Northern Queensland PHN

25/03/2026

Not all data is useful, but the right data makes all the difference.

In Episode 6 of CAPACIT8, Janine Cox - NQPHN Executive Director Data and Digital, and Amy Foulkes talk about collecting evaluation data that actually matters. They explore how to capture the right information, choose practical systems and methods, and use data strategically to clearly show the impact your projects and programs are making.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/4EeGpZOSXpQ

23/03/2026

🙌 We would like to sincerely thank our partners, members, health providers and services, and our staff who have responded to the recent severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle in northern Queensland.

Collaborations with the Local and District Disaster Management Groups, Councils, Hospital and Health Services, and other peak bodies and government agencies, have been crucial in helping to provide the support and assistance needed – and still are.

There are still wet weather warnings in place for our region:

1. Stay safe: If it’s flooded, forget it. Stay up to date via your local disaster dashboards.

2. Stay informed: Keep an eye on health alerts from the Hospital and Health Service in your region and your local GP.

3. Look after yourself (and loved ones): If you need mental health support, visit https://nqphn.com.au/emergency-management/respond/flood-and-cyclone-information

The efforts of all involved are a testament to the strength and dedication of our community ❤️ Thank you.

23/03/2026

Request for Information (RFI) – Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) solutions

📢 Calling GRC solution providers

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network is inviting market input via a Request for Information (RFI) to better understand available Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) solutions.

This is a non-binding, non-competitive process focused on learning about:

✔️ GRC functionality
✔️ Security and hosting approaches
✔️ Integration and implementation models.

No pricing. No scoring. No preferred supplier selection.

Responses will be reviewed at a deidentified, market wide level to inform future planning only.

Read more here ▶️ https://nqphn.com.au/news/nqphn-invites-market-input-on-governance-risk-and-compliance-grc-solutions

📅 RFI closes: 17 April 2026 at 2.00pm (AEST), 3.00pm (AEDT)

🔗 View full details and submit via the registered procurement portal: https://nqphn.etenderbox.com.au/Supplier/Home.aspx

20/03/2026

💚 Mental health and wellbeing support is available for people across northern Queensland, including those impacted by recent cyclone and weather events.

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing is important, and support is available 24/7. If you or someone you know has been affected, help is available.

➡️ Resources and helplines:
https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/phone-service

➡️ List of mental health services:
https://nqphn.com.au/emergency-management/respond/flood-and-cyclone-information

📢 Please note, Northern Queensland PHN is not a crisis or emergency service. For urgent support, contact any of the services listed above. If you need immediate assistance, please call 000.

19/03/2026

💙 Our thoughts are with communities and health services across northern Queensland.

As conditions change, we encourage everyone to stay informed through official disaster dashboards and local authorities, and taking the steps to prepare if needed.

Northern Queensland PHN is supporting our primary care providers and partners, and will continue to share verified information as it becomes available.

𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦

🚨 Health workforce can visit the NQPHN emergency management web page for useful resources: https://nqphn.com.au/emergency-management/

💻 Residents can visit http://getready.qld.gov.au/ for more information on what to do before, during, and after a disaster.

📢 Visit local disaster dashboards and subscribe to local council SMS alerts to receive the latest information: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/resources-translations/local-government-disaster-dashboards

👐 If you need mental health help, go to: https://nqphn.com.au/emergency-management/respond/flood-and-cyclone-information/ -services

🌀 Keep up to date with all the latest weather updates: www.bom.gov.au

Remember: If it's flooded, forget it!

19/03/2026

🖤💛❤️ Today, Northern Queensland Primary Health Network proudly acknowledges National Close the Gap Day and our shared responsibility to support health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As part of this commitment, NQPHN brought together community partners, services, and stakeholders for Closing the Gap morning teas in Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay, creating a space to yarn, connect, and share local, community‑led actions that support better health outcomes across our region.

🫱🏾‍🫲🏾 Through our Reconciliation Action Plan and First Nations priorities, we continue to work alongside communities to support culturally safe care, meaningful partnerships and initiatives that respond to locally identified needs.

Closing the Gap Day is an important reminder that progress happens when we listen, learn, and take action – together.

18/03/2026

Today, the Hon Nita Green - Senator for Queensland and Federal Member for Leichardt Matt Smith MP officially opened the new Cairns North Medicare Urgent Care Clinic 🎉

Located at Smithfield Central Doctors, and operated by Partnered Health, the Cairns North Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is now open and providing walk in, bulk-billed care for urgent, but non-life-threatening conditions.

🔰 The clinic provides timely care for things like minor infections, minor fractures and sprains, UTIs, minor cuts, gastroenteritis, and more - and gives the community a timely alternative to the emergency department when care can’t wait for a GP appointment.

✅ Open 7 days, 8am – 8pm (including public holidays)
🚶‍♂️‍➡️Walk-in, no appointment needed
📢 7-11 Mount Milman Drive, Smithfield

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are not a replacement for your GP. Always check in with your usual general practice clinic to see if they have availability before heading to the Urgent Care Clinic 💚

Thank you to our partners and colleagues who came to help celebrate the opening of the clinic!

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service
Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS)
Alive Pharmacy Warehouse Smithfield

18/03/2026

Thinking about working together but not sure which structure is right?

In Episode 5 of CAPACIT8, Fiona Branch from NQPHN and Renee Madsen unpack auspicing, consortia, and joint ventures. They share practical insights on collaboration, learning from real experiences, understanding your organisation’s strengths, formalising agreements, and choosing the right approach to support impact and sustainability.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/XVFPIbcEozk

15/03/2026

💬❤️Your story matters 🫶

📅 This Advance Care Planning Week, choose someone you trust, share your wishes, and record them, so your story can guide your future health care, if there comes a time when you can’t speak for yourself.

👉 Find out how at www.acpweek.org.au

13/03/2026

To close our International Women’s Day celebrations, we’re spotlighting one of our staff members.

Meet Emele Tuinona, Senior Communications and Marketing Officer at NQPHN, who reminds us that supporting health and wellbeing goes beyond clinical roles. 💜

“While I’m not in a clinical role, I see communications as a really important part of how we support communities and the services that work with them.”

Through storytelling, creativity, and collaboration, Emele and the communications team help amplify local voices and shine a light on what matters most across our region.

Read in full here: https://nqphn.com.au/news/iwd-celebrating-nqphn-staff/

13/03/2026

People in the Mackay region experiencing mental health distress will soon have access to a new Medicare Mental Health Centre, providing free and immediate support in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) has commissioned Grand Pacific Health, in partnership with Mackay Hospital and Health Service, to deliver the Mackay Medicare Mental Health Centre.

Walk-in service to provide immediate mental health support and connect people with ongoing care across Mackay region

13/03/2026

We’re pleased to share that the new Mackay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic has been officially opened this morning by the Hon Nita Green - Senator for Queensland and the Hon Emma McBride MP 🎉

The Mackay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is now open and providing walk‑in, bulk‑billed care for urgent, but non‑life‑threatening conditions.

Located at Eastbrooke Ambrose Family Medical and operated by Bupa, the clinic is open seven days a week (including public holidays) and is designed to give the community a timely alternative to the emergency department when care can’t wait for a GP appointment.

The clinic provides timely care for things like minor infections, minor fractures & sprains, UTIs, minor cuts, gastroenteritis, and more. 🤒

🕑 Open 7 days, 8am – 10pm (including public holidays)
🚶‍♂️‍➡️Walk-in, no appointment needed
📍 11–13 Peel Street, Mackay
📞 0437 025 427

👉🏽 For more information, visit https://nqphn.com.au/news/medicare-urgent-care-clinic-now-open-in-mackay/

💭 Remember, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are not a replacement for your GP. Always check in with your usual general practice clinic to see if they have availability before heading to the Urgent Care Clinic.