The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland, held its seventh annual Parliamentary Reception at Queensland Parliament House on Wednesday, 29 October. The event recognised the vital contribution of community pharmacists to the health and well-being of Queenslanders and celebrated outstanding individuals whose leadership continues to shape the profession.
The reception was attended by the Premier, Ministers, Shadow Ministers as well as Members of Parliament, industry representatives and community pharmacists from across the state. Attendees heard keynote addresses from Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Hon. Tim Nicholls MP, as well as from Opposition Leader Hon. Steven Miles MP.
Queensland Branch President, Chris Owen, thanked the Minister and Opposition Leader for their continued support and paid tribute to the recipients of the 2025 awards.
"It's always encouraging to see such strong bipartisan recognition of the work community pharmacists do every day," said Mr Owen. "Their presence reinforces the value that all sides of politics place on the essential role community pharmacies play in delivering front-line health care for Queenslanders."
This year's Reception also honoured a number of individuals who were awarded Life Membership to The Pharmacy Guild of Australia in recognition of their exceptional service and commitment to the profession. The 2025 Life Membership recipients were:
Roslyn Brand, Clint Coker, John Douglas, Tim Fitzpatrick, Rick Xynias, George Fotinos, Helen Owen, John Moffat, John Scott, Malcolm Anderson, Mark Browne, Neil Owen, and Terry Foote.
Mr Owen said each Life Member had made an enduring impact on the Guild and the profession.
"Each of these individuals has contributed countless hours of service to their colleagues, communities and the Guild over many years," said Mr Owen. "Their leadership, innovation and commitment to improving patient outcomes has left an indelible mark on community pharmacy in Queensland."
The event also recognised exceptional individual contributions to the profession.
"The President's Award is the highest honour a Branch President can bestow, recognising exceptional dedication and service," said Mr Owen.
"This year's President's Award recipient was one of the first authorised prescribing pharmacists in Queensland and has been relentless in sharing her knowledge and passion to assist others in achieving this same milestone. As a valued member of the Business Support and Full Scope team, she has brought other team members and Guild member pharmacies along the journey to successfully implement this generational change in community pharmacy.
Congratulations to the Pharmacy Guild Queensland's Full Scope Implementation Support Pharmacist, Kylie Birkinshaw. Kylie, many prescribing pharmacists across Queensland could not have achieved this without you."
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland, extends its congratulations to all award recipients and thanks all Members of Parliament, stakeholders and community pharmacists who joined this year's celebration of the profession.
