National Pharmacy Awards - Australian Capital Territory Winners
The ACT Branch announced the winners of its National Pharmacy Awards at a special annual branch dinner in Canberra on October 15.
The ACT’s Branch President Simon Blacker said their winners exemplified the dedication, commitment, and professionalism that underpinned the region’s community pharmacy landscape.
“Community pharmacies are at the heart of healthcare in the ACT, providing accessible and trusted care for their patients every single day,” Mr Blacker said.
“These award winners demonstrate the best of our profession — prioritising patient wellbeing, delivering innovative services, and supporting their local communities with compassion and expertise.”
Community Pharmacy of the Year
Led by community pharmacists and owners Sandra Ferrington and Caroline O’Keefe, Capital Chemist Kingston took out the Community Pharmacy of the Year award for the ACT.
Sandra Ferrington and Caroline O’Keefe lead the team at Capital Chemist Kingston
Judges said the team exemplified innovation and excellence in community pharmacy.
From relocating to a new site beneath a busy medical centre to adopting advanced dispensing technology and expanding consultation spaces, the pharmacy has transformed the way it serves its community.
"Our pharmacy team and customers have been so excited by us winning this award" said Caroline.
"They feel a great sense of pride to have us represent them at Nationals," Sandra added.
"It has really started a lot of positive conversations of what we do for the community and brought everyone together to celebrate our achievements."
Community Pharmacist of the Year
Bev Mistry-Cable took out the ACT’s Community Pharmacist of the Year award having shown exceptional leadership and advocacy for community pharmacy in her region.
Bev Mistry-Cable and the team Canberra’s Cooleman Court Pharmacy in Weston
The judges said Bev, who works at Canberra’s Cooleman Court Pharmacy in Weston, continued to draw on her international experience with an embedded collaborative and service-driven approach.
“Her ongoing efforts to expand pharmacists’ scope of practice and improve access to healthcare are exceptional,” the judges said.
Bev said the award meant a lot to her and she was grateful to numerous colleagues, mentors and patients who had supported and shaped her journey.
“It also reflects the commitment of our whole Cooleman Court Pharmacy team,” Bev said.
“Community pharmacists and their teams play a vital role in improving health outcomes, easing pressure on the health system and supporting continuity of care,” Bev said.
“From expanded scope to immunisation, preventive health and medication management, our impact is real, meaningful and only growing.
“I’m excited for what’s ahead and the opportunities to continue to make an even bigger difference.”
Student Pharmacist of the Year
Taylor Dudley was awarded the ACT’s Student Pharmacist of the Year award in October, with judges noting her deep commitment to community health.
The judges said Taylor, who works at Allure Pharmacy in Civic, in Canberra’s central business district, started her career in a regional pharmacy at 14, and had since grown into a national student leader, excelling academically and professionally.
“Through advocacy, research, and inclusive health initiatives, Taylor continues to lead with compassion and vision, setting a strong example for the future of pharmacy,” judges said.
Simon Blacker with Taylor Dudley and Minister for Health of the Australian Capital Territory Rachel Stephen-Smith
