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PHARMACY: EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY PHARMACY CELEBRATING
EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY PHARMACY CELEBRATING
Maddison Waide Named 2024 Pharmacy Assistant of the Year
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia awarded Maddison Waide from Lucy Walker Pharmacy in Goondiwindi, Queensland, as the winner of the 2024 Pharmacy Assistant of the Year (PATY) Award. Maddison outshone an outstanding lineup of eight state and territory finalists who gathered in Sydney to participate in the national workshop at the prestigious 2024 Pharmacy Assistant National Conference (PA2024), held at the Hyatt Regency Sydney in September.
The PATY Award, sponsored by Maxigesic, is among the highest accolades for pharmacy assistants in Australia, honouring those who exemplify outstanding leadership, innovation, and a dedication to patient care in their communities. This year’s award was the culmination of months of preparation and competitive assessments, where finalists showcased their expertise, industry knowledge, and passion for patient care. Their achievements not only highlight individual excellence but also demonstrate the importance of pharmacy assistants in delivering quality healthcare and enhancing the well-being of Australians across the country.
RECOGNISING EXCEPTIONAL DEDICATION AND SKILL
Daniel Shalhoub, a judge for the award and representative from AFT Pharmaceuticals, praised the high calibre of participants this year. “Selecting a winner is always challenging, especially when each finalist shows remarkable talent and dedication,” he noted.
“However, Maddison truly embodied the values that define this award. Her commitment to patient care, leadership qualities, and passion for professional growth made her a standout among her peers. Congratulations to Maddison on this well-deserved recognition.”
Maddison’s journey to becoming the 2024 Pharmacy Assistant of the Year was marked by a series of rigorous assessments, where she demonstrated not only her technical skills and knowledge but also her ability to inspire and lead within her pharmacy community. As the winner, she received a $5,000 cash prize and a travel package that includes flights and accommodation to attend key industry events, such as the 2025 Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition (APP2025) and Pharmacy Connect 2025. This opportunity will further enhance her professional development and broaden her network within the pharmacy industry.
A MILESTONE YEAR: THE GLUCOJEL RUNNER-UP AWARD INTRODUCED
This year’s PATY Awards saw a new addition: the Glucojel Runner-Up Award, which recognises the exceptional contributions of another standout finalist. The inaugural runner-up award was presented to Amy Clayson from Terry White Chemmart in Normanville, South Australia. Amy’s recognition highlights the significant impact that pharmacy assistants have in their communities, and the runner-up award marks a milestone in acknowledging the depth of talent within the field.
RECORD-BREAKING ATTENDANCE AND UNFORGETTABLE HIGHLIGHTS AT PHARMACY CCONNECT/PA2024
Pharmacy Connect 2024 was an unparalleled success, with over 1,500 attendees from across Australia gathering to participate in networking, learning, and celebrating the industry’s best. Hosted alongside the popular Pharmacy Assistant National Conference, Pharmacy Connect broke attendance records and featured more than 70 trade stands, attracting pharmacy owners, assistants, students, and industry representatives.
Pharmacy Connect Convenor Kos Sclavos AM praised the event’s success, emphasising the sense of community and the positive feedback from attendees. “Attendees came from all parts of our industry, from owners and pharmacists to pharmacy assistants and students, joining together to share insights and shape the future of pharmacy. I want to extend my gratitude to the sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees who made this year’s events so impactful,” Sclavos remarked.
The conference also offered an impressive lineup of sessions tailored to a diverse audience. Financial journalist and commentator Effie Zahos delivered an engaging personal finance session, while Olympian Peter Bol shared his inspiring story, motivating attendees with lessons on perseverance and dedication. A highly anticipated session by Professor Trent Twomey, Pharmacy Guild National President, and Associate Professor John Smithson of James Cook University, focused on the emerging opportunities tied to the new integrated five-year Doctor of Pharmacy program.
“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Mr. Sclavos said. “From inspiring talks to valuable educational sessions, attendees were spoilt for choice. The social events were just as memorable, with the cocktail party adding to the celebration of the PATY Award winners. The evening brought together a vibrant community of pharmacy professionals in a shared recognition of their achievements.”
LOOKING AHEAD: NOMINATIONS FOR 2025 PATY AWARDS AND NEXT YEAR’S CONFERENCE DATES
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is already looking forward to the 2025 PATY Awards, with nominations set to open in March 2025. This annual award continues to celebrate and honour the exceptional contributions of pharmacy assistants who play a critical role in patient care and community health. In 2025, the Pharmacy Assistant National Conference will become the Pharmacy Assistant Stream at Pharmacy Connect. Pharmacy Connect will return to the Hyatt Regency Sydney from September 3-5, ensuring another year of insightful sessions, networking, and celebrations.
2025 AUSTRALIAN PHARMACY PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE EXHIBITION (APP2025)
APP2025 is not a conference to be missed, offering a three-day education program plus pre-conference workshops, more than 450 trade stands, and exciting social functions. APP2025 will take place on the Gold Coast from Thursday 20 March to Saturday 22 March 2025. The conference program is now available, with the theme of the highly anticipated APP Street Party having been announced as ‘Country Hoedown.’
To book your early bird registration, visit the conference website appconference.com
