Grants of up to $1.76 million per project to support innovative, systems-level interventions that are designed to improve psychological health and safety in Victorian workplaces.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the WorkWell Mental Health Industry Trial Grants?
The WorkWell Mental Health Industry Trials Grant, delivered by WorkSafe Victoria, funds innovative, systems-level interventions designed to improve psychological health and safety in Victorian workplaces. This one-off competitive grant program supports large-scale trials that address psychosocial hazards, workplace safety culture, and systems of work in five high-risk industries.
WorkSafe has identified that mental injuries are more prevalent in certain industries. The Industry Trials respond to this and strategically target the five industries where the greatest harm has occurred. These are listed below and are classified using the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification:
- Division: E – Construction
- Division: P – Education and training
- Division: Q – Healthcare and social assistance
- Division: C – Manufacturing
- Division: O – Public administration and safety
WorkSafe data shows that within these Industry Divisions, there is a greater proportion of mental injury claims within some Industry Subdivisions. Learn more about the Industry Subdivisions below.
WorkWell Mental Health Industry Trial Grants level of support
- Minimum amount of funding: Not specified
- Maximum amount of funding: $1.76 million per project
- Funding duration: Up to 3 years from the execution of the Funding Agreement
Co-contribution: There is no co-contribution required. However, applicants must fully justify their budget requests. Final funding amounts will be determined at WorkSafe’s discretion.
WorkWell Mental Health Industry Trial Grants important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
WorkWell Mental Health Industry Trial Grants objectives
The program aims to create sustainable, systems-level change that enhances mental health and wellbeing in Victorian workplaces. Key objectives include:
- Increased worker participation in psychological health and safety initiatives
- Stronger leadership in early intervention and recovery support
- Implementation and monitoring of psychosocial hazard controls
- Embedding of systems of work that sustain improvements
- Enhanced industry-wide knowledge and capacity to take preventative action
Projects and expenditure eligible for WorkWell Mental Health Industry Trial Grants support
Projects must:
- Be delivered entirely in Victoria, benefiting Victorian workers
- Focus on trial workplaces that are committed to co-designing and testing solutions
- Address psychosocial work factors, workplace systems, and safety culture
- Involve a consortium of partners including unions, industry bodies, evaluation partners, and subject matter experts
- Deliver outcomes that exceed compliance with OHS obligations
Projects must target one or more eligible Industry Subdivisions within these high-risk sectors:
1. Construction
- Subdivision 30 – Building construction
- Subdivision 31 – Heavy and civil engineering construction
- Subdivision 32 – Construction services
2. Education and Training
- Subdivision 80 – Preschool and school education
3. Healthcare and Social Assistance
- Subdivision 84 – Hospitals
- Subdivision 85 – Medical and other health care services
- Subdivision 86 – Residential care services
- Subdivision 87 – Social assistance services
4. Manufacturing
- Subdivision 11 – Food product manufacturing
5. Public Administration and Safety
- Subdivision 75 – Public administration
- Subdivision 77 – Public order, safety and regulatory services
Ineligible expenditure includes:
- Projects developing a proposal, product, or startup
- Projects already underway or commencing before funding is awarded
- For-profit project delivery
- Grants to individuals or workplaces
- Theoretical research without direct applied outcomes (except literature reviews)
- Business-as-usual activities
- Projects deemed unethical in design or delivery
Other WorkWell Mental Health Industry Trial Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for WorkWell Mental Health Industry Trial Grants support
Eligible organisations must:
- Be registered for GST and have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Not be a Victorian Government Department, Comcare-insured organisation, or sole trader
- Have the capability and authority to lead the project (auspicing not permitted)
Note: Organisations based outside Victoria may apply if the project delivery and impact is solely within Victoria.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
WorkWell Mental Health Industry Trial Grants assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed according to five key evaluation categories:
1. Strategic Alignment – 15%
- Achieves all six Funding Pillars: Systems-level change, Integrated approach, Evidence-building, Collective impact, Innovation, and Sustainability
- Aligns with WorkSafe’s strategic goals for psychological health, recovery and return to work
- Applies systems thinking and an OHS risk management approach
2. Consortium and Partnership – 20%
- Includes diverse and experienced consortium partners (10%)
- Evaluation partner with strong public health evaluation experience (5%)
- Robust governance, clear roles, risk management, and continuous improvement mechanisms (5%)
3. Applicant Experience and Credibility – 20%
- Demonstrated credibility and networks within the target industry (5%)
- Proven project management skills, including risk planning and stakeholder recruitment (10%)
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social procurement (5%)
4. Proposed Approach – 25%
- Clear and feasible scope, with well-planned collaboration with workplaces (5%)
- Strong OHS approach exceeding compliance, including co-design (10%)
- Targeted strategies for vulnerable worker groups (5%)
- Evidence-based need with potential for broad industry impact (5%)
5. Sustainable Outcomes – 20%
- Clear plan for achieving measurable workplace and industry improvements (10%)
- Effective knowledge translation and scalability planning (5%)
- Strategy to build and share an evidence base (5%)
How do I get the WorkWell Mental Health Industry Trial Grants?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the WorkWell Mental Health Industry Trial Grants application
You will need:
- A completed online application form
- Project Budget (using the mandatory template)
- Evidence of need (e.g., pilot data, research findings)
- Governance structure diagram
- Details of trial workplaces, reach, and industry context
- Partnership roles and experience
- References from two stakeholders who can verify your credibility and capacity
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the WorkWell Mental Health Industry Trial Grants
All applications must be submitted via the SmartyGrants portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
WorkWell Mental Health Industry Trial Grants resources
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