Rural leadership, emerging talent, and lifelong service celebrated at PSA WA Pharmacist Awards

1 May 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has tonight announced the winners of the PSA Western Australian (WA) Pharmacist Awards, recognising outstanding pharmacists who have demonstrated excellence in their practice and dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for their communities.

 

The 2026 award recipients are: 

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Celia Sansom MPS 

• Pharmacist of the Year – Amanda Bryce MPS 

• Early Career Pharmacist of the Year – Shaylee Mills MPS 

• Intern Pharmacist of the Year – Emma Engelke MPS 

 

PSA WA President, Kristian Ray MPS, congratulated tonight’s recipients, recognising their contributions to patient care, professional leadership, and their influence on the future of the pharmacy profession. 

 

“The WA pharmacist awards celebrate excellence across pharmacy practice. From interns to established pharmacists, these individuals are shaping the future of pharmacy and strengthening patient care across the state. 

 

“On behalf of PSA, I’m proud to recognise and celebrate the WA award winners – Celia, Amanda, Shaylee, and Emma. Congratulations to you all!”  

 

 

 

Celia Sansom MPS has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her continued contributions to the pharmacy profession through leadership, governance, and education.

 

Celia’s career spans decades of unwavering service to advancing the pharmacy profession in Western Australia and overseas. She was an instrumental figure in implementing professional services models in community pharmacy and remains dedicated to supporting patients in the rural town of Narrogin. 

 

 

 

Pharmacist of the Year, Amanda Bryce MPS, has been recognised for her significant service to pharmacy practice, education, and workforce development in Western Australia.

 

With a breadth of experience spanning community pharmacy, aged care, consultant pharmacy, and academia, Amanda is well respected among her colleagues, students, and patients. Her mentorship and innovation have strengthened pharmacist capability across Western Australia and advanced patient-centred models of care that improve access, safety, and health outcomes for her community. 

 

 

 

The rural pharmacist, Shaylee Mills MPS, was named the Early Career Pharmacist of the Year for her demonstrated leadership in rural practice, professional advocacy, and mentorship.

 

Shaylee is widely known for her passion and commitment to improving access to care in regional centres, emphasising the important role pharmacists play in these communities. She is a strong advocate for contemporary pharmacy practice and early career pharmacists across Australia. 

 

 

 

The Intern Pharmacist of the Year award was presented to Emma Engelke MPS, for her commitment to patient care and contributions to workforce development during her internship in remote Western Australia.

 

As a proud Kija woman from East Kimberley, Emma demonstrates outstanding initiative in providing culturally safe care and increasing community engagement. Her leadership, professionalism, and passion embody the values of a pharmacist deserving of this 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. 

Pharmacists urge Telehealth reinstatement amid worsening fuel crisis

April 23 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is urging the Federal Government to immediately reinstate Telehealth for Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs) as the current fuel shortage is beginning to impact patient care.

 

Thousands of credentialed pharmacists throughout Australia routinely travel to patient homes to provide HMRs, but with petrol prices skyrocketing and pumps running dry, pharmacists say people will die if they can’t access this lifesaving service, particularly those in rural and remote communities.

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the reinstatement of Telehealth is vital to patient health.

 

“Credentialed pharmacists are driving hundreds of kilometres every week, visiting homes and aged care facilities, supporting our most vulnerable Australians as they conduct medication reviews,” he said.

 

“These pharmacists are visiting patients battling terminal illness and those living with chronic disease, many of them elderly and isolated.

 

“The support these patients need, such as medication reviews, is becoming rapidly unsustainable amid the current fuel crisis, unless the government reinstates Telehealth.

 

“We know Telehealth worked effectively and efficiently during the COVID-19 pandemic, so why not now?”

 

Credentialed pharmacist from Queensland, Karalyn Huxhagen FPS, who regularly drives long distances visiting patients in rural centres, says Telehealth must be brought back as a matter of urgency.

 

“The fuel crisis has made it impossible to deliver medication reviews in Western Queensland, and with no increase to the travel allowance for several years, the cost of travel and accommodation has made the program non-viable,” Ms Huxhagen said.

 

“On top of the cost, the inability to access fuel consistently is a constant concern, as I am providing services to tiny communities and all deliveries have been reduced in the current economic environment.

 

“I cannot maintain a program at a loss. I am a sole contractor who must now close my business and leave patients without the medication support service that has been in place since 1998.”

 

Gippsland pensioner, John Maugher, is heavily reliant on his local credentialed pharmacist as he is virtually housebound, living with complex, chronic health issues and being legally blind.

 

“A Telehealth appointment to keep tabs on my health if reinstated as a temporary measure would alleviate my increasing distress and feelings of isolation,” said Mr Maugher.

 

“It is also unfair on Australians who live outside cities and don’t have access to other forms of support.”

 

The reinstatement of Telehealth is part of a broader suite of reforms the PSA is advocating for to ensure all Australians receive fair and equitable access to care.

 

 

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. 

WA pharmacists set to diagnose and deliver 17 additional conditions

21 April 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed the Western Australian Government’s commitment to expand the Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot, supporting qualified pharmacists in diagnosing and treating an additional 17 common conditions, such as acne, asthma, and shingles.  

 

The $4.1 million investment to subsidise training for an additional 200 pharmacists will significantly improve access to healthcare, particularly in regional areas where primary care access is limited.  

 

PSA WA Branch President, Kristian Ray MPS, said the announcement will mean more pharmacists can provide more services to Western Australians sooner: 

 

“We know empowering pharmacists to do more improves access to healthcare, reduces patient wait times, while maintaining strong levels of patient safety. Western Australians have seen this first-hand through the programs for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and resupply of oral contraception,” Mr Ray said.  

 

“This investment will help Western Australian pharmacists meet the growing health needs of their communities as they eagerly await qualification to deliver high-quality care for these 17 conditions for their patients. 

 

“PSA is working with the government to have PSA’s educational offering included as an additional option for WA Pharmacists. We thank Minister Hammat and the WA State Government for their commitment to developing the pharmacist workforce.” 

 

The PSA looks forward to supporting Western Australian pharmacists in achieving the qualifications needed to deliver high-quality care to their patients and local communities.  

 

 

 

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 free RSV vaccinations

20 April 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has commended the Federal Government on its decision to make the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, Arexvy, available and free of charge for older Australians.

 

All Australians aged 75 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians aged 60 and over, can access the vaccine free of charge from 15 May through their local pharmacy or other health provider.

 

RSV is a very common and highly contagious illness that starts with cold-like symptoms. Older people, especially those in contact with younger relatives who often contract and spread the virus, are particularly vulnerable to developing severe symptoms and other medical complications.

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the decision by the Federal Government will safeguard the health of many Australians who, without this vaccine, could face severe illness, hospitalisation, or death. 

 

“The vaccine provides strong protection against RSV, protection that we have not had a vaccine for until recently,” he said.  

 

“Older Australians who receive their RSV vaccine will be protected not just this winter, but for many winters, as this vaccine provides protection against this potentially debilitating illness for a number of years.

 

“Until being added to the National Immunisation Program, the vaccine was costing older patients around $300. Removing this cost will go a long way toward protecting the respiratory health of those most at-risk of severe RSV and its complications.”

 

The RSV vaccine can be provided by pharmacist immunisers at community pharmacies, local GP clinics, aged care and community centres and will be readily available in the coming weeks. 

 

 

 

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 congratulates new Victorian Minister for Health

15 April 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has congratulated the Hon. Harriet Shing MP on her appointment as Victoria’s new Minister for Health, following today’s ministerial reshuffle announced by Premier Jacinta Allan.

 

PSA Victorian President, Atinuke Abraham FPS, welcomed the appointment and said PSA looks forward to working constructively with Minister Shing to strengthen the state’s health system and improve access to high‑quality pharmacist care for all Victorians.

 

“We congratulate Minister Shing on her appointment to the health portfolio and welcome the opportunity to work with her as she takes on this critical role,” Ms Abraham said. 

 

“Victoria’s pharmacists are a trusted and highly accessible part of the healthcare workforce, and we look forward to continuing to advocate for policies that support expanded scope of practice, a sustainable workforce, and better integration of pharmacists across primary care, hospitals, and aged care.” 

 

The PSA also acknowledged and thanked the outgoing Minister for Health, the Hon. Mary‑Anne Thomas MP, for her leadership and commitment to the health system during a period of significant challenge and reform.

 

“Mary‑Anne Thomas has made an important contribution to Victoria’s health system, particularly through the ongoing recovery from the COVID‑19 pandemic, and work to improve health system resilience,” Ms Abraham said. 

 

“PSA particularly thanks Minister Thomas for her engagement with the pharmacy profession on scope of practice initiatives, such as pharmacist-led vaccination and the community pharmacy statewide prescribing pilot, which has become the permanent care under the banner of Chemist Care Now.

 

“PSA looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Minister Shing and the Victorian Government to ensure pharmacists are empowered to do more to improve medicine safety, supporting preventive health, and deliver timely care closer to where people live,” Ms Abraham concluded. 

 

 

 

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. 

Needle-free influenza vaccine now available in WA

14 April 2026

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is urging parents to protect their kids against influenza, with the needle-free influenza vaccine for children now available.

 

As announced today by the Western Australian State Government, children aged 2-11 years can access FluMist, the intranasal influenza vaccine, through their local pharmacy as part of the government’s 2026 WA Winter Strategy. 

 

With 130,000 doses available across the state, the program is expected to increase influenza vaccination among young children, particularly those with needle anxiety, to reduce the spread of influenza this winter.

 

PSA WA Branch President, Kristian Ray MPS, said the announcement would be a game-changer for many families.

 

“Pharmacists are widely recognised as the most accessible healthcare professionals, continuing to do their part in delivering vaccinations safely across Western Australia,” he said.

 

“Every year, Australians aged over 6 months are recommended to receive their flu vaccination, including children who are especially vulnerable to severe influenza.

 

“Giving parents and patients the choice to receive a cost-free, needle-free vaccination through community pharmacies will make it easier for families to protect their children ahead of flu season. 

 

“Providing alternative vaccination methods will protect our children and reduce pressure on the broader health system during peak influenza season.” 

 

In WA, eligible people can already access no-cost vaccination under the National Immunisation Program via their local pharmacy. The free WA government-funded influenza vaccine program for all other West Australians will commence on 1 May. 

 

Needle-free vaccines are now available across Western Australia. Visit your local pharmacy to book in now. 

 

 

 

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. 

World Autism Awareness Day; PSA launches new innovative guide: Your medicines, your pharmacist

2 April 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) today supports World Autism Awareness Day following the launch of the Your medicines, your pharmacist consumer guide at PSA’s South Australian and Northern Territories Annual Therapeutic Update (SA/NT ATU) on 28 March.  

 

Marked annually on 2 April, World Autism Awareness Day aims to increase the understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of autistic people by promoting autism awareness and emphasising the importance of accessible, supportive services within the community.  

 

The PSA’s Your medicines, your pharmacist is a practical consumer guide designed to help autistic people better understand how their pharmacist can support their medicine and health needs.  

 

The guide has been developed in partnership with Autism SA, expert pharmacists, and working group members with lived experience of autism, to ensure the guide is optimised for the autistic community. 

 

PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President, Adjunct Professor Manya Angley FPS, a key developer of the guide, reflected on the importance of inclusive pharmacy care.  

 

“The guide is very close to my heart. As a family member to an autistic person, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for autistic people and their families to feel supported and understood within the healthcare system,” said Adjunct Professor Angley. 

  

“For decades, I have been advocating for pharmacists to play a bigger role in the care of autistic people. Community pharmacists are highly accessible and can provide vital support, from everyday advice in the pharmacy to more in-depth medication reviews that help ensure medicines are safe, effective, and tailored to individual needs. 

  

“The ‘Your medicines, your pharmacist’ guide, developed by PSA through the Office for Autism grant, marks an important step in raising awareness of these services and empowering autistic people and their families to make the most of the support pharmacists can offer.” 

 

South Australian Minister for Autism, Lucy Hood, added:  

 

“Our Government is proud to back this initiative, which recognises the vital role pharmacists play as an accessible and trusted health service in our community. Making pharmacies more inclusive for Autistic people helps ensure everyday services are welcoming, understandable and responsive to people’s needs.” 

 

The guide is supported by a grant from the Office for Autism, Government of South Australia, with the Office for Autism’s Director, Sarah Kemp, launching the guide at PSA’s SA/NT ATU26.  

 

The PSA was previously awarded a further grant this February through the Autism Works in the Community Grants program, which will focus on developing a Pharmacist Audit Tool and Checklist to embed autism-inclusive, neuro-affirming practice across pharmacy settings in South Australia.  

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia remains committed to supporting inclusive and accessible person-centred care and ensuring pharmacists are equipped to meet the diverse needs of the communities they serve. 

 

The ‘Your medicines, your pharmacist’ guide can be accessed here: https://www.psa.org.au/resource/your-medicine-your-pharmacist/ 

 

 

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 SA/NT Pharmacist Awards winners announced

28 March 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has announced the winners of the PSA South Australian and Northern Territory Pharmacist Awards, recognising outstanding pharmacists who have demonstrated excellence in their practice and dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for their communities.

 

The 2026 award recipients are:

 

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Grant Kardachi AM FPS
• Pharmacist of the Year – Paul Tait FPS
• Early Career Pharmacist of the Year – Stephanie Lee MPS
• Intern Pharmacist of the Year – Li Ann Ching MPS
• PSA Gold Medal – Matthew Weimann

 

 

Grant Kardachi AM FPS has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award tonight in Adelaide, recognised for his extraordinary contribution to the pharmacy profession spanning over five decades. As a highly respected leader, advocate, and mentor, Grant has played a pivotal role in shaping contemporary practice across Australia.

Widely regarded as a pioneer of consultant pharmacy, Grant was a key player in the 1996 Community Pharmacy Model Practices Project, leading to the introduction of Home Medicines Reviews and Residential Medication Management Reviews. These essential healthcare services have transformed medicines stewardship and continue to improve the safe and effective use of medicines for Australians.

Serving more than 30 years of leadership, representing PSA at branch and national levels, including as National President from 2011 to 2015, Grant has advanced professional standards, education, and patient-centred care.

 

 

The PSA SA/NT Branch has named Dr Paul Tait FPS as Pharmacist of the Year 2026, recognising his outstanding leadership in digital health, palliative care, research, and integrated care. With more than 30 years of experience spanning hospital practice, research, and professional leadership.

Paul is widely recognised for strengthening pharmacists’ roles within integrated multidisciplinary care teams. Contributing to PSA’s education resources and mentoring health professionals across disciplines have enhanced pharmacists’ confidence and impact in complex care environments.

 

 

Early Career Pharmacist of the Year, Stephanie Lee MPS has been recognised for innovation, expanded scope service delivery, and leadership in rural healthcare. As the first community pharmacist in South Australia to administer Long-Acting Injectable Buprenorphine, she has significantly improved access to evidence-based treatment for opioid dependence, reducing barriers to care and supporting safer, more dignified patient outcomes.

Stephanie is also a passionate advocate for community engagement, professional development, and integrated care. Through health education presentations, expanded-scope services including mental health first aid, UTI management, and oral contraceptive supply, alongside close collaboration with local hospitals, she has strengthened health literacy and care quality across her rural community of Bordertown.

 

 

Li Ann Ching MPS has been recognised as the Intern Pharmacist of the Year for her outstanding performance and professionalism throughout her intern year, demonstrating a strong commitment to patient-centred care and expanded pharmacy services.

By delivering a wide range of professional services, including vaccination, heart health checks, travel consultations and hospital-to-home discharge reviews, Li Ann has excelled in her commitment to patient health, while also supporting the provision of professional services in the pharmacy, such as Dose Administration Aids and MedsChecks.

 

 

The PSA were also delighted to present Matthew Weimann with the prestigious PSA Gold Medal for his exceptional academic achievement.

The PSA Gold Medal recognises the student with the highest-grade point average, above 6.25, studying a Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of South Australia. The Gold Medal has been awarded in South Australia since 1896 but only when there is a candidate that meets the stringent requirements of this award. Matthew joins this elite group of pharmacists.

 

 

PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President, Adjunct Professor Manya Angley FPS, congratulated each of the award recipients, thanking them for their continued dedication to the pharmacy profession and their commitment to improving patient care, through practice and education.

 

“Congratulations to tonight’s SA/NT award winners, who are advancing patient care in their local communities and beyond,” said Adjunct Professor Angley.

 

“These award recipients represent some of the best of the pharmacy profession. Their innovation, dedication, and passion are essential as we respond to the evolving health needs of our communities.

 

“I congratulate each recipient and thank them for the meaningful impact they continue to make.”

The PSA extends its sincerest congratulations to tonight’s award winners.

 

Award winners are available for interview and high-resolution images are available by contacting media@psa.org.au

 

 

 

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.