6 minute read
EXPOS: APP2025
APP2025: PHARMACY BEAUTY SHINES AT AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST CONFERENCE
The 2025 Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference & Trade Exhibition (APP) wrapped up with record-breaking attendance, confirming its status as the largest event in the conference’s 35-year history.
By Michelle Ruzzene
More than 7,500 delegates converged on the Gold Coast for four action-packed days that underscored the growing importance of pharmacy within healthcare—and beauty. Major announcements from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls MP further cemented the strategic relevance of the sector. Albanese, the first Prime Minister to attend APP in its 35year history, used the opening plenary to announce a major win for patients: from 1 January 2026, all PBS prescriptions will be capped at $25—a move expected to save Australians more than $200 million annually.
Queensland’s Tim Nicholls followed with confirmation that scope of practice services would be permanently embedded in the state’s healthcare system from 1 July 2025. Former world number 4 tennis player Jelena Dokic took to the stage as a guest speaker, sharing a powerful story of resilience, survival, and personal transformation.
On the exhibition floor, pharmacy beauty took centre stage with a strong and highly visible presence. Retail Beauty owner and publisher Nicci Herrera and I were on the ground at APP2025, connecting with retailers, suppliers and beauty buyers to uncover the latest trends shaping the future of beauty in pharmacy. We handed out the freshly printed Autumn edition of Retail Beauty, featuring Polished London on the front cover and Ashaya on the back—both distributed locally by Group 48, one of Australia’s leading brand development and distribution agencies. Group 48 General Manager Fiona Mendonca was also in attendance, while delegates sampled Polished London’s Teeth Whitening Powder—billed as the world’s first hyaluronic acid-infused formula—creating strong buzz around the brand’s pharmacy debut.
We wanted attendees to leave APP2025 feeling empowered and ready to unlock their opportunities, and I believe we achieved that.
-Conference Convenor Kos Sclavos AM
We also made a beeline for some of Retail Beauty’s favourite exhibitors:
• Chemcorp International, a long-time industry player and distributor of powerhouse brands including Real Techniques, EcoTools, SheaMoisture, AHC, Dr Teal’s, as well as house names such as 1000HOUR, Bathefex and pureTAN.
• Wesfarmers Health, whose vibrant Priceline Pharmacy activation showcased its ongoing expansion in the beauty retail space.
• Native Secrets, co-founded by proud Wailwan woman Cherie Thompson, which exhibited its 100% Aboriginal-owned skincare range, powered by native botanicals.
• Alita Sales, which drew strong buyer interest with leading pharmacy beauty brands Natio and Boost Lab.
APP is also a key networking moment for buyers. We crossed paths with Direct Chemist Outlet’s Hannah Jackson, spotted scouting the floor for the next big thing in beauty.
The bustling APP2025 Trade Exhibition—the largest pharmacy trade show in the Southern Hemisphere—featured over 450 stands and more than 250 suppliers. Australasian Pharmacy TV was also onsite, capturing stories from leaders shaping the future of the industry.
The social calendar was equally energised. Nicci and I joined the Arrotex Pharmaceuticals celebration hosted by billionaire Dennis Bastas. As the umbrella behind brands such as MCoBeauty and Nude by Nature, Arrotex continues to be a growing force in pharmacy health and beauty. Another standout was the APP Street Party—this year themed a ‘Country Hoedown’—which closed out the conference in lively style with toe-tapping tunes, line dancing, and high-energy performances from Furnace & The Fundamentals.
A highlight of the event was the announcement of the 2025 Guild Pharmacy of the Year Awards, recognising excellence in community pharmacy:
• Complete Care Pharmacy, Rosny Park (TAS) was named Guild Pharmacy of the Year and recognised for Excellence in Professional Innovation, praised for its patient-first model with pod-style consult rooms, a custom check-in system, and quiet hour accessibility. “People told us what they needed — and we built something around that,” said co-owner Kristina Fox.
• Capital Chemist, Charnwood (ACT) took out Excellence in Community Engagement and Excellence in Harm Minimisation for its local partnerships and health services. “We don’t just run a pharmacy — we live here,” said co-owner Samantha.
• Warnbro Pharmacy (WA) received the award for Excellence in Business Management for its new services in sleep apnoea, mobility aids, and training programs. “We’ve built services around what WA needs,” said proprietor Brett.
• Berridale Pharmacy (NSW) was recognised as a finalist for its outstanding delivery of healthcare across the Snowy Mountains, including a 45km delivery radius and an expert team. “It’s important we bring these services right here to Berridale,” said owner Freya.
• Pharmacy Help Karratha (WA) was celebrated as a finalist for its leadership in mental health, Indigenous health, and family services in remote WA. “We’ve built a pharmacy that actively improves the health and wellbeing of everyone who walks through our doors,” said co-owner Laura.
Also recognised during the Opening Plenary was 2024 Intern of the Year, Chloe Kappel from LiveLife Pharmacy in Townsville, QLD, applauded for her dedication and service to her community. Reflecting on the event’s success, Conference Convenor Kos Sclavos AM said: “We wanted attendees to leave APP2025 feeling empowered and ready to unlock their opportunities, and I believe we achieved that. I look forward to seeing how we, as a community, transform the learnings from APP2025 into actions that will benefit both patients and the broader pharmacy industry.”
With APP2025 now wrapped up, the countdown is on for APP2026, taking place 12–14 March next year. In the meantime, Early Bird registration is now open for Pharmacy Connect 2025, to be held 3–5 September at the Hyatt Regency Sydney. For the first time, the event will include a dedicated stream for pharmacy assistants.
Register now at https://pharmacyconnect.com.au/ registration.
