Five pharmacists recognised at PSA’s Victorian Pharmacist Awards

12 June 2026 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to acknowledge the outstanding contributions, leadership, and dedication of the five pharmacists who have been recognised at tonight’s PSA Victorian Pharmacist Awards.  

 

The 2026 award recipients are:  

• Pharmacist of the Year – Suzanne Nielsen MPS 

• Lifetime Achievement Award – John Jackson FPS 

• Early Career Pharmacist of the Year – Pooja Sharma MPS 

• Intern of the Year – Namira Tasnia Ahmed MPS 

• Victorian Pharmacist Medal – Alexander Look MPS 

 

Pharmacist of the Year, Suzanne Nielsen MPS, was recognised for her internationally leading work in addiction medicine research, advancing pharmacists’ role in harm reduction and opioid dependence treatment, and shaping policy and practice to improve patient safety and outcomes.  

 

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to John Jackson FPS for his contributions to medication safety, national policy, and pharmacy education. John’s pharmacy career spans more than five decades, with his service and leadership having a lasting impact on his colleagues and patients.  

 

Pooja Sharma MPS, was awarded the Early Career Pharmacist of the Year for her outstanding clinical leadership and innovation, delivering measurable improvements in medicines safety, and access to care for high-risk and underserved populations. 

 

Intern of the Year, Namira Tasnia Ahmed MPS, was recognised for her exceptional patient-centred care and initiative during her intern year, including driving quality improvement in medication safety and developing processes to support safer transitions of care. 

 

Alexander Look MPS has received the Victorian Pharmacist Medal for his dedication to rural healthcare, expanding pharmacy services and building innovative, community-focused models of care that have significantly improved access and health outcomes in the Victorian Mallee. 

 

PSA Victorian President, Tinu Abraham FPS, congratulated the recipients, acknowledging them as wonderful representatives who capture the breadth and impact of modern pharmacy practice.  

 

“These awards are a powerful reminder of the contributions pharmacists make to our patients and communities every single day,” she said.  

 

“Each of these recipients is incredibly deserving, and I am proud to present these awards to the pharmacists continuing to shape the future of healthcare and drive the health and well-being of Victorians.”  

 

 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

M: 0480 099 798 E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au  

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system. 

King’s Birthday Honours 2026 – PSA celebrates pharmacist recipients

7 June 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates the pharmacists recognised today as part of the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.  

 

Emeritus Professor Michael Stephen Roberts of Queensland has been recognised with an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the General Division, for his distinguished service to pharmaceutical science and medicine, the advancement of topical drug delivery, and clinical toxicology research.  

 

Professor Sarah Jane Roberts-Thomson FPS of Queensland was presented the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division, for her significant service to pharmaceutical medicine, academic leadership, and tertiary education.  

 

Current NSW branch committee member, Nicholas Michael Logan FPS, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division, for his service to the pharmacy profession.  

 

The PSA also wish to congratulate Dr Constantine George Berbatis, from Western Australia, who was also awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division, for service to the community of Perth.  

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, acknowledged the previous and ongoing contributions of each recipient to the pharmacy profession.  

 

“It is always terrific to see pharmacists recognised as part of the King’s Birthday Honours, it is even more special to see these awards presented to people I have professionally interacted with over my career” he said.  

 

“Many Western Australians would recognise Dr Constantine George Berbatis and be familiar with his contributions to the pharmacy workforce. I am happy to see his dedication recognised and congratulate him on receiving an OAM.  

  

“On behalf of PSA and the pharmacy profession, I would like to extend my congratulations to Emeritus Professor Michael Stephen Roberts, Professor Sarah Jane Roberts-Thomson, and Nicholas Michael Logan, on this prestigious achievement and for their ongoing services to our workforce.”  

 

 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

M: 0480 099 798 E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au  

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system. 

PSA launches new Deadly Pharmacists module to strengthen cultural safety in community pharmacy

3 June 2026

 

As National Reconciliation Week draws to a close, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the release of its new module, Deadly pharmacists: Providing culturally safe and responsive care in community pharmacy, designed to support community pharmacists in delivering culturally safe, responsive care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

 

Established under PSA’s Deadly pharmacists learning suite, the new module builds on the seven existing modules, specifically focused on the unique role community pharmacists play in fostering equitable health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.  

 

Funded by the Australian Government under the Medical Research Future Fund and the NSW Ministry of Health, the new module addresses the need and opportunity to foster cultural safety and responsiveness in community pharmacy, to support positive health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.  

 

This update comes at a critical time, following the updates to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law in 2022 underscoring the responsibility of health professionals to provide culturally safe services for First Nations Australians.  

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the new module represents an important step in supporting pharmacists to meet their professional responsibilities and contributing to positive health outcomes for First Nations Australians. 

 

“We know pharmacists remain among the most accessible healthcare professionals and continue to play a vital role in strengthening health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” he said. 

 

“This new module will help pharmacists to reflect on their practice, gain an understanding of the impacts of culture and history on health and wellbeing, and build meaningful relationships with their First Nations patients and communities.  

 

“In doing so, pharmacists can help create environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel respected, understood, and receive healthcare that they consider to be culturally safe.” 

 

The PSA acknowledges that its new module has been co-designed with the National Community Controlled Health Organisation, with contributions from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people based on their lived experiences, knowledge, and cultural practices. 

 

The new module is accessible here: Training Plan: Deadly pharmacists: Providing culturally safe care in community pharmacy 

 

 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

M: 0480 099 798 E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au  

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system. 

Tiernan McDonough named PSA AMH Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year

30 May 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has presented Tiernan McDonough MPS as the 2026 PSA AMH Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year during the Consultant Pharmacist Conference (CPC26). 

 

Sponsored by the Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH), an evidence-based, independent publisher of key national medicines references including the AMH Aged Care Companion, the Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year award recognises excellence, leadership, and innovation in aged care pharmacy. 

 

Based in South Australia, Mr McDonough has been recognised for his ongoing dedication and commitment to aged care pharmacy practice through his support of residents and healthcare teams in his delivery of medication reviews and quality use of medicines services.  

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said Mr McDonough embodies the essnetial role pharmacists play in aged care.  

 

“Pharmacists working in aged care are critical to ensuring the safe and effective medicines use, but Tiernan’s impact extends beyond the aged care sector in which he practices,” he said.  

 

“Tiernan has led an important mentoring program that connects pharmacists within the residential aged care profession, to reduce professional isolation and support further workforce development.  

 

“His work demonstrates his compassion, leadership, and a strong drive for improving care for older Australians.”  

 

The PSA extends its congratulations to Tiernan McDonough MPS on being named PSA AMH Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year for 2026 and thanks AMH for again supporting the Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year award at CPC.  

 

 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

M: 0480 099 798 E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au  

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system. 

Kelly Abbott awarded PSA MIMS Consultant Pharmacist of the Year

29 May 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has named Kelly Abbott MPS as the PSA MIMS Consultant Pharmacist of the Year. 

 

Presented this evening at the Consultant Pharmacist Conference (CPC26) on the Gold Coast, Ms Abbott has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to consultant pharmacy practice and passion for improving patient care throughout her hometown of Gippsland, Victoria.  

 

Highly regarded across the industry for her work in delivering Home Medicines Reviews, Residential Medication Management Reviews, and providing Quality Use of Medicines services, Ms Abbott’s 15 years of service to consultant pharmacy make her a well-deserving winner of this year’s award.  

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said Ms Abbott epitomises many credentialed pharmacists as a passionate and relentless advocate for HMRs, her patients, and the greater credentialed pharmacist workforce.  

 

“Kelly has continued to be actively involved in grassroots advocacy, notably in recent months during the First Pharmacy Programs Agreement negotiations led by PSA, ensuring the voices of frontline pharmacists and patients were heard,” he said.  

 

“Kelly is a loyal, responsive, and reliable contributor to PSA and the Consultant Pharmacist of Australia working groups, while balancing multiple professional roles and caring for her family. 

 

“Her contributions to PSA and the profession are honourable. We are proud to recognise Kelly as the PSA MIMS Consultant Pharmacist of the Year and celebrate her significant and ongoing impact.”  

 

The PSA congratulates Kelly Abbott MPS on this well-deserved recognition and thank MIMS Australia for their continued support of the Consultant Pharmacist of the Year award.  

 

 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

M: 0480 099 798 E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au  

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system. 

Integrated care in focus as health leaders back pharmacists in general practice

28 May 2026

 

Four of Australia’s leading health peak bodies have united in calling for investment in general practice pharmacists to make medicine use safer and strengthen multidisciplinary care.

 

Speaking at an inter-professional panel session at its 2026 GP Pharmacist Symposium today on the Gold Coast, presidents from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Australian Medical Association, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association reinforced the clinical need and value of embedding pharmacists within general practice.

 

The session provided a real-life demonstration of cohesion, bringing together representatives from general practice, medicine, nursing, and pharmacy.

 

Exploring how collaborative healthcare efforts can improve patient care, reduce pressure on hospitals, and strengthen the primary care workforce, the panel was made up of extraordinary leaders, including:  

 

• Tracey Johnson – CEO, Inala Primary Care 

• Denise Lyons – President, Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association 

• Dr Danielle McMullen – President, Australian Medical Association 

• Professor Mark Naunton – President, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia 

• Dr Michael Wright – President, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners  

 

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, reinforced the importance of having pharmacists wherever medicines are.

 

“Pharmacists working in general practice settings offer additional protections that enhance medicines safety and improve patient outcomes,” he said.  

 

“The organisations are united in working together to ensure patients receive safe, efficient, and reliable healthcare across the entire patient journey.”  

 

 

AMA President, Dr Danielle McMullan, said strengthening multidisciplinary care in general practice is key to improving outcomes and system sustainability. 

 

“Pharmacists are experts in medications, including medication interactions, and embedding pharmacists in general practice makes a lot of sense. We would see better outcomes for patients through improved medication management,” she said.  

 

“Previous research commissioned by the AMA highlighted that every $1 invested in supporting this type of role would generate $1.56 in savings to the health system.” 

 

 

RACGP President, Dr Michael Wright, said integrating pharmacists into general practice benefits patients, clinicians, and the broader health system. 

 

“Embedding pharmacists in general practice makes sense for patients, policymakers, GPs, and pharmacists themselves. 

 

“GPs and practices recognise the value general practice-based pharmacists can provide for patients and the health system by preventing unnecessary hospitalisations and readmissions. There’s real goodwill and mutual respect for the services and education pharmacists can provide as a member of a general practice team. 

 

“Long-term, targeted funding for general practice-based pharmacists through the Workforce Incentive Program would break the biggest barrier to more practices adding a pharmacist to their team, and is an important shared priority for the RACGP and PSA.” 

 

 

APNA President, Denise Lyons, said funding reform must support genuinely integrated, team-based care across the primary health system.   

 

“We strongly support funding reform that enables more integrated, multidisciplinary care, bringing together nurses, pharmacists, GPs and other health professionals to work as one team around the patient,” she said.  

 

“To truly strengthen primary care, we need national, coordinated action that supports all healthcare professionals to work to their full scope in connected, team-based models.” 

 

 

The organisations are committed to working together to improve patient care, reduce pressure on the hospital system, and strengthen the primary care workforce.  

 

 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

M: 0480 099 798 E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au  

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system. 

PSA announces 2026 Faye McMillan Conference Grant recipients

27 May 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has marked the beginning of National Reconciliation Week by announcing the recipients of the 2026 PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant.  

 

Returning for the fourth consecutive year, the PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant supports Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander pharmacists, interns, and or pharmacy students to attend PSA’s national annual conference. 

 

Professor Faye McMillan AM FPS is a Wiradjuri yinaa (Wiradjuri woman) originally from Trangie, NSW, and is recognised as the first Indigenous Australian to hold a Western degree in pharmacy. 

 

The PSA has committed to supporting the workforce participation of First Nations Australians across the pharmacy profession and is proud to honour Professor Faye McMillan AM FPS in this way.   

 

Sponsored this year by Camurus, alongside Care Pharmaceuticals and Hydralyte, the PSA are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant are: 

 

• Eliza Brown 

• Caleb Foster 

• Penny May 

 

 

PSA/NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Practice Community of Specialty Interest Chair, Ms Chastina Heck MPS, said the return of the PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant supports PSA’s commitment to empowering the next generation of First Nations pharmacists.  

 

“This empowerment starts with creating a sense of belonging within the pharmacy profession and is an essential early step in growing our First Nations workforce,” she said.  

 

“The legacy of the Faye McMillan grant reflects the importance of facilitating relationships based on authenticity and creating that welcoming environment.” 

 

 

A spokesperson for Camurus Pty Ltd said: 

 

“Camurus is proud to support the PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant and help strengthen opportunities for First Nations pharmacists. 

 

“Supporting Indigenous leadership and representation in healthcare is essential to improving outcomes for communities across Australia. 

 

“We wish the recipients and the PSA a successful PSA2026 conference.”  

 

 

A spokesperson for Care Pharmaceuticals and Hydralyte said:  

 

“Care Pharmaceuticals is proud to continue supporting the PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant, which recognises the outstanding contributions of Indigenous pharmacists, including Professor Faye McMillan, in advancing equitable healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

 

“Through this partnership, Care Pharmaceuticals and Hydralyte reaffirm our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the pharmacy profession and supporting culturally safe healthcare for all Australians. 

 

“Now in our third year of supporting this important initiative, we are delighted to continue our partnership with PSA and remain committed to contributing to the ongoing success of the program.”  

 

 

More information about the 2026 PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant is available here: https://www.psa.org.au/the-psa-faye-mcmillan-conference-grant-returns-for-a-fourth-consecutive-year/.  

 

 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

M: 0480 099 798 E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system. 

PSA welcomes expansion of FluMist program for NSW children

27 May 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today welcomed the New South Wales Government’s expansion of the funded FluMist Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccination Program to improve access to the influenza vaccine for children aged 2-17.  

 

From Wednesday 27 May, the total doses available under the Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccination Program will increase from 8,000 to 11,000. 

 

PSA NSW President, Luke Kelly FPS, said the expansion is a step in the right direction to improving vaccination accessibility, particularly for young families.  

 

“With Winter coming up, now is the time to get vaccinated against influenza,” he said.  

 

“Having alternative vaccination methods is a positive move that we expect will improve child and adolescent vaccination rates this year.  

 

“I encourage parents to talk to their pharmacist to see which vaccination method is most suitable for their child or children ahead of the 2026 flu season.”  

 

The PSA acknowledges that pharmacists are well placed to deliver vaccinations safely and conveniently and will continue to advocate for expanded pharmacist-delivered vaccination services.  

 

 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

M: 0480 099 798 E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system. 

Tasmanian budget delivers crucial investment to take pharmacist-led care to the next level

21 May 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed investments that will strengthen access to pharmacist-led care, delivered today by the Treasurer, the Hon. Eric Abetz, in the 2026-27 Tasmanian State Budget. 

 

The 2026-27 Tasmanian State Budget has outlined: 

• $1 million to fund scholarships for more pharmacists to undertake expanded scope of practice training,  

• $1 million in funding for community pharmacy grants – with up to $125,000 per pharmacy to support access to after-hours care, and 

• $20 million over four years to The Health Revolution: 20-Year Preventative Health Strategy.  

 

PSA Tasmanian Branch President, Joanne Gross MPS, said PSA has long been advocating for pharmacist scholarships to support the growing role of pharmacists in Australia’s healthcare system.  

 

“Pharmacists play a crucial role as one of Australia’s most accessible healthcare professionals, particularly in rural and regional centres, which makes these investments so important in expanding the range of services we can provide for our patients,” she said. 

 

“This is a practical step forward which will improve access to timely assessment and treatments for many patients. As more pharmacists undertake prescribing training, patients will have greater access to treatments for conditions such as ear infections and urinary tract infections, alongside access to hormonal contraception.”  

 

Ms Gross also welcomed support for greater after-hours pharmacist care: 

 

“Healthcare doesn’t stop at the end of the working day. Patients still need access to healthcare after hours, which is why we’re so pleased to welcome grants that expand access to after-hours pharmacy care.”

 

The PSA commends the Tasmanian Government on these initiatives and looks forward to working alongside them to deliver safer, more accessible healthcare for Tasmanians.

 

The PSA is currently taking enrolments for Tasmanian pharmacists in our Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing course. More information is available here.  

 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

M: 0480 099 798 E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au  

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system. 

PSA welcomes expansion of needle-free flu vaccine for QLD children and adolescents

19 May 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed the Queensland Government’s decision to expand the needle-free influenza vaccination program for those aged 6 to under 18 who struggle with needles.

 

The expansion builds on the 2026 Queensland Free Flu Vaccination Program and the Queensland Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program, which currently provides free needle-free influenza vaccines for children 2-5.

 

PSA QLD President, Hannah Knowles MPS, said extending eligibility for FluMist would remove significant barriers to vaccination and improve overall protection against influenza in QLD.

 

“For many families, it is a real challenge to ensure our children are protected against illness, such as influenza, particularly with so many children having an aversion to needles,” she said.

 

“This fear of needles presents a genuine vaccination barrier, and so the expansion of free access to FluMist for more children and adolescents will significantly increase QLD’s vaccination rates.

 

“Community pharmacies are well placed to support children and families in being protected against influenza, particularly now with the expanded access to those who may have otherwise avoided vaccination.”

 

The PSA applauds the practical and patient-centred steps taken by the QLD government to make vaccination easier for patients and encourages QLD families to speak with their pharmacist to determine the most appropriate influenza vaccination option this flu season.

 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

M: 0480 099 798 E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.