Katherine pharmacist Jaimee Anderson receives national honour

 

1 August 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce Jaimee Anderson as the 2025 PSA Symbion Pharmacist of the Year, recognising her exceptional leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of the Katherine community.

 

Since returning to Katherine in 2010 as an early career pharmacist, Jaimee has become a cornerstone of the community. Her journey began as the Pharmacist in Charge (PIC) of one of Katherine’s two community pharmacies, where she quickly built a reputation for delivering high-quality, patient-centred care to both urban and remote populations.

 

Jaimee’s pioneering spirit led her to establish one of the Northern Territory’s first pharmacy-based vaccination services, and she went on to train over 40 pharmacist vaccinators in just 12 months, dramatically expanding access to immunisation across the region.

 

In 2019, Jaimee joined the Integrating Pharmacists into Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (IPAC) project, a nation-leading initiative delivered by PSA, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), and James Cook University (JCU) embedding pharmacists in specialised primary health care teams to improve chronic disease care. It was here she identified a critical gap in diabetes care and responded by becoming a Credentialed Diabetes Educator (CDE).

 

Today, she serves as the Pharmacist CDE at Wurli Wurlinjang Health Service, where she provides culturally safe, trauma-informed care to First Nations clients. Recognising the lack of private CDE services in the Big Rivers Region, Jaimee also began consulting at a local GP clinic ensuring that no one in her town is left without access to essential diabetes support. Her work has focused on youth-onset type 2 diabetes and diabetes in pregnancy among First Nations women, leading to the creation of a peer support group and a collaboration with Menzies School of Health Research to expand this model of care across the Territory.

 

Jaimee is currently undertaking Medication Management Review (MMR) and Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist (ACOP) training to further expand her services, and continues to advocate for subsidised continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) access for First Nations people with type 2 diabetes.

 

Her dedication to equitable healthcare, cultural safety, and community empowerment has made her a powerful advocate for pharmacists to make impactful contributions within ACCHOs and general practice – and a deserving recipient of this national honour.

 

In congratulating Ms Anderson, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said: “Jaimee’s work is a shining example of what pharmacists can achieve when they lead with heart, knowledge, and a deep connection to their community. Her impact in Katherine and beyond is truly inspiring.”

 

“Jaimee’s story reflects the very best of our profession. This recognition is very much deserved.

“Congratulations Jaimee, we cannot wait to see what you continue to achieve.”

PSA thanks Symbion for their continued support of the national PSA Excellence Awards.

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

 

Victorian pharmacist Dr Kate Wang named Early Career Pharmacist of the year

1 August 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce Dr Kate Wang MPS as the 2025 PSA Symbion Early Career Pharmacist of the Year.

 

Dr Wang MPS is driving innovation and expansion of the pharmacy profession, particularly in reducing the risk of medicine harm in aged care. A Senior Lecturer in pharmacy at RMIT, Dr Wang is passionate about education future pharmacists and expanding the profession’s scope of practice.

 

She is also the chief investigator and stakeholder liaison officer for a nation-wide project integrating pharmacists into aged care, paving the way for more pharmacists to make a real difference to patients at risk of medicine harm. Dr Wang is also currently investigating the utilisation of e-prescriptions from the perspectives of consumers as well as pharmacists.

 

Kate’s influence extends internationally, collaborating with international partners in New Zealand, Korea, and China to explore the impact of beliefs and adherence on medicine use in older people and expand the roles of pharmacists in aged care.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated Dr Wang, saying: “Kate is an outstanding pharmacist who is leaving her mark on the pharmacy profession, particularly through her work in improving Quality Use of Medicines and medicine safety in aged care.”

 

“Pharmacists are often defined by the positive relationships we have with our patients and our communities, and Jackie has demonstrated just how important they are both inside the pharmacy and out.

 

“On behalf of the pharmacy profession, I congratulate Dr Wang on being named the 2025 PSA Symbion Early Career Pharmacist of the Year.”

 

PSA thanks Symbion for their continued support of the national PSA Excellence Awards.

 

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

PSA celebrates record-breaking 20,000 members at PSA25

1 August 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today announced that its membership has surpassed 20,000 for the first time in its history as a national organisation.

 

PSA remains the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all areas of practice, supporting the pharmacy profession with the education, advocacy and community they need to thrive.

 

The historic announcement was made to over 1100 pharmacists, industry representatives and stakeholders from across the country at PSA’s flagship national conference PSA25.

 

“20,000 members have chosen PSA as their professional home, to support them and be their professional partner,” PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said.

 

“As our membership continues to grow, PSA is also better positioned than ever to advocate for the profession, to lift standards, and to influence policy and decision-makers which impact pharmacists’ practice at the highest levels. A growing membership gives us the scale required for us to deliver more for our members.

 

“This growth reflects the value pharmacists see in what PSA offers. Pharmacists are looking for more than just representation, they’re looking for support, connection, and leadership. PSA is delivering on that promise and more.”

 

“We’re investing in expert-led, flexible education to support every stage of pharmacy careers and across areas of practice. We’re building a connected, passionate community that understands the goals and challenges our members face. We’re collaborating with other organisations and partners in giving pharmacists the confidence to expand their scope of practice, and we’re driving innovation and advocacy to shape the future of our profession.

 

“PSA is the home for every pharmacist. We are proud to be supporting more members than ever before, supporting your career, and helping you thrive in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

Pharmacists and pharmacy students are invited to join the growing PSA community. Learn more about membership benefits at www.psa.org.au

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Negotiations on pharmacy programs agreement underway

1 August 2025

 

Addressing PSA25 delegates today, Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing Mark Butler MP has announced that negotiations have begun for the first Pharmacy Programs Agreement with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

 

PSA will lead negotiations on behalf of the profession and be signatory to the agreement.

 

Announced in January 2025, the Pharmacy Programs Agreement will see PSA and the Commonwealth work together to strengthen programs delivered by pharmacists across the health system.
 

The Agreement is set to cover a range of pharmacy programs that no longer sit within the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement, including but not limited to medication management programs (including Home Medicines Reviews and Residential Medication Management Reviews), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific programs, and rural support programs that encompass pharmacists in a range of practice areas.

 

The commencement of formal negotiations follows PSA’s open consultation with pharmacists and key stakeholders, and sector-wide roundtable in April.

 

Welcoming the commencement of negotiations, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS thanked Minister Butler for his leadership and willingness to work alongside the pharmacy profession.

 

“With negotiations now underway, we’re a step closer to realising the reform we’ve long known needed to happen to allow pharmacists to best serve our patients.
 

“We know these programs work, but for too long pharmacy programs have been scattered across a range of mechanisms without comprehensive evaluation of their impact. That’s part of what this agreement will do.

“Throughout negotiations, PSA remains committed to genuine collaboration with stakeholders to ensure programs are fit-for-purpose, evidence-based and sustainable into the future.

 

“On behalf of PSA and the pharmacy profession, I thank Minister Butler for his genuine commitment to working alongside the profession to achieve better outcomes for patients. We look forward to continuing our work alongside government to strengthen pharmacy programs and build a stronger profession now and into the future,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

 

PSA leads new initiative to improve medicine safety for Australians with intellectual disability

25 July 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has announced a new initiative to improve medicine safety and health outcomes for people with intellectual disability, in partnership with the South Australian Council on Intellectual Disability (SACID) and the University of Newcastle (UoN).

 

Supported by the 2025 Innovation Seed Funding Grants from the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health, the project aims to empower people with intellectual disability to feel confident, informed, and in control of their medicines.

 

Australians with intellectual disability face serious and persistent health inequities, including a 4.5-fold higher risk of preventable hospitalisations and more than twice the rate of avoidable deaths. This initiative seeks to close that gap by improving health literacy, medicine safety, and access to pharmacist-led services such as medication reviews, dose administration aids, prescribing, and injectable medicines.
 

As part of the project, PSA will work alongside SACID and people with intellectual disability to co-design interactive workshops and Easy Read resources that build understanding of safe medicine use and highlight how pharmacists can support individual health needs.
 

“Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to support Australians with intellectual disability through personalised, accessible, and inclusive care,” PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said.

 

“This initiative builds on our Medicine Safety: Disability Care report and reaffirms PSA’s commitment to making healthcare more inclusive, accessible, and safe for all Australians.

 

“By bringing together lived experience, clinical expertise, and research, this collaboration is a powerful step toward reducing health inequities and delivering better, safer care for a community that has long been overlooked.”

 

SACID Executive Director Felicity Crowther added: “Accessible health information is key to improving health outcomes for people with intellectual disability.

 

“It is also important for people with intellectual disability to understand the role their pharmacist can have in supporting their health. SACID is pleased to have the opportunity to work alongside PSA and UoN on this new project,” Ms Crowther concluded.

 

The project is currently in development, with delivery expected to commence in 2026.

 

PSA continues to lead national efforts to improve medicine safety for all Australians, ensuring no one is left behind.

 

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Melbourne community pharmacist named inaugural Vaccination Ambassador

23 July 2025

 

 

Following a nationwide search, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has proudly appointed Melbourne based community pharmacist Anna Theophilos MPS as its inaugural Vaccination Ambassador.

 

Anna was selected for her passion, dedication and advocacy in the vaccination space. In aged care, she is pioneering systems that ensure residents receive timely access to all NIP and private vaccines. By introducing streamlined digital tools, facilities can immediately identify local vaccination gaps, while governing bodies are supported with live coverage data at the click of a button. From innovative outreach clinics to tailored services for children with sensory needs, her work reflects the evolving role of pharmacists in improving immunisation access for priority population groups.

 

As Vaccination Ambassador, Anna will work alongside PSA to elevate the voice of pharmacist immunisers across the country, driving public confidence and promoting vaccination to more Australians. Stepping into her role, Mrs Theophilos is set to host the dedicated vaccination stream on day two of PSA25.

 

“I’m incredibly honoured to be serving as the inaugural PSA National Vaccination Ambassador, a role that reflects my reflects my deep commitment to improving access to healthcare through immunisation delivery,” said Mrs Theophilos.

 

“My focus has always been on making immunisation easier and more accessible, particularly for those who might otherwise miss out. Whether it’s residents in aged care, children with sensory needs, or homebound individuals, we need systems that meet people where they are – not the other way around.

 

“Pharmacists are one of the most versatile and logical health professionals to lead this work. We are trusted, accessible, and embedded in the communities we serve. I’m excited to work with PSA to champion our profession and help ensure every Australian has the opportunity to stay protected.”

 

PSA sincerely thanks the extraordinary pharmacists who put themselves forward for this opportunity.

 

Support from our partners

 

The PSA Vaccination Ambassador initiative has brought together leading vaccination manufacturers to champion the lifesaving impact of pharmacist immunisation. PSA thanks GSK, Pfizer, CSL Seqirus, and Sanofi for their continued support.

 

Quote attributable to GSK Pharmacy Clinical Services Lead, Maggie Chow: “GSK is proud to support the inaugural PSA Vaccine Ambassador Awards, recognising the exceptional contributions of pharmacy professionals who champion vaccination care in communities across Australia. Congratulations to all nominees and the PSA for showcasing how pharmacists have embraced scope of practice change to enhance public health.”

 

Quote attributable to Pfizer Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, Anne Harris: “Pharmacists play a vital role in their communities by delivering essential healthcare services. This initiative will assist in improving vaccination access for all Australians. Pfizer Australia is proud to support PSA’s inaugural Vaccination Ambassador Program, and we congratulate Anna Theophilos for her commitment to enhancing preventative health and keeping Australians healthy.”

 

Quote attributable to CSL Seqirus Medical Director, Vaccines & Biosecurity, Dr Jules Bayliss: “Vaccination is one of the most important public health interventions and pharmacists are playing an increasingly essential role in enabling access, improving uptake and preventing disease. As an Australian company, CSL is proud to be supporting the PSA Vaccination Ambassador Program.”

 

Quote attributable to Sanofi General Manager Vaccines, Australia, New Zealand & South Korea, Mike Zhang: “As a long-standing partner in Australia’s healthcare ecosystem, Sanofi proudly supports the PSA’s inaugural Vaccination Ambassador program. This initiative recognises pharmacists’ vital role in protecting community health and improving vaccination access. We congratulate Anna Theophilos on her outstanding contribution to public health through pharmacy practice.”

 

 

Media contact: Georgia Clarke M: 0480 099 798 E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Patients win with expanded pharmacist scope of practice in WA

21 July 2025

 

West Australians will soon be able to access a wider range of healthcare services from their local community pharmacist in a move welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

 

The Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot will allow pharmacists who undertake additional training to treat a range of conditions, with services expected to start in late 2026.

 

PSA Western Australia President Mr Kristian Ray MPS said that utilising the skills and accessibility of pharmacists is a great outcome for patients.

 

“PSA commends the WA State Government and Minister Hammat on the announcement of the Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot, expanding pharmacist scope of practice to deliver better care to West Australians” Mr Ray said.

 

“As medicines experts and highly accessible healthcare professionals, pharmacists are uniquely placed to improve access to care when and where it’s needed most.

 

“Western Australians can be confident that pharmacists delivering expanded services will undergo specialised training to ensure safe and accessible care.

 

“As the peak national body for pharmacists PSA is working closely with the WA Government to ensure pharmacists are equipped with the support they need to deliver these services safely and effectively.”

 

A similar pilot providing treatment and care for everyday health conditions such as ear infections, acne, school sores, eczema and mild psoriasis, nausea and vomiting, and contraception – the Queensland Community Pharmacy Pilot – has successfully operated since April 2024, providing more than 1700 safe, accessible services to Queenslanders and is now a permanent feature of Queensland’s health system.

 

“We’ve seen the success of similar initiatives in Queensland, where pharmacist-led care has improved access, reduced wait times, and maintained strong patient safety outcomes. WA pharmacists are ready to deliver the same high-quality care to our communities.

 

“We continue to advocate for better utilising the skills and expertise of pharmacists in healthcare delivery, ensuring patients can access the right level of care at the right time. This announcement is a significant step in the right direction,” Mr Ray concluded.

 

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Tasmanians to benefit from greater support for pharmacists

17 July 2025

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Tasmanian Labor Party’s commitment to expanding support for pharmacists ahead of this weekend’s state election.

 

Both Tasmanian Labor and the Tasmanian Liberals have committed to improving the community’s access to care by expanding pharmacist scope of practice, supporting community pharmacies to stay open later, and growing access to essential medicines like contraception and vaccines. Tasmanian Labor has also committed to continuing reform on interstate prescription regulations which commenced in the last parliament.

 

PSA Tasmania Vice-President David Peachey MPS said pharmacists are contributing more to Tasmanians health than ever before.

 

“Pharmacists across Tasmania are playing an increasingly important role in providing accessible, timely healthcare to our communities, with these commitments giving us more tools in our toolkits to be able to help,” Mr Peachey said.

 

“Training more pharmacists to deliver expanded scope services like we’re seeing in other parts of the country will not only free up appointments with primary care providers, but will also save Tasmanians time and money when getting the care they need.

 

“PSA looks forward to working with the next Tasmanian government to deliver on these promises and more to improve the health system for all Tasmanians.”

 

 

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

SA pharmacists funded to deliver free flu vaccines for children under 5

7 July 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed the South Australian Government’s decision to fund pharmacist-administered influenza vaccines for children aged six months to under five years – a vital step to improve access and protect more young children from serious illness.

 

Flu is a very serious infection for babies and children under five, and can lead to middle ear infections and croup as well as hospitalisation for associated bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

 

With 78.4% of South Australian children between 6 months and 5 years old are currently unvaccinated against influenza, more needs to be done to improve access to lifesaving childhood vaccinations.

 

Now free flu vaccines for young children are not only available through GPs and local councils, but also through community pharmacists, making it easier and fairer to access protection against influenza.

 

PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President Dr Manya Angley FPS said the announcement improved equity of access, regardless of where consumers choose to get vaccinated.

 

“Pharmacists are some of the most accessible health professionals in the community. This change allows families to choose their local pharmacy without worrying about the cost. Importantly, it means our little ones will be protected against flu and its complications avoiding a doctor visit, hospitalisation, missing childcare or kindy, or their parent/carer needing to take time off work to care for them” Dr Manya Angley FPS said.

 

“Acknowledging the great work already done by GPs and Local Councils in vaccinating young children, the inclusion of community pharmacists will further boost flu vaccination rates in this vulnerable age group.”

 

“It is further recognition by the Government of the role of pharmacists in delivering convenient, timely, affordable care and removes financial barriers for families seeking protection for their children.

 

“We look forward to continuing to work with the SA Government to boost vaccination rates through pharmacists,” Dr Angley concluded.

 

All South Australian pharmacists are urged to ensure they are ready to deliver vaccination for children under five, reaffirming competence with the PSA Immunisation Refresher.

 

 

​Media contact: Georgia Clarke M: 0480 099 798 E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au