National Pharmacy Awards - New South Wales Winners
The NSW Branch celebrated the state’s most outstanding contributors to community pharmacy in October at Parliament House in Sydney, recognising pharmacists and pharmacies who are redefining patient care and community engagement.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW Branch President Mario Barone said the awards evening brought together more than 50 parliamentarians from the two major parties and reflected the strength and diversity of pharmacy practice across the state.
“The bipartisan support we saw tonight is a powerful recognition of the work our members do every day,” Mr Barone said.
“It speaks volumes about the trust and respect community pharmacy has earned across the political spectrum. Our profession is evolving, with full-scope training empowering pharmacists to deliver even greater care and services.”
He said he looked forward to partnering further with the NSW Government “to expand access to vital health services, strengthen preventative care, and ensure every community across NSW receives the support it deserves”.
Community Pharmacy of the Year
Capital Chemist Bathurst was named NSW Community Pharmacy of the Year, recognised for its contribution to the community, as well as its innovation and collaboration.
NSW award winners Timonth Mizzi, Marcus and Hannah Heiner, and Jesyca Pearson at Parliament House in Sydney
Led by pharmacist-owners Marcus Heiner, Hannah Heiner, Jessica Morgan-Thomas, Kyle Buckley and Spencer McTavish, the team has been celebrated widely by the community it serves for its win.
Speaking with Australasian Pharmacy after winning the award, Marcus said the team had pioneered a Homecare and NDIS support model which could be replicated nationwide. They have also developed digital tools for care coordination, and built strong partnerships with GPs, hospitals, aged care providers, and veterans’ groups. With nearly 50 staff, their service-driven model exemplifies clinical excellence and community spirit.
“Before we had children, we were in the pharmacy at least 60 or 70 hours a week,” Marcus said. “We even skipped holidays for the first number of years because we wanted to get up and running before we finally, nervously went on our first holiday,” he said.
“Then we decided to bring in some partners to help spread the load and that kept us from burning out.” Marcus said
growing the partnership had also proved to he and his wife that pharmacy ownership didn’t have to be “a solo struggle”.
“Winning this award is obviously a big honour, too, but for me the most important thing is showing that what
we’re doing can be replicated in other pharmacies.
“Winning gives us a platform to say: this benefits patients, it benefits home care providers, and it’s financially rewarding too,” he said.
“We’ve had patients come in and say, ‘I’m not surprised — this is the best pharmacy I’ve ever seen.’ That’s been wonderful for the team, because they’re the ones who do all the work, and now they get to hear the praise directly.”
Community Pharmacist of the Year
Timothy Mizzi, Board Chair of the Capital Chemist group, was awarded NSW Community Pharmacist of the Year.
NSW Minister for Health and Regional Affairs Ryan Park with award winner Tim Mizzi and partner
He is a leader in pharmacist prescribing trials and extended-scope services. His ‘pharmacist on the floor’ model fosters meaningful clinical interactions, while his community work — including chairing the Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Centre and collaborating with Aboriginal health services — reflects his deep commitment to equity and care.
The judges said Timothy’s contribution exemplified the qualities the award seeks to recognise. “Timothy has demonstrated innovation, compassion and professionalism — making a genuine difference in the lives of patients and setting a benchmark for quality care across NSW,” they said.
Student Pharmacist of the Year
Jesyca Pearson, a Charles Sturt University student and proud Wiradjuri woman, was named NSW Student Pharmacist of the Year.
The judges said Jesyca was an emerging leader in cultural safety and advocacy.
“Through her work with the CSU First Nations Club and Orange Pharmacy Students Association, she is helping shape a more inclusive and culturally aware pharmacy profession,” they said.
Jesyca, who hails from Molong, a small country town not far from Bathurst, told local media she was surprised with her win.
“I’m still quite shocked that a girl from Molong, who went to a central school, can win an award like this,” Jesyca told the Central Western Daily.
“It feels a bit random to be honest. I said to my parents ‘I’m not the smartest person’, I do good, but I’m not the best by any means at all.”
Jesyca’s focus on indigenous health was also noted by the judges.
“It’s important to understand indigenous health doesn’t just mean physical health … it’s encompassing cultural wellbeing, family health, mob health,” Jesyca said.
PGA’s NSW Branch President Mario Barone with award winner Jesyca Pearson and Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh, at Parliament House, Sydney
