How long have you been working with PSA? 

48 years

What role did you start as? What role are you in now?  

I started at PSA as junior office clerk – I used a manual typewriter and a plug and cord switchboard.

Then continuing education administration assistant, then to executive assistant and now Engagement Co-ordinator.

Can you share a memorable moment or achievement you’ve experienced while working here?  

I have many memorable moments but one that stands out is being promoted to Secretary to the Registrar of the Pharmacy Board of Victoria and Executive Director of the Pharmaceutical Society of Victoria who was Alistair Lloyd. His brilliance, passion and kindness embedded many important values into my working life.

Another moment that stands out is when I worked in education, I was the first staff member to get a computer. My manager at the time invited everyone to see it and watch me use it. It was horrifying even trying to control the mouse let alone having an audience, but it was a truly memorable moment and I felt enormously proud.

What are your favourite things about working at PSA?  

The wonderful people, culture, and the long-lasting friendships.

What’s something unique about the company culture at PSA? 

The diversity and inclusion initiatives that bring employees a sense of comfort and safety.

in what ways has the company changed since you started? Any major changes that have impacted you? 

Wow where do I start! From the 1970s until now there have been significant changes which I have adapted to and learned from and proud of being able to do.

What do you look forward to when you come into work each day? 

Seeing my wonderful colleagues and sharing our stories and knowledge. They are my second family.

Talking to our wonderful members and hearing their stories. I know a lot of the elderly members who have been past presidents and directors and have played a pivotal role in the progression of PSA. It is an absolute honour to have worked with these people and to keep in touch with them.

How long have you been working with PSA? 

I started at PSA in June 2016 so this June it will be 8 years. This is the longest I have stayed at any place of employment.

What role did you start as? What role are you in now?

I started my role as Senior Graphic Designer, I then worked as the Marketing Lead/Senior Graphic Designer during the covid period and since late 2022 I have been Creative Lead, which encompasses all things that need Graphic Design plus leading design projects, updating our website, maintaining our corporate brand quality and consistency. Also working collaboratively and strategically with the Marketing, Events and Projects teams on campaigns, conferences and stakeholder consulting projects.

Can you share a memorable moment or achievement you’ve experienced while working here? 

There have been a quiet a few memorable moments and achievements. Designing the APF24, 25 and 26 Handbook editions have been a highlight, as this book is very important to PSA and the pharmacy community, so I have taken great pride in working on this book which takes months to bring together, working within a great project team and then producing the final result. Also working within the management team for our national conference, this year PSA24. There is a tremendous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes, which normally starts in Sept/Oct and goes right through until the night before the start of the conference in the following July/August. I love turning up at the conference and seeing all of the signage, posters, screen slides, digital signs, banners etc that I had been working on for months all come to life.

What are your favourite things about working at PSA?  

I really love the cause, working in the health sector, and particularly working for the pharmacists. They play a vital role in our society, but are often the forgotten heroes. So PSA’s role is to advocate for the pharmacists, creating education, CPD, code of ethics and the Professional Practice Standards to name a few. Another favourite thing is the amazing staff we have at PSA. People come and go, but it always attracts great people, so it then has a really good staff culture. I have made some good friends while working at PSA, in the national office and across the nation.

What’s something unique about the company culture at PSA? 

It really is the team culture. It’s great, and this especially shows at our national conference in Sydney. We all have worked very hard as a team, around the country in our different state offices, and the magic happens at the conference, where it all comes together and works like clockwork, and we get to socialise together. It does create a unique team bond and friendship.

In what ways has the company changed since you started? Any major changes that have impacted you?

The company has been through a restructure since I started which was a bit of a rough journey, but now has moved into a digital phase. I have seen a lot of change, especially in the backend systems, where we are now becoming more streamlined and working through making our members experience easier. This takes time, but I feel we have great CEO and General Managers leading us in the right direction now.

What do you look forward to when you come into work each day?  

We have a flexible work policy now, but most of the staff come into the offices on Tuesday and Wednesdays. I really enjoy coming in and talking to my colleagues, having face-to-face meetings and joining in with our monthly morning teas and having a laugh. It makes me feel more connected.