St Vincent de Paul Society NSW has been confirmed as the partner of the Pharmacy Guild Foundation.
Building on almost 100 years of community pharmacy's service to Australians, the Foundation will invest in initiatives that improve access to essential medicines, strengthen pharmacist capability, and help deliver better health outcomes for people facing disadvantage.
Chair of the Pharmacy Guild Foundation, Catherine Bronger, said the Foundation was a natural extension of the values that have always underpinned community pharmacy.
"Pharmacists have always cared deeply about the communities they serve. Every day, we see health challenges firsthand and work with patients to help them achieve better outcomes," Ms Bronger said.
"The Foundation provides an opportunity for our profession to give back in a different way, supporting individuals, families and communities who are facing significant health and social disadvantage.
"Community pharmacy has spent generations earning the trust of Australians. Through the Foundation, we can channel that commitment into initiatives that improve access to care, support health equity and create lasting positive change."
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Acting Executive Director of Membership, Volunteers and Early Intervention, Joy Kyriacou, said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to helping those most in need.
"St Vincent de Paul Society NSW has a proud history of supporting people facing hardship and disadvantage with dignity, compassion and practical assistance. We are delighted to work alongside community pharmacy to deliver this important work," Ms Kyriacou said.
"Our members are located in over 350 local communities throughout the state providing a range of material and financial assistance, including food, clothing, household bills and health expenses.
"Together, we can help make sure people facing disadvantage are not left behind when it comes to accessing healthcare and essential support."
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW supported over 106,000 people through its network of volunteer members over the past financial year with over $16.2 million in financial and material assistance. This included support for 1,400 primary people with scripts and medical assistance, along with an additional 1,050 dependents, with an average of $130 in assistance provided per person.
The Pharmacy Guild Foundation will host its inaugural Gala Dinner on 10 September 2026 at Sydney's Fullerton Hotel. The event will be held in conjunction with Pharmacy Connect 2026 and provides an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the Foundation's mission.
The Foundation will focus on improving access to essential medicines and healthcare services for vulnerable communities while supporting sustainable pharmacy services and workforce capability in underserved regions.
"Our vision is simple: to harness the generosity, expertise and community spirit of pharmacy to help improve lives and create a healthier community and a healthier future for all Australians," Ms Bronger said.
What is the Pharmacy Guild Foundation?
The Pharmacy Guild Foundation aims to improve access to medicines and pharmacy care for communities that need it most. Its purpose is to advance community health and wellbeing domestically and internationally by relieving poverty, sickness, and distress through the direct provision of, or funding for, essential medicines, healthcare services, and related support to individuals and communities experiencing financial or social disadvantage. To achieve this, the Foundation will fund projects that improve access to medicines; support communities experiencing disadvantage or poor access to healthcare; and help deliver better health outcomes through pharmacy-led initiatives. The Foundation will raise funds through donations, sponsorships and is being formally launched on 10 September 2026 at the Guild's Gala Dinner.
