Are you committed to improving mental health and wellbeing in rural and remote communities? Do you have experience working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in these settings?
We are seeking a Project Officer, Alcohol and Other Drugs to help deliver integrated, culturally safe and community-led services. This role is grounded in partnership, supporting programs that are shaped by local knowledge, responsive to community needs, and respectful of culture, connection and country.
If you’re passionate about making a meaningful difference and improving outcomes for people with complex needs, we’d love to hear from you.
About Western Queensland PHN
Western Queensland Primary Health Network (WQPHN) is an independent, not‑for‑profit organisation funded by the Australian Government to strengthen primary health care across Western Queensland. We work in close partnership with local health providers, communities and key stakeholders to understand the unique needs of rural and remote populations and deliver services that ensure people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. We are committed to strong governance, culturally safe practice, and supporting our people to do meaningful work that delivers real benefits for communities.
The Role
We’re looking for a collaborative and experienced Project Officer – Alcohol and Other Drugs to lead and coordinate a connected program of Queensland Mental Health Commission (QMHC)-funded projects. These initiatives focus on strengthening AOD responses, improving workforce capability, and supporting culturally safe, trauma-aware services across the region.
If you’re passionate about mental health, AOD, and working alongside communities and service providers to drive meaningful system change, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact.
This is a hands-on, project-focused role coordinating a suite of AOD initiatives across Western Queensland. You will bring multiple funded activities together into one cohesive program, identifying connections, reducing duplication and embedding sustainable outcomes beyond the funding period (to June 2027).
Working closely with First Nations communities, people with lived and living experience, service providers and regional stakeholders, you’ll support approaches that are culturally safe, place-based and responsive to local needs.
You will also align this work with key strategies, including the Achieving Balance Queensland AOD Plan and the region’s Joint Regional Plan for Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs and Suicide Prevention. This is a full-time, fixed term role.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate a program of QMHC-funded AOD projects, managing timelines, budgets and deliverables.
- Plan and undertake regional consultation and scoping to identify workforce, community and system priorities.
- Design and deliver initiatives that strengthen AOD workforce capability, including training, mentoring and resource development.
- Facilitate community education and engagement to improve AOD literacy, reduce harm and support help-seeking.
- Lead stigma reduction activities informed by lived and living experience.
- Strengthen cultural capability across programs, supporting First Nations leadership and culturally grounded approaches.
- Build and maintain partnerships with ACCHOs, HHS, NGOs, primary care providers and community stakeholders.
- Develop resources and embed tools, systems and approaches into existing regional structures for long-term sustainability.
- Monitor project progress, analyse data, and contribute to reporting, evaluation and continuous improvement.
The Right Person
You’ll thrive in this role if you enjoy working across systems, building partnerships and driving practical, community-informed solutions.
You’ll bring:
- Experience in health, human services, community services or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Knowledge of AOD and mental health policy and practice, including harm reduction and co-occurring needs.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, particularly with First Nations communities and diverse groups.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas for different audiences.
- Understanding of the needs of rural and remote communities and the social determinants of health.
- Experience in data collection, reporting and evaluation.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn new systems.
- A current unrestricted driver’s licence.
Desirable (but not essential):
Tertiary qualifications in public health, social work, community services or a related discipline.
Experience in workforce development, stigma reduction or community engagement initiatives.
Our Working Environment
This role will ideally be based in the Western Queensland region, such as Longreach, Mount Isa, Roma, Winton or surrounds, though applicants from across Queensland are welcome to apply.
At WQPHN, you’ll be part of a supportive, collaborative and values-driven team working across a vast and diverse region of nearly one million square kilometres. Our work is connected, flexible and outcomes-focused, with strong relationships across health services, communities and partner organisations.
We are committed to creating an environment where our people feel supported to innovate, build meaningful partnerships, and contribute to real improvements in access and health outcomes for rural and remote communities.
Why Join WQPHN?
- Make a real impact on mental health and wellbeing outcomes across rural and remote Western Queensland
- Work with a passionate, multidisciplinary team in a values-driven organisation
- Access generous salary packaging benefits
- Flexible role with professional development and peer support opportunities
Contribute to initiatives that embed strong governance, community engagement, and reconciliation principles
Our Commitment to Reconciliation
WQPHN is committed to undertaking all work within a culturally inclusive, sensitive and safe framework that supports Reconciliation. The WQPHN Reconciliation Action Plan shows our commitment and dedication to embedding reconciliation initiatives into our everyday work.
Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged for all WQPHN positions.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role.
Enquiries: hr@wqphn.com.au
Applications close: 9am Monday 20 July
