Renewed alcohol and other drugs approach for Darling Downs and West Moreton

Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN has announced two new providers to deliver alcohol and other drug treatment services in the Darling Downs and West Moreton region.

The PHN undertook a competitive open market procurement between December 2024 and April 2025 to identify service provider/s to deliver alcohol and other drug treatment services in the region until June 2026.

The renewed program is focused on community-based support services that ensure services are widely and equitably available to those experiencing drug and alcohol misuse.

For Darling Downs, Lives Lived Well has been selected as a provider with an established service presence in the region.

For West Moreton, QuIHN was the chosen provider, with an innovative approach focused on harm reduction, underpinned by evidenced based frameworks and collaborative peer and clinical-led treatment approaches.

Delivery of service under the new program have now commenced.

The providers were selected following an extensive procurement process, which was designed to align services with current national policy and local sector changes.

“Our renewed approach is focused on delivering integrated and impactful alcohol and other drug treatment services for the region,” said Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN CEO, Lucille Chalmers.

The PHN consulted community feedback throughout the process, which highlighted key themes in what people living in the region expect from alcohol and other drug services.

“We heard loud and clear that people value services that are focused on identifying root causes of alcohol and other drug use, and services that focus on early intervention and connection with mental health services and general practice,” said Ms Chalmers.

“Reflecting on this feedback, the PHN determined the need to undertake an open-market procurement process to recommission community-based alcohol and other drug treatment services under this refreshed service approach.

“Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN recognises that alcohol and other drug issues impact the community broadly, affecting people from all demographics in different ways. Regionally, the PHN acknowledges that substance use patterns show significant geographic disparities, with risky drinking highest in remote areas (40%), compared to major cities (29%).

“Rising psychological distress, now at 16.6%, is linked to increased risky behaviours, including higher rates of risky drinking, illicit drug use, smoking, and e-cigarette use.

“LGBTIQA+ individuals are also 1.2 times more likely to drink at risky levels, with nearly half using illicit drugs at higher rates.

“As such, the tender prioritised accessibility, individualised support, and cultural appropriateness, ensuring that services meet the needs of diverse populations across the region.

“It was ultimately determined that Lives Lived Well and QuIHn displayed an understanding of the nuances of their respective regions, ensuring equitable access to service for socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals and at-risk populations.”

Geoff Davey, QuIHN CEO, said QuIHN was proud to be selected to deliver alcohol and other drug treatment services in West Moreton and to partner with the community, other providers, and the PHN.

“We’re committed to working collaboratively across the sector to reduce stigma, improve access, and deliver services that reflect the unique needs and diversity of the region,” Mr Davey said.

“Our focus is on ensuring people are met with respect, compassion, and culturally safe care.”

Mitchell Giles, CEO of Lives Lived Well, said his organisation was honoured to be chosen to provide community-based alcohol and other drug (AOD) services throughout the Darling Downs.

“This funding strengthens our ability to deepen local partnerships and offer care that’s easy to access, culturally responsive, and centred on early support—ensuring people receive the help they need, right where they live, when it matters most."

Kambu Health and Carbal will continue to provide culturally appropriate treatment services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the region.

All services will be provided to clients free of charge and will work cohesively within the sector to complement existing services and connections with general practice.

The Hon Shayne Neumann MP, Federal Member for Blair, said the Australian Government was providing $1.8 million ($1,785,000) in funding for the new services for the whole region with a 50/50 split, or $892,500 each, between Darling Downs and West Moreton.

“These new services will allow people to access care and support close to home, and to other health and community services, and will take pressure off families, loved ones, carers and hospitals.

“Darling Downs and West Moreton is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, so it’s vitally important for local residents to have access to high-quality treatment for drug and alcohol abuse to improve their health and wellbeing.”