National Pharmacy Awards - Northern Territory Winners
The awards ceremony announcing the Northern Territory award winners was held at Wharf One on Darwin Waterfront, in early December 2025.
PGA's Northern Territory Branch President Peter Hatswell said their winners reflected the strength and diversity of pharmacy practice across the Territory.
“These winners truly represent the spirit of community pharmacy in the Northern Territory — innovative, caring and committed to improving the health of our communities,” he said.
Community Pharmacy of the Year
Digital investment is key to driving dispensing efficiencies so pharmacists can fill the healthcare gap in regional areas, said the owners of the NT Pharmacy of the Year.
Marcus Leong and Sin Hui and team at Hibiscus Day & Night Pharmacy with their Pharmacy of the Year award.
Marcus Leong and Sin Hui, who own Hibiscus Day & Night Pharmacy in Leanyer, said many patients face health inequities due to geographical isolation and lack of services.
Offering as many clinical services as possible is their goal, and investment in technology is essential. “In many instances, we have been referred to for those unable to get their health solution via conventional pharmacy services,” Marcus said.
The store is the first compounding pharmacy in the territory and the first to operate a paperless medication management system in aged care.
A compounding lab, ROWA dispensing robots, and DAA packing and checking machinery are among their investments in innovation. “We understand every minute that we could save on manpower could then be reinvested into customer care,” Marcus said.
“We made these investments because we know they could improve our services and help Hibiscus Pharmacy to care better for the community,” he said.
Despite being process-driven, personal connection remains the priority. “We are a blend of diversified culture, which has raised our cultural awareness and provides respectful care that is crucial to many patients.
“Everyone goes above and beyond to assist every customer that walks into the pharmacy and needs assistance. From COVID to the 60 days dispensing saga, working in the pharmacy has been challenging but our team has stuck together and stayed on the same page.”
Community Pharmacist of the Year
Northern Territory Pharmacist of the Year Claire Ross said she is excited about the possibilities for pharmacists as they move into more frontline roles.
Claire Ross is a prescribing pharmacist at her two Blooms the Chemist stores in Darwin.
As part of the first Northern Territory cohort from James Cook University's prescribing course, Claire is a strong advocate for pharmacists practising at full scope.
“I want a future where pharmacists are valued not only for dispensing medicines, but for our expertise in safe diagnosis, prescribing, deprescribing, preventative care, and chronic disease management,” she said.
Claire is committed to expanding programs which fully utilise pharmacists’ clinical expertise. Through lobbying for government funding and creating professional development opportunities for staff across her two Blooms the Chemist stores in Darwin, she champions the profession locally and nationally.
She said increased government funding for expanded pharmacy services ensures patients receive better access to healthcare and pharmacists are paid appropriately for their clinical skillset.
“Especially when our interventions will actively reduce hospitalisations, improve medicine safety, and shorten wait times across the healthcare system.”
Claire promoted the uncomplicated UTI service and was an early adopter of initiatives such as expanded vaccination programs and long-acting injectable buprenorphine.
“With expanding scope, increased collaboration with GPs, and the shift toward pharmacist prescribing, we’re shaping a future where we can make an even bigger impact.”
Winning the Pharmacist of the Year award is an honour, she said.
“I love pharmacy because it allows me to make healthcare more accessible, more human, and more immediate for the people who rely on us.”
“It was a moment that made all the hard work, late nights, and personal sacrifices feel incredibly meaningful.”
Student Pharmacist of the Year
Working as a pre-employment health assessor as a second job is part of Elijah Callis’ plan to become a prescribing pharmacist.
Elijah said he believes conducting hernia examinations, cardiovascular health assessments, lung function tests, hearing assessments, spirometry and otoscopies will place him in a strong position for full scope practice.
“I believe it's very important to develop a comprehensive skillset to provide healthcare outcomes that are both optimal and convenient for patients.”
Elijah is due to complete his Doctor of Pharmacy degree through Charles Darwin University early this year. He has already completed a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, followed by First Class Honours in Biomedical Science.
“I am looking to better myself into becoming a highly skilled pharmacist,” he said.
Despite being early in his career, his achievements are impressive. These include partnering with Lifeblood Red Cross SA/NT to launch a community blood-drive initiative, and conducting a research project on cultural and diversity competence in pharmacy education.
As Top End Pharmacy Student Association President and National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association representative, Elijah advocates for remote learning opportunities.
Winning this award showcases the value Northern Territory and other regional pharmacy students bring to the profession, he said.
“This award reinforces my belief in the path I’ve chosen and motivates me even further to contribute to the future of pharmacy.
“My hope is that pharmacy continues its evolution toward full, meaningful scope of practice, where pharmacists are empowered to deliver advanced clinical services, especially in rural and remote communities.”
Elijah Callis, Northern Territory Student Pharmacist of the Year 2026.
