Family violence and suicidality: Expressions of interest invited from general practices for suicide prevention training
North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) is inviting up to 15 general practices to participate in a fully subsidised, accredited training program designed to strengthen capability to identify and respond to suicidal distress within the context of family violence (FV).
The training equips clinical and non-clinical staff with practical, trauma-informed skills to support patients experiencing distress and connect them to appropriate care.
A minimum of three staff – at least one of whom must be a GP – must complete the training, after which the practice will receive an incentive payment of $1,000 (ex GST).
The package comprises two two-hour online sessions. It is accredited through Suicide Prevention Australia, and CPD hours are available via self-reporting.
Learning outcomes
Participants will:
- build confidence in recognising suicide risk and distress signals, including in FV contexts
- understand the intersection between FV, warning signs of mental distress and suicide risk and protective factors in suicide prevention
- develop skills to ask about suicide safety and reduce stigma
- strengthen capability and strategies for warm referrals to coordinated care pathways and community support networks.
Training is available in three groups:
- Group 1: Wednesday 27 May 5:30 – 7:30pm and Thursday 28 May 5:30 – 7:30pm
- Group 2: Tuesday 2 June 5:30 – 7:30pm and Thursday 4 June 5:30 – 7:30pm
- Group 3: Wednesday 10 June 5:30 – 7:30pm and Thursday 11 June 5:30 – 7:30pm
Applications for the first training group close at 5pm Monday 18 May 2026.
Closing dates for later training groups are available in the table below.
PART A: The activity
Training overview
Format: Each training group consists of two two‑hour online sessions (four hours total).
Time: All sessions run from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.
Available training groups
- Group 1: Wednesday 27 May 5:30 – 7:30pm and Thursday 28 May 5:30 – 7:30pm
- Group 2: Tuesday 2 June 5:30 – 7:30pm and Thursday 4 June 5:30 – 7:30pm
- Group 3: Wednesday 10 June 5:30 – 7:30pm and Thursday 11 June 5:30 – 7:30pm
Eligibility requirements
To participate in the training, your general practice must be located within the NWMPHN catchment.
To be eligible for the $1,000 (ex. GST) incentive payment, your practice must:
- have three staff members, including at least one GP, complete both days of training
- share completion certificates with NWMPHN
- have each participant complete the post‑training survey.
Schedule of payment
Practices will be eligible for the $1,000 (ex. GST) payment once all training has been completed in line with requirements above.
NWMPHN will make payment within 30 days of receiving of a correctly rendered invoice.
PART B: How to apply
Application submission
Applications must be submitted via this online form.
First round at 5pm on Monday. 18 May 2026. Additional closing dates apply for training groups in June (see table below).
Submit enquiries to suicideprevention@nwmphn.org.au
Assessment process
Mandatory eligibility criteria
An application will be considered eligible if the applicant:
- is a general practice located within the NWMPHN region
- nominates three staff members, including at least one GP, to participate.
Assessment criteria
If the number applications exceed available training places, NWMPHN will assess applicants based on:
- responses to the EOI form
- geographic coverage across the NWMPHN region
Referee checks and interviews will not be required. NWMPHN may seek clarification where an application is incomplete or unclear, where this does not disadvantage other applicants.
All applicants will be notified. Unsuccessful applicants may apply for feedback in writing or verbally via to the Suicide Prevention Team at suicideprevention@nwmphn.org.au
EOI key stages
Applications will be assessed in staged rounds, aligned to each training group. All applications received by the relevant closing dates will be assessed together to ensure a fair and consistent process.
| Training group | EOI closing date | EOI assessment | Notification of successful applicants |
| Group 1:
27 and 28 May |
Monday 18 May (5pm) | 18 – 20 May | 20 May |
| Group 2:
2 and 4 June |
Thursday 21 May (5pm) | 21 – 26 May | 26 May |
| Group 3:
10 and 11 June |
Thursday 28 May (5pm) | 28 May – 3 June | 3 June |
*These dates are indicative only and subject to change without notice at NWMPHN’s discretion to meet the necessary process requirements.
EOI key stages
Applications will be assessed in staged rounds, aligned to each training group.
No contract or warranty
No legal relationship is created by the issue of this Expression of Interest, or the submission of any application in response to it.
NWMPHN has taken reasonable steps to ensure that all information presented in this Expression of Interest is accurate at the time of issue. However, NWMPHN accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions and recommends that applicants make their own enquiries about any matter relevant to the preparation of an application.
Part C: About North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network
Melbourne Primary Care Network (MPCN) trading as NWMPHN is an independent, locally governed and run, not for profit organisation dedicated to improving primary health care in local communities. MPCN was successful in its bid to operate one of 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs) formally established across Australia from 1 July 2015.
PHNs have been established with the key objectives of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes, and improving coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place, at the right time.
They also work with the primary health care sector to improve frontline services and collaborate with local hospital networks to ensure better integration between primary and acute care services.
NWMPHN is the largest PHN in Victoria. Its region covers approximately 3,200 square kilometres across the Melbourne CBD, north and western suburbs and adjacent rural areas, encompassing 13 Local Government Areas.
A core task is to improve health outcomes for communities by fostering innovation, leveraging and coordinating existing community and organisational assets, and driving value for money.
NWMPHN has four key strategic goals:
- Transform primary health care by supporting the delivery of high-quality, integrated and person-centred services in its catchment area.
- Undertake strategic, evidence-based and targeted commissioning that improves health outcomes for priority populations, through the delivery of high-quality, equitable and accessible care.
- Activate community and partnerships by contributing to the development of an interconnected health care system in its catchment through community and stakeholder engagement, research activities and partnerships.
- Strive for excellence in our culture and organisational capability to deliver impact.
