Program
WEDNESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2025
8.30am - 7.30pm REGISTRATION DESK OPEN
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP 1:
PHARMACY OWNERS MASTERCLASS: BLUEPRINT TO SUCCESS
VENUE: Wharf Room 1 & 2
COST: $66 (includes morning tea)
9.30am –1.00pm
Are you an aspiring or current pharmacy owner looking to enhance your knowledge and skills? Join RSM Australia, CommBank Health and partners for an immersive workshop designed to provide a comprehensive 360-degree view on the essentials of pharmacy management and ownership.
This workshop is an invaluable opportunity to gain a holistic understanding of pharmacy ownership and management. Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your existing skills, this program will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in the pharmacy industry. The workshop will cover:
• Accounting basics: Understand how to evaluate financial statements, how this impacts the value of your pharmacy, and managing financial KPIs specific to your pharmacy.
• Bank financing journey: Navigate the complexities of applying for bank financing with confidence.
• Utilising full scope of practice: Discover how to leverage full scope of pharmacy practice to enhance your pharmacy business. Explore strategies to expand your services and improve patient outcomes.
• Building and retaining great pharmacy teams: Learn effective teambuilding techniques and retention practices to create a positive and productive work environment.
• Utilising technology to improve pharmacy outcomes: Explore innovative tools and systems that can enhance overall pharmacy performance and improve patient care.
Facilitators: Emma Brown – National Director, Pharmacy Services, RSM Australia; Anne Seah – Manager, Pharmacy Services, RSM Australia; Lachlan Scadden-McHugh – Director of Healthcare, CommBank Health; Lloyd Smith – Co-Founder and Director, Scrypt; Carolyn Clementson
– Pharmacy Practice Manager, Good Price Pharmacy; Keely PaulNational Professional Services Manager, Independent Pharmacies Australia Group
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP 2: HARM MINIMISATION
VENUE: Wharf Room 3
COST: $66 (includes morning tea)
9.30am –1.00pm
Harm Minimisation continues to have an increased profile and scope of practice in community pharmacy in Australia. For some pharmacies, this includes the administration of Long-Acting Injectable Buprenorphine (LAIB), dispensing cannabis, supplying vapes or running opioid replacement programs.
But as pharmacists’ role continues to expand into primary care, we are being called upon to develop strategies to identify and treat hazardous behaviours and drug use. This workshop will explore these strategies as they pertain to illicit substances, but also to licit drugs like alcohol and nicotine.
Key opinion leaders will present on the current best practice models, followed by a panel discussion where they will respond to and discuss relevant pharmacyrelated Harm Minimisation questions raised during the presentations.
Moderator: Angelo Pricolo – Community Pharmacist
Speakers: Dr David Jacka - Addiction Medicine Specialist, Monash Health; Dr Hester Wilson - Chief Addiction Specialist, NSW Health; Dr Paul MacCartney - General Practitioner & Addiction Medicine Specialist
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP 3:
IMMUNISATION COURSE
VENUE: King Room 2
9.00am –5.00pm
The Australasian College of Pharmacy offers the Pharmacy Guild Immunisation Course. The course will provide you with pharmacist immuniser qualifications and CPD credits. The course provides:
• A background to immunisation in Australia;
• a familiarisation of the resources that are available to support immunisation services;
• an outline of the regulatory requirements which cover the provision of immunisation services within pharmacy;
• practical skill-based training in safe injection technique.
NB: This course is open to pharmacists practising in QLD, NSW, ACT, WA and NT only (the course does not currently meet requirements for all jurisdictions and is subject to change).
Cost: $549 (GST free) College member / $739 (GST free) non-member. Includes workshop materials, morning/ afternoon tea and lunch.
Program
CHIEF PHARMACIST NETWORK (INVITATION ONLY)
VENUE: Wharf Room 4
10.00am –
2.00pm
This invitation only event is facilitated by The Pharmacy Guild of Australia to inform on and consult with industry Chief Pharmacists about Guild initiatives.
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP 4: PHARMACY ASSISTANT REFRESHER TRAINING
VENUE: Wharf Room 1 & 2
COST: FREE for Pharmacy Connect delegates / $66 for non-conference delegates (includes afternoon tea)
2.00pm –5.30pm
VITAl MINds: Exploring how to best supplement your sales with vitamins
Known for her interactive pharmacy games, ACP Trainer Katy Johnson returns for the third consecutive year to delve into the importance of creating whole health solutions in which vitamins, minerals, and supplements are the focal point.
Whilst implementing the Ask, Assess, Advise protocol, attendees will engage in collaborative activities and thought-provoking conversations, allowing for real-world application and opportunities for better health outcomes..
Facilitator: Katy Johnson – Workplace Trainer/Assessor, Australasian College of Pharmacy
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP 5: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET: NAVIGATING PHARMACY OWNERSHIP APPLICATIONS
VENUE: Wharf Room 3
COST: $66 (includes afternoon tea)
2.00pm –5.30pm
Owning a pharmacy in New South Wales is both a privilege and a responsibility, governed by strict regulatory requirements. This practical session will demystify the pharmacy ownership application process, highlighting the critical role of the Pharmacy Council of NSW in approving new premises, changes in ownership structure, and the registration of financial interests. Learn what you need to know before buying, selling, or restructuring a pharmacy business - whether you are a sole proprietor, part of a partnership, or involved in a pharmacists’ body corporate or trust. Discover the common pitfalls, documentation requirements, and timelines to ensure your application is compliant and processed efficiently.
This session is essential for current and aspiring pharmacy owners, business partners, and anyone considering a change in pharmacy ownership. Don’t miss this opportunity to protect your investment and ensure your business meets its regulatory obligations.
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP 6: FULL SCOPE
VENUE: Wharf Room 4
COST: $66 (includes afternoon tea)
2.30pm –5.30pm
For pharmacists considering how their business will adapt to full scope, this is a must attend workshop. Topics covered will include:
• Australia wide review of current legislation
• current premises requirements
• IT enablement of services
• business case for investing in the future
Moderator: Kos Sclavos AM - Convenor
2.30pm – 3.00pm: National, State and Territory update on pharmacists practicing at full scope
Speaker: Jessica Seeto – Director Policy and Regulation, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
3.00pm – 3.30pm: Consultation room requirements for full scope: Future-proofing your investment
Speaker: Harriet Wright – Senior Manager Practice and Programs, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
3.30pm – 4.00pm: Afternoon Tea
4.00pm – 4.30pm: Practical tips to implement consultation room pharmacist services: Lessons from a Full Scope Pharmacist
Speaker: Carolyn Clementson – Professional Services Pharmacist, Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse
4.30pm – 5.00pm: Pharmacist prescribing software: Integrations that matter
Speaker: Aaron D’Souza – Head of Government Programs, MedAdvisor Solutions
5.00pm – 5.30pm: Interactive Panel Discussion with moderator, speakers & Amanda Seeto – CEO, Australasian College of Pharmacy
Proudly sponsored by:
Welcome to the inspiring world of pharmacy innovation at the Pharmacy Connect Trade Exhibition! Reconnect with colleagues, forge new business relationships, engage with industry suppliers, and enjoy canapés, drinks and live music as you explore. The Welcome Reception is your first chance to experience the Trade Exhibition – we encourage you to support the companies showcasing their products and services at this year’s conference.
TICKETS: Inclusive for all Full Registrations, Australasian College of Pharmacy interns, and pharmacy students
ADDITIONAL TICKETS: $85 per person
VENUE:
THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2025
6.45am - 5.45pm REGISTRATION DESK OPEN
7.00am - 8.15am GUILD MEMBER ONLY BREAKFAST
Join The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s National President and New South Wales Branch President for a confidential update on key issues affecting community pharmacy. This will be followed by an interactive Q&A session. All Guild members are encouraged to attend.
SPEAKERS: Professor Trent Twomey – National President, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia; Mario Barone - New South Wales Branch President, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
COST: $60 (includes hot breakfast)
VENUE: Grand Ballroom 1, Mezzanine Level
8.25am - 8.40am Keynote Address
Speaker: The Hon Chris Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales
8.40am - 9.25am Panel Session: Industry Update
After strong delegate feedback, this year’s Pharmacy Connect program features a Q&A industry panel. With so many hot topics in community pharmacy at the moment, this not-to-be missed session will include a broad representation from the pharmacy sector and consumers.
Moderator: Daniel Kicuroski, NSW Branch Director, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
9.00am - 4.05pm TRADE EXHIBITION OPEN
9.25am - 10.10am Preparing now for what’s next: How to thrive in an age of uncertainty
It’s been rightly said that the pace of change has never been this fast, but it will never again be this slow. We are living in a transformative era where smart leaders know that now is the time for audacity, adaptability, and agility. Enormous opportunities lie ahead for those who can identify the trends of tomorrow and gear up for these today. This fast-paced and compelling keynote presentation will cover key trends that will shape the coming decade, the role Gen Z will play in redefining industry norms and consumer expectations, the common culture and mindset traps that will set any organisation on a collision course with obsolescence - and how to avoid them - and proven and practical strategies for staying one step ahead of change and remaining relevant.
Speaker: Michael McQueen – Trend Forecaster
10.10am - 11.25am MORNING TEA – PHARMACY ASSISTANTS
10.10am - 10.55am This session will feature a strong business focus with a guest speaker to be announced in early June.
10.55am - 11.25am
CLINICAL SESSIONS: Grand Ballroom 1
11.25am - 12.10pm Best practice guidelines for acute wound care in pharmacy
Introducing the Australian Best Practice Guidelines for Acute Wound Care in Pharmacy – a firstof-its-kind resource developed by experts to support pharmacists in delivering consistent, evidence-informed wound care. These guidelines outline practical, best-practice recommendations for managing acute wounds in the community pharmacy setting, with a focus on dressing selection, patient education, and continuity of care. Reflecting both current evidence and the evolving role of pharmacists, this document is designed to enhance clinical confidence, standardise care, and improve patient outcomes. Whether you’re new to wound care or expanding your services, these guidelines will be your go-to reference in daily practice.
Speaker: Associate Professor John Smithson –Head of Pharmacy, James Cook University
BUSINESS SESSIONS: Grand Ballroom 2
11.25am - 12.10pm What is your pharmacy data telling you?
After a period of uncertainty, there is a sense of relief that the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA) has been signed and is being executed. It is, however, an important time for pharmacists to understand the key metrics in their business, as this may indicate action items that need to be brought into play. Looking at the economy more broadly, the session will explore the relevant macro-economic factors and the flow on influence to consumer heath. Join the industryleading NostraData team who will provide their perspectives.
Speakers: Jim Xenos – CEO, NostraData; Nick Biggs, General Manager Client Services, NostraData
PHARMACY ASSISTANT STREAM: Wharf Rooms
11.25am - 11.45am PATY 2024 – A year in review
In this session, PATY 2024 National Winner, Maddison Waide, will provide an overview of her year as the Pharmacy Assistant of the Year, as she prepares to hand over the reins to the 2025 winner.
Speaker: Maddison Waide – 2024 Pharmacy Assistant of the Year
11.25am - 12.15pm How to approach bladder and women’s health concerns with your customers
As world leaders in Urinary Health, Seipel Group deliver practitioner developed health care solutions for life limiting conditions. Learn about the conditions that are associated with urinary incontinence, overactive bladder and recurrent UTI, and the medications that increase incontinence for men, women and children. This session will leave you feeling confident in approaching customers that are living with incontinence and struggling with perimenopause/menopause symptoms and in recommending products that have clinically proven results..
Speaker: Tracey Seipel – CEO, Seipel Group
Program
THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2025
CLINICAL SESSIONS: Grand Ballroom 1
12.15pm - 1.00pm Empowering women’s health: Preventive care and innovations
Are you looking for effective preventative solutions for common health complaints your female customers present to you? Women face unique health challenges that can be supported through targeted nutrition and microbiome care — issues like hormone imbalances, PMS, stress, urogenital health, and digestive or immune concerns. This session also explores emerging innovations like a postbiotic combined with hyaluronic acid to improve skin hydration, elasticity, and reduce wrinkles. As more women seek proactive, preventative care, pharmacists are ideally positioned to guide them. Don’t miss this session packed with practical strategies to support women’s health at every life stage.
Speaker: Belinda Duffy – Health Care Professional Education Officer, Metagenics
1.00pm - 2.00pm WOMEN’S NETWORKING LUNCH
BUSINESS SESSIONS: Grand Ballroom 2
12.15pm - 1.00pm Digital Health: The next five years for pharmacy and the innovation making the eScript ecosystem easier for you and your customers
The May 2023 federal budget revealed a $1.1 billion investment to update the digital health infrastructure and to transform My Health Record into a more data-rich platform. With pharmacists expanding their roles, this session will outline how this digital investment and many others can enhance health outcomes for Australians. The session will also highlight the key piece of innovation that will enable pharmacies to receive an eScript easily and allow customers timely access to their medicines. It will further explore the implications for pharmacists and provide tips to ensure your pharmacy can deliver the evolving digital advances in pharmacy, easily. The goal is to use technology in pharmacy to improve medication safety.
Speaker: Regina Cowie – Partnerships Manager eHealth, FRED IT
Network with fellow delegates and Guild officials at this stand-up lunch, which is open to pharmacists who are registered as Full and Day delegates.
VENUE: Maritime Ballroom Foyer
1.00pm - 2.00pm LUNCH
2.00pm - 2.45pm From microbiome to mind: Empowering pharmacists with evidence-based natural solutions for managing IBS, mood and sleep Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) impacts 30% of Australians, with 19% diagnosed with mental illness. These conditions often co-occur, in conjunction with sleep issues. The gut-brain axis reveals complex connections between the gastrointestinal, immune, and nervous systems, and disruptions to the circadian rhythm can contribute to microbiome dysbiosis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), mood disorders, and chronic pain. Addressing these interconnected issues simultaneously is crucial. Discover evidence-based strategies to support patients, including clinically trialled probiotics, herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, and practical lifestyle and dietary changes. Equip yourself with tools to enhance the quality of life for patients navigating this cluster of mood, sleep, and gastrointestinal challenges.
Speaker: Michael Alexander – Integrative Pharmacist and Naturopath 2.00pm - 2.45pm Further details about this session will be available shortly.
1.15pm - 1.45pm A new era in supporting healthy ageing for joints and muscle: Supplementation has never been so easy Joint complaints and other musculoskeletal problems affect 7 million Australians. Many customers will visit the pharmacy in search of solutions to slow progression of these conditions and to improve their quality of life. A great number of options exist on the shelves however not all are suitable due to large tablet sizes that are difficult to swallow, or the requirement to take multiple throughout the day. This session will examine UC-II, a science-based ingredient that can improve joint mobility and reduce discomfort, representing a great new option in this category due to its small, easy-to-take format, and once-a-day dose. Additionally, there will be an exploration of the ingredient HMB and the fundamental role it plays in muscle health. Understand the importance of this in ageing customers as you gain a deeper appreciation for the role muscles play in supporting overall wellbeing (e.g. better balance and metabolism).
Speaker: Belinda Reynolds – Dietitian & Head of Naturopathic Education and Advisory Services, Blackmores Group
PHARMACY ASSISTANT STREAM: Wharf Rooms
CLINICAL SESSIONS: Grand Ballroom 1
BUSINESS SESSIONS: Grand Ballroom 2
CLINICAL SESSIONS: Grand Ballroom 1
BUSINESS SESSIONS: Grand Ballroom 2
PHARMACY ASSISTANT STREAM: Wharf Rooms
1.45pm - 2.15pm Unlocking the science of hydration for dry skin
Dry skin conditions can significantly impact patient comfort and quality of life. This presentation explores the science behind effective moisturizing and its role in addressing dry skin. It will delve into innovative delivery technologies that provide longlasting hydration by replenishing essential lipids, including ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Learn how specific formulations cater to various dry skin types, from mild dryness to eczema-prone skin. Discover practical tips and recommendations to empower pharmacy assistants in guiding patients towards the appropriate moisturizer for optimal skin health and relief from dryness.
Speaker: Bobby Mehta – Pharmacist and Head of Pharmacy Training, L’Oreal ANZ
2.15pm - 2.45pm From itch to relief: Navigating fungal skin infections
Fungal skin infections can be uncomfortable and persistent, making treatment recommendations challenging. This session will focus on how to effectively engage with customers to understand their concerns and provide the best support. You’ll learn how to identify the right treatment options and offer guidance to help manage and prevent both new and recurring infections with confidence. Speaker: Bec Coulson – Northern Region Field Coach, Ego Pharmaceuticals
THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2025
CLINICAL SESSIONS: Grand Ballroom 1
2.50pm - 3.35pm Navigating the evolving role of pharmacists in the over-the-counter space: Practical guidance on OTC analgesic selection in pain and fever management
This session will review best practice for safe and effective use of paracetamol and NSAIDs. Community pharmacy owners, Bridget Totterman and Cate Whalan, will then provide practical guidance for pharmacists recommending over-the-counter analgesics for pain and fever management.
Speakers: Bridget Totterman – Community Pharmacy Owner; Cate Whalan – Community Pharmacy Owner and National Councillor, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
BUSINESS SESSIONS: Grand Ballroom 2
2.50pm - 3.35pm Full Scope: Making the dream a reality
Full scope is gaining great momentum across Australia. Many pharmacists are seeking further information on the business metrics to ensure they can implement a viable, professional service including (1) the initial investment required for a consultation room and staff training, and (2) the structure required in areas such as workflow to ensure staff time is used efficiently. This session will feature advice from two experts in the fieldFelicity Crimston, Accountant and Partner at Pitcher Partners, who will present the key numbers required for full scope implementation, and Jess Burrey, a practising full scope pharmacist, who will share insights and valuable lessons learnt from delivering full scope services.
Speakers: Felicity Crimston – Accountant and Partner, Pitcher Partners; Jessica Burrey –Full Scope Pharmacist and Owner, Direct Chemist Outlet Emerald
PHARMACY
ASSISTANT STREAM: Wharf Rooms
3.15pm - 3.45pm The truth about foot friction blisters: How to make science-informed product recommendations
Friction blisters of the feet are one of the most common injuries in sport and everyday life. Yet many misconceptions exist around what really causes them and how best to prevent and treat them. In this session, podiatrist Rebecca Rushton unpacks the true science behind blister formation, debunks common myths (including the widespread belief that “rubbing” is to blame), and shares up-to-date strategies for prevention and treatment, tailored specifically to pharmacy. Attendees will walk away with clear, practical, and evidence-based knowledge to confidently recommend the right products—helping consumers get better results while strengthening trust in pharmacy advice.
Speakers: Rebecca Rushton – Podiatrist
3.35pm - 4.05pm AFTERNOON TEA – TRADE EXHIBITION AREA
3.45pm - 4.15pm Further details about this session will be available shortly.
Program
THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2025
PLENARY SESSION: Grand Ballroom 2
4.05pm - 4.50pm
Pain, pain, grow away: Shaping a positive experience of pain management throughout childhood
Inadequate pain management in children can have both short and long-term consequences. With pain experiences ranging from expected childhood developments – such as post-immunisation pain and fever, or teething pain – to the unexpected sprains, strains, and minor aches, pharmacists play a crucial role in shaping a child’s future experiences of pain. Join pain expert Dr Jacinta Johnson as she explores the role of inflammation in childhood pain and fever, how its presence can impact treatment choices, and what pharmacists can do to tailor their approach to a child’s life stage.
Speaker: Dr Jacinta Johnson – Advanced Practice Pharmacist
4.50pm - 5.30pm Pharmacy Assistant of the Year showcase
PHARMACY ASSISTANT STREAM: Wharf Rooms
4.15pm - 4.45pm Further details about this session will be available shortly.
Be inspired by the exceptional talents of our eight State/Territory Winners from The Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year, who will showcase their skills and share their stories. Pharmacists and pharmacy assistants are encouraged to attend and benefit from the inspirational stories of the State/Territory Winners. The national winner will be revealed at the Cocktail Party that night.
Moderator: Caysie Kelly – PATY 2025 Facilitator
Panellists: PATY 2025 State Winners
7.00pm - 10.00pm COCKTAIL PARTY – SYDNEY HARBOUR CRUISE
Join us for an unforgettable evening on the stunning Sydney Harbour! This year’s Cocktail Party will be held on board Starship Sydney and will offer breathtaking views of the iconic Sydney skyline, the majestic Sydney Opera House and the historic Sydney Harbour Bridge from the water. Mingle with fellow attendees, enjoy beverages and a buffet dinner, and celebrate excellence with the announcement of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year. This is the perfect opportunity to network, relax, and take in the views of one of the world’s most famous harbours. Tickets: $165 per person/$85 per person for Australasian College of Pharmacy interns, and students
Venue: Starship Sydney
Program
8.00am - 2.00pm REGISTRATION DESK OPEN
PLENARY SESSION: Grand Ballroom 1
8.30am - 9.15am Hustle to happy: The Smart growth paradigm
In a profession where caring for others often comes at the cost of your own well-being, this keynote offers a powerful reframe, with practical tools you can implement straight away. It’s time to step off Juggle Street and rediscover what balance and growth can look like – in your career, your business, and your life. Join Nicky Miklós as she shares her blueprint for working smarter, not harder - creating a sustainable version of success that doesn’t rely on staying stuck in the busy trap. In this session, Nicky unpacks real-world strategies to:
• Reclaim your time, energy, and joy – without compromising professional growth
• Identify the hidden cost of “busy” and why hardcore hustle isn’t a badge of honour
• Recognise the tipping point before burnout bites
• Unlearn outdated hustle habits, shifting into empowering ways of leading and delivering care
• Balance a thriving pharmacy, career and life on your terms.
Whether you’re a manager, part of the frontline team, or stepping into leadership, this is your moment to pause, reflect, and reset.
Speaker: Nicky Miklos – Coach, Facilitator, Speaker 9.00am - 2.00pm
PLENARY SESSION: Grand Ballroom 1
9.15am - 10.00am Buying and selling a pharmacy today
This session will drill down into the pros and cons of buying and selling a pharmacy and the current market sentiment in Australia. It will address all aspects of the sales process, in particular the finance options available for purchases in a volatile market and the return on investment that is today’s reality. A session not to be missed for any prospective vendor or purchaser.
Speaker: Richard Gorman – Managing Director, Corporate Financial Services P/L
9.25am - 9.55am
An introduction to Dermal Therapy’s Australia-first innovative acne solution range
In this session, Dermal Therapy will discuss the Australian acne landscape and will share insights into problems existing treatment options hold. The session will also detail a new and unique approach Dermal Therapy brings to the acne market, consisting of new-tomarket technology that puts skin health first. Dermal Therapy will also provide a sneak peek into the future of acne management within the sun protection space. A free sample will be provided to all attendees.
Speaker: Amit Saha – Registered Pharmacist and Head of Technical & Innovation, LaCorium Health
9.55am - 10.25am The importance of pharmacy assistants in recommending over-the-counter analgesics: Asking the right questions
This session will discuss the different mechanisms of action of paracetamol and NSAIDs. It will also highlight the crucial role of pharmacy assistants in asking the right questions to determine when to refer patients to the pharmacist, and recommend suitable OTC analgesics for managing common pain presentations.
Speaker: Bridget Totterman – Community Pharmacy Owner; Cate Whalan – Community Pharmacy Owner and National Councillor, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
10.00am - 10.45am Full scope (panel session)
With bipartisan support for the Labor Government’s Women’s Health Package announced in February, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia strongly encourages pharmacists to undertake the relevant training to provide this service. This may lead you to embark on a journey to complete full scope training, where permitted in your state or territory. There are numerous aspects of expanded scope that all pharmacists should adopt, including the administration of injectable medicines and point-of-care testing. Our panel of experts will highlight key strategies for implementing these programs in your pharmacy.
10.25am - 11.00am MORNING TEA – PHARMACY ASSISTANTS
10.45am - 11.30am
TEA
PHARMACY ASSISTANT STREAM: Wharf Rooms
11.30am - 12.15pm Driving momentum in adult vaccination: How can pharmacists continue to be leaders?
This session will cover the expanding role of pharmacists in vaccination, optimising vaccine efficacy in an ageing population, and upskilling on the practical component to support successful implementation of vaccination within pharmacy.
Speaker: Christine Kelly – Community Pharmacist
11.30am - 12.15pm What’s new in risk management? A PDL perspective
There is risk in everything we do and all services we provide. While pharmacists do their best to minimise risks within their practice, we can’t always eliminate risk entirely. To assist you with identifying, understanding and mitigating risks to patients, yourself, your practice and the pharmacy, PDL have developed the PDL Risk Management Guidelines. Using practical examples, this session will introduce you to these guidelines to assist you in your practice and improve patient safety.
Speaker: Gary West – Senior Professional Officer, PDL
PHARMACY ASSISTANT STREAM: Wharf Rooms
11.00am - 11.30am Beyond the surface: From gut to glow
This empowering session will dive into the complex nature of women’s wellbeing and the many ways you can help them feel their best — inside and out. Discover a new postbiotic combination and how oral hyaluronic acid has been clinically shown to reduce wrinkles in just 28 days! You will also learn which three key nutrients are essential to assist balancing hormones and stress. Plus learn how you can be a probiotics expert on the benefits specific probiotic strains offer for women’s health, immune health and gut health. Expand your knowledge and empower your customers with smarter, more holistic care to really make them glow.
12.20pm - 1.05pm Medicinal cannabis in women’s health: Emerging applications and the pharmacist’s role
Explore the evolving role of medicinal cannabis in women’s health, from managing chronic pain and endometriosis to supporting mental health and menopause-related symptoms. This session will highlight current evidence, patient considerations, and the pharmacist’s role in guiding safe, informed use. Gain practical insights to support patientcentred care in this growing therapeutic area.
Speaker: Laila Moola – Education Manager, MedReleaf Australia
12.20pm - 1.05pm AI and the pharmacy of tomorrow: Empowering better consults, smarter services, and stronger patient outcomes
As pharmacy scope of practice continues to evolve, now is the time to harness AI to deliver smarter, more sustainable patient care. This session will explore how MedAdvisor’s latest AI-powered tools are integrated directly into pharmacy workflows— reducing admin load, elevating pharmacist-patient conversations, and improving clinical quality. From real-time consultation scribing and smarter MedsChecks to AI-assisted clinical search, we’ll show you how MedAdvisor is helping pharmacists embrace innovation without added complexity. Join us to discover how AI is not just a buzzword—it’s a practical, scalable way to support the pharmacy of the future.
Speaker: Aaron D’Souza – Head of Government Programs, MedAdvisor Solutions
Speaker: Erica Smith – Clinical Education Officer, Metagenics
11.30am - 12.00pm Pharmacy Assistant 2.0: The evolving role of pharmacy assistants
The pharmacy industry is evolving rapidly — and the role of the pharmacy assistant must adapt and evolve to keep pace. This insightful panel session of industry experts will explore what these changes mean for pharmacy staff. The panel will discuss the future of retail in pharmacy and the implementation of professional services, and will share effective strategies for leading, motivating, and building high-performing teams. You’ll leave feeling informed, inspired, and prepared to thrive in the changing landscape of pharmacy.
CLINICAL SESSIONS: Grand Ballroom 1
12.30pm - 2.00pm LUNCH – PHARMACY ASSISTANTS
1.05pm - 2.00pm
BUSINESS SESSIONS: Grand Ballroom 2
PHARMACY ASSISTANT STREAM: Wharf Rooms
12.00pm - 12.30pm Recognising and responding to domestic and family violence in community pharmacy
Domestic and family violence is a critical issue in Australia with impacts reaching beyond immediate harm to contribute to long-term health issues, psychological trauma, and economic disadvantage. Pharmacy staff are recognised as a key component of the national response.
This session has been developed in partnership with the Centre Against Domestic Abuse (CADA) to support all pharmacy staff to recognise and respond to domestic and family violence (DFV) in the pharmacy setting. Find out more about the new DFV online training available for pharmacy assistants.
Speaker: Holly Brennan — CEO, Centre Against Domestic Violence
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