KEEP IN TOUCH
(07) 3105 7800
Turrbal and Jagera Country
Level 4, 348 Edward Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
The Maternal and Child Health Uplift Program (MCHUP) provides financial support to improve access to education and training for Northern Queensland’s primary care providers, to address the comprehensive health needs of children during their first 1,000 days of life. Professionals working in primary health care in Northern Queensland can apply for funding to upskill in maternal and child health individually or as an organisation!
Health Workforce Queensland in partnership with Northern Queensland PHN has co-designed an extensive and comprehensive whole-of-NQPHN region Maternal and Child Health workforce skills and development uplift program. This program is in alignment with the Better Health North Queensland Alliance First 1000 Days Framework.
Outcomes of the MCHUP will include:
Enhanced access to education and training opportunities that build the capability and capacity of the primary care workforce in North Queensland, to meet the holistic health and service needs of children in their first 1,000 days of life.
Adequate representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in capability and capacity building education interventions.
MCHUP financial support may be used for:
Courses, workshops (face-to-face or online) and conference attendance directly related to primary care child and maternal health capability development
Postgraduate professional development directly related to the skills/ qualifications that support the delivery of child and maternal health primary care services in the child’s first 1000 days of life
Registration/travel/accommodation expenses (accommodation up to $300 per night) required to complete upskilling activities (case-by-case assessment)
Flexible holistic costs required to overcome barriers that primary health workforces face when participating in upskilling
Am I eligible for the Maternal and Child Health Uplift Program (MCHUP)?
To be eligible for MCHUP you must:
Be a health practitioner
Work in the North Queensland region/s
Be employed at one of the below:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service Provider
Privately owned General Practice, Allied Health, Multidisciplinary practices, Non-Government Organisations
Torres and Cape Hospital Health Service where primary care services are provided
View the full eligibility requirements and exclusions in the Applicant Guidelines below.
MCHUP funding cannot be used for:
Overseas courses/conference attendance overseas
Retrospective costs (courses already completed)
Professional Registration and Professional Association membership costs
Other costs as determined by Health Workforce Queensland
Ready to apply?
Please note: Employers can submit a one-off application for multiple employees wishing to apply for this program. If you have fewer than 5 people, please submit individual applications.
Let's Hear from Recipients
“It’s great to see more maternal and child health programs. I know so many of my allied health colleagues feel they don't have the skills, so it is so good to see that PHN recognises it’s an important space!”
Physiotherapist and program participant
“I am heading a team of first nations doulas who I will support to incorporate this learning into their interactions with mums and bubs.”
Midwife at an Aboriginal Medical Service
Who do I contact?
Should you have any questions about the Maternal and Child Health Uplift Program, please contact the Health Workforce Solutions team on P: (07) 3105 7889or Email Us
Frequently asked questions
Am I eligible to apply for the Maternal and Child Health Uplift Program?
To be eligible you must meet the below requirements, a full outline of the eligibility requirements can be found here in the program guidelines on page 3.
What can my funding be used for?
Below are some examples of what funding can be used for more information and a list of non-eligible funding criteria you can read page 5 of the program guidelines.
Postgraduate scholarship directly related to primary care child and maternal health capability development Course.
Course / Workshop Courses and workshops (face to face or online), conference attendance directly related to primary care child and maternal health capability development.
Registration/travel/accommodation required to complete upskilling activities (case-by-case assessment).
Costs required to enable upskilling will be considered on a case-by-case basis and approved on discretionary grounds.
How do I apply for the Maternal and Child Health Uplift Program?
You can apply via the portal here if you need help submitting your application you can reach out to the team via (07) 2102 3898 or email us.
How long will it take to process my application?
Applications will be processed within 28 days of receiving all required information and supporting evidence and/or documentation.
Do I need to provide proof of my completed upskilling?
Yes, you will need to provide proof of completion of your upskilling once completed.
Where do I need to be located to access funding for this program?
This program is only eligible for those who provide services in the NQPHN area, you don’t have to live in the area however you must be employed in the area for a full list of eligible locations you can visit the NQPHN location map here.
What health professionals are eligible to apply for funding?
For a full list of eligible professions please refer to page 3 in the program guidelines.
How many applications can I submit?
There is no limit to the number of applications someone can submit.
What expenses are covered?
Expenses are approved on a case-by-case basis, only expenses that relate to your upskilling will be covered.
How long will applications be open for?
Applications open on 15 April 2024 and stay open until 6 June 2025.
