Tender opportunity: Chermside Medicare Mental Health Centre

Brisbane North PHN is seeking an experienced mental health service provider to establish and deliver a new full Medicare Mental Health Centre in Chermside, with services expected to commence from 1 July 2027.

The new centre will expand the network of Medicare Mental Health Centres across the Brisbane North region, improving access to free, community-based mental health support for people experiencing moderate to severe mental health concerns.

An open, competitive Request for Tender will commence on 20 July 2026 to identify a suitable provider to deliver the Chermside Medicare Mental Health Centre.

Expanding access to community-based mental health care

The Australian Government has committed to establishing a fifth full Medicare Mental Health Centre within the Brisbane North PHN region, with Chermside identified as the location by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

Communities within and surrounding Chermside are experiencing growing demand influenced by factors including population growth, socioeconomic disadvantage, housing pressures, domestic and family violence, homelessness, population ageing and limited access to after-hours supports.

At the same time, increasing psychological distress, self-harm and higher-acuity mental health presentations continue to place pressure on hospitals and emergency departments.

Establishing a full Medicare Mental Health Centre in Chermside will strengthen local service capacity, improve access to early intervention and navigation supports, and provide a community-based alternative for people who may otherwise experience delays accessing appropriate care.

The Chermside Medicare Mental Health Centre will complement the existing network of Medicare Mental Health Centres commissioned by Brisbane North PHN, including services located in Inner North Brisbane, Strathpine, Caboolture and Redcliffe.

Together, these centres will provide a connected network of accessible, multidisciplinary mental health services that support people to access care earlier, closer to home and in a way that meets their individual needs.

The new full centre in Chermside will provide a visible and welcoming entry point for people seeking mental health support, including people experiencing moderate to severe mental health concerns and people with co-occurring alcohol and other drug needs.

A connected approach to mental health support

The Chermside Medicare Mental Health Centre will align with Our Approach to Wellbeing: The North Brisbane and Moreton Bay Region’s Mental Health, Alcohol and other Drug, and Suicide Prevention Regional Approach 2025–2030, developed by Brisbane North PHN and Metro North Hospital Health Service.

This regional approach is focused on creating a more connected, compassionate and responsive mental health system through:

• improving access to timely and appropriate support
• strengthening connections between primary care, hospitals, community services and specialist mental health services
• supporting culturally safe and inclusive care
• embedding lived and living experience leadership
• improving outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

The new centre will strengthen pathways between general practice, community organisations, psychosocial supports, specialist mental health services and hospital-based care, supporting a more integrated and coordinated system of care.

Tender opportunity and key dates

Brisbane North PHN will be seeking submissions from experienced organisations with demonstrated capability in delivering accessible, high-quality, community-based mental health services.

The successful provider will be expected to work collaboratively with consumers, carers, people with lived and living experience, communities, health providers and regional partners to deliver a service that is safe, responsive and integrated.

The procurement process will be guided by the Medicare Mental Health Centres Service Model and Brisbane North PHN commissioning principles, with a focus on quality, safety, equity, integration and improved outcomes for the community.

• Request for tender/proposal opens: 20 July 2026
• Market briefing: 3 August 2026
• Tender submissions close: 31 August 2026
• Expected commencement of service delivery: 1 July 2027

Further information about the tender opportunity, including application requirements and supporting documentation, will be available through Brisbane North PHN’s procurement channel tenderlink from 20 July 2026.

Organisations interested in participating are encouraged to review the opportunity and prepare submissions demonstrating their experience in delivering integrated, person-centred mental health services.

Building a stronger mental health system together

The Chermside Medicare Mental Health Centre represents a significant investment in strengthening mental health care across Brisbane North and Moreton Bay.

By expanding access to free, local and connected services, the centre will help ensure more people can access the right support, at the right time and in the right place.