The Australian Government is funding communities on Tasmania’s east coast and the Gippsland region of Victoria to find local solutions to their health challenges.
Primary care Rural Innovative Multidisciplinary Model (PRIMM) grants help applicants to work with their rural and remote communities to design primary health care models that address local needs.
cohealth Limited in Tasmania ($364,000) and Gippsland Primary Health Network Limited ($353,054) will each use PRIMM funds to design multidisciplinary primary care models for the needs of their respective communities.
In Tasmania, cohealth Limited will lead a consortium to develop a community plan and design innovative solutions for comprehensive and sustainable GP, allied health, mental health, alcohol and drug services for the rural towns of Triabunna, Swansea, Coles Bay and Bicheno.
In Victoria, Gippsland Primary Health Network will collaborate with local communities and health services to design multidisciplinary models of care for Bass Coast, Baw Baw, East Gippsland, South Gippsland, and Wellington local government areas.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“The Government recognises the unique challenges facing the health system in regional and rural areas of Australia.
"We are firmly focused on improving the capacity, quality and distribution of primary care services to meet the needs of individuals, families and communities.
“Many of the solutions will be found in local communities, where there is a deep understanding of the issues people face and the driving force to overcome them.
"The Albanese Government is determined to work with local governments to implement these solutions through consultation, collaboration and investment."