National Pharmacy Awards - Victoria Winners

The Victoria Branch celebrated the state’s leading contributors to community pharmacy in October at Parliament House in Melbourne, highlighting community pharmacy’s’ strong dedication to their local communities and the expanding responsibilities they carry in supporting the health of the people of Australia.

PGA’s Victoria Branch President George Tambassis said the awards highlighted the evolving role of pharmacists in keeping Australians healthy.

“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,” Mr Tambassis said.

“These awards recognise the deep commitment of pharmacists to their communities and the evolving role they play in keeping Australians healthy.”

He 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.”

Community Pharmacy of the Year

Camperdown Pharmacy was named Victoria’s Community Pharmacy of the Year.

Camperdown Pharmacy winners with their award

An independent rural pharmacy located 200 kilometres southwest of Melbourne, 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.

Owner Sarah Baker said the pharmacy’s commitment to harm minimisation and collaboration with visiting health professionals was  central to its success. “Camperdown Pharmacy has always been involved in harm minimisation programs. We now have a visiting nurse who comes to town once a week, and we work closely with that nurse on dose reduction and getting our patients appointments locally, so they don’t have to travel.”

She also highlighted the pharmacy’s investment in professional development and community engagement. “Camperdown Pharmacy really values professional development and creating bonds with our local schools. I myself was a recipient of a bursary from this pharmacy, and we often head up to the schools to talk about how pharmacy is a developing profession and a great place to work,” Sarah said.

Innovation has been another driver of success. “We have decided to embrace technology and automate as many systems as we can so that our pharmacists can be forward-facing,” she said. “Two years ago, we invested in a Rowa dispensing robot and did a fit‑out that included a larger consult room and the addition of a second consult room. It means patients know they can come in here if something doesn’t feel right, and we can support them straight away.”

Community Pharmacist of the Year

Ahmed Ibrahim, of Pharmacy World East Fawkner, was awarded Victoria’s Community Pharmacist of the Year.

Ahmad Ibrahim receiving his award

Ahmed demonstrates exceptional leadership, resilience, and innovation in pharmacy practice. As founder of an 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.

The judges said: “Ahmed Ibrahim’s leadership and innovation are strengthening patient care and community safety.”