual update. This ensures we, and our stakeholders, have access to the latest information and insights, helping us stay on top of the south east Melbourne community’s evolving needs and supporting effective health service design and commissioning.

The update involved the review of more than 100 sources of population, health and service usage data, as well as consultation with local stakeholders to understand the stories behind the numbers.

Read the 2025 update of SEMPHN’s Health Needs Assessment today for the latest south east Melbourne community health data.