Western NSW Primary Health Network has released two new grant opportunities for General practices and Aboriginal Medical services to apply for funding for extended practice hours and for COVID-19 vaccination program to provide outreach clinics to priority community groups currently not receiving access to vaccination providers.

The Primary Health Network who plays a vital role in supporting local primary health care services is hoping practises in the western area will apply for the funding, with up to $120 thousand dollars in funding for after-hours grants and $14 thousand for the COVID-19 program.

Local medical staff and Ambos are keen for practices to apply for this funding to alleviate some of the current issues putting pressure on hospital staff and emergency services, particularly in small rural towns.

After-Hours Grant

WNSW PHN is offering funding through the General Practice After Hours Grant Program 2025 to further enable local General Practices and Aboriginal Medical Services to support equitable access to primary care services in the after-hours setting. The program aims to:

1. 1. Support the development of regional responses to address the after-hours primary health care needs of local communities, whilst supporting the after-hours primary health care workforce.
   2. Promote coordination between services at a local level and support after hours service providers to integrate care with a patient’s usual primary care provider.
   3. Address gaps in availability of after-hours primary health care services.
   4. Reduce non-urgent attendances at hospital emergency departments in the after-hours period.

Stream One – Enhanced After Hours Supports

Funding of up to $25,000 (excl. GST) to enable General Practices and Aboriginal Medical Services to undertake activities that will expand existing after-hours capacity and/or capability.

Stream Two – New After-Hours Service Models

Funding of up to $120,000 (excl. GST) to enable General Practices and Aboriginal Medical Services to trial new after-hours service models that increase community access to appropriate after-hours primary care services.

COVID-19 Vaccination Grant

WNSW PHN is offering funding through the Primary Health Care COVID-19 Vaccination Grants Program 2025. The program aims to:

1. Increase the number of local General Practices, Aboriginal Medical Services and Pharmacies stocking and delivering COVID-19 vaccinations.
2. Increase the number of General Practices, Aboriginal Medical Services and Pharmacies providing vaccination to priority populations where there are unmet vaccination needs.

Stream One – New Vaccinators

A once-off payment of $2,000 (excl. GST) for General Practices, Aboriginal Medical Services and Pharmacies currently not offering COVID-19 vaccination who agree to stock and administer COVID-19 vaccinations. *

Stream Two – Priority Populations - Outreach Clinics

Total funding of up to $14,000 (excl. GST) is available for General Practices, Aboriginal Medical Services and Pharmacies currently offering COVID-19 vaccination to provide outreach clinics to priority community groups ** currently not receiving access to vaccination providers, including:

• First Nations
• Rural, Remote and Hard to Reach
• Aged Care
• Disability
• Homelessness
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Groups

Applicants are encouraged to use the clinics as opportunities to co-administer MBS eligible National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines where appropriate.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler says all opportunities for better health provision are welcomed for rural communities.

"The more supplementary health that is available the better, but Telehealth services should never be a replacement for a doctor. Telehealth can complement traditional access to a doctor, but we still need to work on recruitment of doctors and nurses in regional NSW," said Mr Butler.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler - Image supplied.

Funding submissions close on June 20^th, 2025.