10 November 2026
New place-based model will support more connected, equitable and responsive primary health care across Melbourne’s east.
Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN), funded by the Australian Government, has announced the successful providers selected to deliver EMPHN OneCare, marking a major milestone in the introduction of a new approach to commissioning primary health services across Melbourne’s east and north-east.
Subject to the finalisation of funding deeds, EMPHN OneCare is expected to direct approximately $30 million each year into local services, a significant and sustained commitment to primary health care across the region.
Three regions, one connected approach to care
The EMPHN OneCare commissioning model is constructed around three regions within the EMPHN catchment, each one home to around 500,000 people.
- The North Region includes Banyule, Mitchell, Nillumbik, Whittlesea and part of Murrindindi.
- The East Region takes in Maroondah, Manningham, Whitehorse, the Yarra Ranges and the rest of Murrindindi.
- The Inner South Region covers Boroondara, Knox and Monash.
These boundaries were carefully considered using population need, existing referral patterns, local hospital networks, and input from communities and providers. The regions are for planning and commissioning only. People can still get care wherever it best meets their needs.
The successful providers are:
- North Region
- Lead Provider: DPV Health
- In partnership with: Anglicare Victoria, Neami National, Northern Health and Omnia Community Health
- East Region
- Lead Provider: Access Health and Community
- In partnership with: Each, Eastern Health, Oonah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and Thorne Harbour Health
- Inner South Region
- Lead Provider: Each
- In partnership with: Access Health and Community, Oonah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and Thorne Harbour Health
EMPHN OneCare brings a range of commissioned primary health services together under a more integrated, place-based model, giving providers greater flexibility to respond to the needs of local communities.
The approach is designed to strengthen connections between primary care, hospitals, community services and social supports, while directing services towards communities and people experiencing the greatest need.
EMPHN Chief Executive Officer Janine Wilson said the announcement represented an important step in strengthening primary health care across Melbourne’s east.
“EMPHN OneCare is about changing the way we work with our providers so that services can respond more effectively to the needs of local communities.
Janine Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, EMPHN
“By bringing services together through a more flexible, place-based approach, we have an opportunity to create better connections across the health system and make it easier for people to get the right care, particularly those experiencing the greatest need.
“I want to congratulate our successful providers on reaching this important milestone. We look forward to working with them as we implement this new commissioning approach.”
A more connected approach to primary health care
EMPHN OneCare is a key part of EMPHN’s approach to building a more equitable, connected and data-informed primary care system.
It will support providers to use local evidence and community insights to shape services, work more closely across organisational and service boundaries, and continually adapt their approach as community needs change.
The model has four key areas of focus:
- Equity: directing services towards communities and cohorts experiencing the greatest need.
- Integration: strengthening connections between primary care, hospitals, community services and social supports.
- Data and evidence: using local insights and evidence to inform how services are designed and delivered.
- Innovation and improvement: enabling providers to test new approaches, share learning and continually improve services.
Selection process
The successful providers were selected following a competitive selective Request for Tender process.
Submissions were assessed against defined evaluation criteria by a panel of internal and external representatives, with independent probity oversight.
EMPHN acknowledges and thanks all organisations that participated in the process and contributed proposals.
Next steps
EMPHN will now work with the successful providers to support the transition to the EMPHN OneCare model and prepare for service delivery.
Engagement with consumers, providers, partners and communities will continue as EMPHN OneCare is implemented, with further updates to be provided as the program progresses.
Further information about the model can be found at EMPHN OneCare – EMPHN.
