Community organisations throughout the Murrumbidgee region can now access significant funding to support mental wellbeing initiatives and suicide prevention programs, with grants of up to $50,000 on offer for the 2025-26 financial year.

The Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) has announced the opening of its Community Mental Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention Grants program, designed to strengthen local capacity for mental health support across the region.

Individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 (excluding GST) will be awarded to successful applicants who demonstrate clear plans to improve community mental wellbeing and reduce suicidal behaviours within the Murrumbidgee catchment area.

The funding program aims to address the unique mental health challenges facing regional communities, particularly in areas where access to traditional mental health services may be limited.

Broad Eligibility Criteria

MPHN has established comprehensive eligibility requirements to ensure diverse community participation in mental health initiatives.

Eligible organisations include local businesses of all sizes, from small family enterprises to larger regional employers who wish to implement workplace mental health programs.

Community groups with established focuses on suicide prevention, mental health support, or general wellbeing activities are encouraged to apply, alongside industry peak bodies representing sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and trade unions.

Professional associations, including chambers of commerce and industry membership organisations, can access funding to develop targeted mental health resources for their members.

Educational institutions across all levels are eligible for funding, including primary and secondary schools, registered training organisations, universities, and TAFE institutes.

These organisations can utilise grants to implement mental health literacy programs, peer support initiatives, or specialised intervention services for students and staff.

Service clubs, recreational organisations, sports clubs, arts groups, music ensembles, and special interest clubs throughout the region are specifically encouraged to participate in the grants program.

Volunteer organisations and community groups can access funding to expand existing mental health support services or develop new initiatives addressing local needs.

Both for-profit and not-for-profit community-focused organisations are eligible, along with local government bodies seeking to enhance municipal mental health services.

Non-government organisations and community managed organisations with established service delivery experience can apply for funding to expand their mental health programming.

Interested organisations must complete MPHN's Grant Guidance documentation before submitting applications, with detailed information available through the network's online portal.

The grants program represents a significant investment in community-led mental health initiatives, recognising that effective suicide prevention and mental wellbeing support often emerges from grassroots community engagement rather than traditional clinical settings.

MPHN has emphasised that successful applications will demonstrate clear understanding of local mental health needs, evidence-based intervention approaches, and sustainable program delivery models.

The Murrumbidgee region faces particular mental health challenges common to many rural and regional Australian communities, including geographical isolation, economic pressures on agricultural communities, and limited access to specialist mental health services.

These grants aim to build local capacity for mental health support, creating networks of community-based resources that can respond effectively to emerging needs and provide ongoing preventive support.

Applications are expected to address specific community mental health gaps while building on existing regional strengths and resources.

Community organisations interested in applying should access the Grant Guidance documentation through MPHN's official channels to ensure their applications meet all program requirements and submission deadlines.

https://mphn.org.au/grants?fbclid=IwY2xjawL3xLxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFEREtCVktkcmY2NjdkWEJmAR6g4ZdtIs82bOMWQ34vGe_JaBmMiK-SE3eHXOef6PD-Y06TQJtE5eZvcGK5_g_aem_eXMfpqUMygWoQ1X_pZoQMQ