The PGA's National Pharmacy Awards celebrate the exceptional contribution of community pharmacies, pharmacists, and students across Australia who go above and beyond in supporting patients and strengthening primary healthcare.
The ACT held its awards evening at a special event at The Marion in Canberra, while NSW hosted a parliamentary reception in Sydney.
Winners of the National Pharmacy Awards in Victoria are:
Community Pharmacy of the Year – Camperdown Pharmacy
An independent rural pharmacy, Camperdown Pharmacy exemplifies outstanding community engagement and professional innovation. The team has built strong partnerships with local nursing homes and medical clinics, delivering proactive care through an effective Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist program. Offering a wide range of clinical services — from prescribing and vaccinations to telehealth and compounding — the pharmacy stands as a leader in delivering comprehensive, patient-centred healthcare to its rural community.
Community Pharmacist of the Year – Ahmed Ibrahim, Pharmacy World East Fawkner
Ahmed Ibrahim demonstrates exceptional leadership, resilience, and innovation in pharmacy practice. As founder of the Overseas Pharmacist Mentoring Program, he has supported international graduates to integrate into Australian practice and created the popular YouTube series Pharmacist Opportunities in Australia. From lifesaving action in an emergency to implementing AI-driven workflow automation, Ahmed’s courage and innovation continue to strengthen patient care and community safety.
Student Pharmacist of the Year – Bryony Forrest, Blooms The Chemist Essendon
Bryony Forrest, a proud Aboriginal woman and pharmacy student, has shown exceptional academic achievement and leadership in culturally safe and equitable healthcare. Through her research on medicine-related transitions of care and her advocacy in rural health and gender-affirming care, Bryony exemplifies empathy, inclusion, and purpose — setting a strong example for the next generation of pharmacists.
Pharmacists ready to do more
The winners were announced at the Victoria branch's annual parliamentary morning tea.
“Regional pharmacies like Camperdown are doing far more than dispensing medicines — they’re delivering frontline healthcare, supporting aged care, managing chronic conditions, and stepping in when other services are stretched or unavailable," Victoria Branch President George Tambassis said.
“These awards recognise the deep commitment of pharmacists to their communities and the evolving role they play in keeping Australians healthy."
Mr Tambassis also emphasised the importance of scope of practice reform.
“Our regional community pharmacies show us every day why increasing the range of healthcare services in community pharmacy is so important. Patients trust us to meet their needs and pharmacists are ready and willing to do more.”
State and Territory winners will now progress to the national stage, with winners to be announced at the Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference in March 2026.
