Healthy North Coast has now wrapped up locally-delivered Initial Assessment and Referral – Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) training across the North Coast.
The IAR-DST is a national Department of Disability, Health and Aged Care initiative that supports consistent, evidence-based decision making in mental health referrals.
Healthy North Coast led the local delivery of IAR-DST training, engaging GPs and the broader mental health workforce to strengthen collaboration and support consistent, evidence-based referral decisions.
From October 2023 to October 2025:
- 124 local GPs were trained across 55 different North Coast general practices
- 480 other health professionals were trained, including allied health, nurses, peer workers, intake clinicians and LHD mental health teams
- 65% of participants indicated they would adapt their practice as a result of the training.
Feedback from the training was overwhelmingly positive. Participants found the training useful, relevant, practical and engaging.
“Highly clinically relevant. Will encourage a more thorough GP mental health assessment.” – Training attendee.
Future direction
While Healthy North Coast will no longer be delivering IAR-DST training locally, practitioners in the region can continue to access high-quality training through national sessions delivered by Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN). This is delivered in a single, online 2 hour session.
Practitioners who have previously attended IAR-DST training with HNC are not required to attend again, but are welcome to join a national session if you would like a refresher.
The 2026 training schedule will be available at the end of January.
Any questions about the 2026 IAR-DST training can be directed to iar.dst@cesphn.com.au.
