PSA announces branch committee presidents and vice-presidents for upcoming term

30 June 2026

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates its branch committee presidents and vice presidents recently elected to serve for the term commencing 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. 

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, congratulated the newly elected and returning leadership officials on their appointments. 

 

“PSA’s branch committees represent a strong, diverse leadership group with a breadth and depth of experiences across all practice areas,” he said. 

 

“Their leadership will ensure the voices of pharmacists within their branches are heard as they embark on their advocacy efforts for the profession. 

 

“We thank those who have been re-elected for their ongoing commitment to PSA and the profession, and welcome those newly elected officials as they step into these important leadership positions.” 

 

The PSA branch committee presidents and vice-presidents are: 

 

Australian Capital Territory 

• President – Erin Cooper MPS 

• Vice Presidents – Olivia Collenette MPS & Andrew Kelly MPS 

 

New South Wales 

• President – Luke Kelly FPS 

• Vice Presidents – Rebekah Moles FPS & Lily Pham MPS 

 

Queensland 

• President – James Buckley MPS 

• Vice Presidents – Kate Gunthorpe MPS & Sue Carson MPS 

 

South Australia/Northern Territory 

• President – Bec Rogers MPS 

• Vice Presidents – Lauren Fraser MPS & Jaimee Anderson MPS 

 

Tasmania 

• President – Joanne Gross MPS 

• Vice Presidents – David Peachey MPS & Nicole Dilworth MPS 

 

Victoria 

• President – Tinu Abraham FPS 

• Vice Presidents – Kate Wang FPS & David Froon MPS 

 

Western Australia 

• President – Kristian Ray MPS 

• Vice Presidents – Ayomide Ogundipe MPS & Phuong Nguyen MPS

 

The complete list of Branch Committee members can be found here: https://www.psa.org.au/psa-announces-branch-committee-election-results/ 

 

 

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 searching for its first Harm Reduction Champion

19 June 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has opened Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for its first PSA Harm Reduction Champion, who will act as a national spokesperson, advocating for and supporting PSA’s work in policy, professional practice, and community engagement. 

 

The PSA are seeking EOIs from passionate pharmacists looking to do more to support patients accessing harm reduction services such as opioid dependence therapy (ODT), the administration of long-acting injectable buprenorphine, naloxone access, and needle and syringe programs. 

 

Supported by a grant from Camurus, the PSA Harm Reduction Champion aims to elevate pharmacist leadership in harm reduction and strengthen the profession’s role in improving access to care, reducing stigma, and supporting safer health outcomes for the community.  

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said pharmacists play a critical role in ensuring the safe provision of harm reduction services on the frontline.  

 

“Pharmacists have an important role to play in harm reduction, through improving access to essential services such as ODT, take-home naloxone, and needle and syringe programs, but there is still more to be done to support the equitable access to these services,” Professor Naunton said.  

 

“This is why we’re looking for a pharmacist who is making a real impact in their community, and ready to help lead the conversations, support their communities, and advocate for expanded access to care through the PSA Harm Reduction Champion initiative. 

 

“If this sounds like you, or someone you know, I encourage you to submit an EOI to become PSA’s first Harm Reduction Champion.” 

 

Dr Annie Madden AO, Executive Director of Harm Reduction Australia, welcomed the PSA Harm Reduction Champion initiative as an important step in further strengthening pharmacists’ leadership in harm reduction.  

 

“Pharmacists play a vital role in improving access to harm reduction services, and this new advocacy approach will hopefully inspire more pharmacists to engage in this highly rewarding area of practice, further expanding access to services that reduce harm, save lives, and strengthen the health and wellbeing of communities across Australia.”  

 

EOIs are open to all PSA members and close 30 June 2026.  

 

Pharmacists interested in becoming the 2026 PSA Harm Reduction Champion can submit an EOI at: https://forms.office.com/r/LqVSZ8Z6Pt 

 

 

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 marks stability with PSA Board elections

 

18 June 2026

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the re-election of Professor Mark Naunton MPS as PSA National President for the upcoming term commencing 1 July 2026. 

 

The PSA Board has today elected Dr Amanda Cross FPS, and re-elected Caroline Diamantis FPS, as National Vice Presidents.  

 

Professor Naunton was honoured to be re-elected and looks forward to serving PSA as the National President for another term.  

 

“I want to thank the PSA Board for trusting me to serve the profession and representing PSA at the highest level,” he said. 

 

“I look forward to working alongside the National Vice Presidents, Dr Amanda Cross and Caroline Diamantis, as we continue to support our members and the pharmacy profession.” 

 

The PSA Board also welcomes Joanne Gross MPS and Karla Wright MPS as new Board Directors. 

 

Professor Naunton thanked the outgoing Board members for their significant contributions to PSA in recent years. 

 

“On behalf of the PSA Board, I want to acknowledge the contributions of our outgoing Board members, Dr Shane Jackson and Bridget Totterman, who have been valued members of the Board and PSA for many years,” he said. 

 

“Dr Jackson was pivotal in establishing PSA’s medicines safety agenda and cementing this through his leadership in our Strategic Agreements. I have no doubt he will continue to serve the profession in everything he does. 

 

“Bridget has been a valued member of the PSA Board for many years, and her collaborative leadership will serve as an asset as she continues her role as the PSA CEO. I am excited to continue to work alongside her in this role. 

 

“I warmly welcome Joanne Gross and Karla Wright to the PSA Board. They join at an exciting time for the organisation and the pharmacy profession. They will be supported by a united Board with extensive and diverse experience and expertise.” 

 

The PSA National Board, effective from 1 July 2026, is as follows: 

• A/Prof Helen Benson 

• Donna Bonney 

• Dr Amanda Cross 

• Caroline Diamantis 

• Joanne Gross 

• Prof Mark Naunton 

• Dr Ayomide (Mide) Ogundipe 

• Brooke Shelly 

• A/Prof Fei Sim 

• A/Prof John Smithson 

• Dr Natalie Soulsby 

• The Hon. Bronnie Taylor 

• Matthew Tweedie 

• Karla Wright 

 

 

 

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 calls for its 2026 PSA Vaccination Ambassador

16 June 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has opened Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for its 2026 PSA Vaccination Ambassador Program, calling on pharmacist immunisers leading the way in vaccination access, uptake, and advocacy to step forward. 

 

Now in its second year, the program builds on the success of the inaugural PSA Vaccination Ambassador, Melbourne-based community pharmacist Anna Theophilos MPS, whose leadership has helped showcase the critical role pharmacists play in improving immunisation outcomes across Australia. 

 

Supported by GSK and Pfizer, the PSA Vaccination Ambassador Program recognises pharmacist leaders who are advancing vaccination services in their communities and nationally, while providing a platform to influence policy, inspire peers, and support ongoing advocacy efforts. 

 

PSA National President Professor Mark Naunton MPS said the inaugural Vaccination Ambassador, Anna Theophilos MPS, has shown how powerful pharmacist leadership can be in advancing vaccination uptake.  

 

“Pharmacists are playing an increasingly important role in protecting Australians through vaccination, and the Vaccination Ambassador Program recognises the essential role pharmacist immunisers have in shaping the future of immunisation,” Professor Naunton said. 

 

“Anna has been exceptional as our inaugural PSA Vaccination Ambassador, and now we’re calling for nominations for the next ambassador, someone who is willing and ready to represent pharmacist immunisers at the national level.”  

 

Reflecting on her experience as the inaugural PSA Vaccination Ambassador, Ms Theophilos encouraged others to apply. 

 

“Twelve months ago, I put my hand up for a role I wasn’t entirely sure I was ready for, and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” she said.  

 

“From advocating for our profession to connecting with pharmacists across Australia and contributing to key conversations about the future of vaccination, it’s been an incredible opportunity. 

 

“If you’re passionate about vaccination, advocacy and improving patient care, I’d strongly encourage you to apply. Australia needs passionate pharmacists leading these conversations.” 

 

Selected as a representative and spokesperson for PSA, the 2026 Vaccination Ambassador will contribute to national advocacy efforts through conference presentations, media engagement, and stakeholder collaboration, helping to strengthen the profession’s voice on vaccination. 

 

EOIs are open to all PSA members and close 30 June 2026. 

 

Pharmacists interested in becoming the 2026 PSA Vaccination Ambassador can submit an EOI at:
https://forms.office.com/r/iqDBdJhKgV.

 

 

 

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. 

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 Aboriginal 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.