North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) advises of an upcoming Request for Tender (RFT) to establish and operate the Broadmeadows Medicare Mental Health Centre.
Funding of up to $14.3 million ex. GST is available to June 2029, including establishment and operational funds.
A market briefing will be held on Wednesday, 12 August 2026 – see below to register. An open, competitive RFT will be released on Tuesday, 18 August 2026.
Services are expected to commence by 1 July 2027.
Expanding access to community-based mental health care in Broadmeadows
The Australian Government has identified Broadmeadows as the location for a new Medicare Mental Health Centre, which will be the first in the NWMPHN region.
It will be part of a nationwide network and represents a significant investment in strengthening the mental health system in Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs.
As shown in NWMPHN’s health needs assessments, the Broadmeadows catchment is characterised by high mental health need, rapid peri-urban population growth, abundant cultural diversity, significant socioeconomic disadvantage, and a mismatch between service demand and available capacity.
Together, these factors contribute to uneven access to primary mental health care, increased pressure on acute services, and growing unmet need in expansion areas.
A Medicare Mental Health Centre in Broadmeadows will help address these gaps by improving access and supporting a more equitable and sustainable service system across the catchment.
A more connected approach to mental health support
The centre will provide free mental health, social and emotional wellbeing support for adults experiencing moderate to severe mental health needs. This includes people who may be experiencing psychological distress or crisis, and those with co-occurring alcohol and other drug (AOD) needs.
Operating in line with the Australian Government’s national service model, the centre will provide a visible, welcoming and accessible entry point to support through assessment, service navigation, warm referrals and short to medium term episodes of care.
It will be staffed by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and peer support workers, which will include staff with expertise across mental health and AOD, digital mental health services and culturally safe practices.
This team will strengthen pathways between general practice, community organisations, social services, psychosocial supports, specialist mental health services and hospitals, supporting a more integrated and coordinated system of care.
The centre will expand access to free, connected and culturally appropriate services, helping more people access the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Tender opportunity, key dates and market briefing registration
NWMPHN is seeking submissions from experienced organisations with proven capability delivering community-based mental health services.
The procurement process will be guided by the national service model and NWMPHN’s Commissioning Framework, with a focus on quality, safety, integration, equity, consumer outcomes and value for money.
Interested organisations are encouraged to attend an online market briefing on Wednesday, 12 August 2026 to learn more about the opportunity.
Click here to register for the market briefing.
Further information about the tender opportunity, including application requirements and supporting documentation, will be available through NWMPHN’s tenders portal, Tenderlink, from 18 August 2026. A recording of the market briefing will also be available. Visit tenderlink.com/mpcn and view Tenderlink registration information (.pdf) to set up an account.
| Milestone | Date |
| Advance notice published | 4 August 2026 |
| Market briefing | 12 August 2026 |
| Tender opens | 18 August 2026 |
| Tender clarification questions close | 17 September 2026 |
| Tender closes | 22 September 2026 |
Please note dates are subject to change.
Organisations interested in participating are encouraged to review the opportunity and prepare submissions demonstrating their experience and partnerships in delivering integrated, person-centred mental health services.
