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Beyond the Script – APP2026 is set to deliver for community pharmacy

Lead image for Beyond the Script – APP2026 is set to deliver for community pharmacy

A call to action for pharmacy professionals to adapt, innovate, and lead with compassion, the Australasian Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition is being held from March 12 to 14 on the Gold Coast.

Centred around the theme of Beyond the Script, APP’s program this year will deliver a diverse and engaging mix of content to encourage innovation, critical thinking, and a patient-centred approach.

Conference streams include:

  • business, innovation and leadership
  • clinical pharmacy
  • product updates
  • rural pharmacy and Indigenous health
  • harm minimisation
  • early career pharmacists
  • cultural engagement, and
  • professional practice.

“This year’s theme, Beyond the Script, is a call to action for pharmacy professionals to adapt, innovate, and lead with compassion,” Conference Convenor Kos Sclavos AM said.

“The program was designed to drive the next chapter of community pharmacy, equipping delegates with the insights and inspiration to deliver even greater value to their patients and communities,” he said. “The program offers something for everyone — from students and early career pharmacists to experienced owners and industry leaders.”


Program highlights

The conference kicks off with an opening plenary, with Miranda Deakin as master of ceremonies. Participants will reflect on milestones from the past year, hear about PGA’s strategic priorities, and celebrate excellence in community pharmacy through industry awards.

Business, innovation and leadership stream sessions will provide delegates with insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the profession and help unlock their potential. This is supported with international perspectives from Ireland, with guest speakers Clare Fitzell and Tom Murray exploring how pharmacy innovation and reform overseas can inspire Australia’s continued progress. Don’t miss our in-depth interview with Tom in the following pages.

Celebrated athlete Jana Pittman will deliver the Ann Dalton Address, inspiring delegates with insights from her experiences across the realms of sport and medicine. While founder of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, Walter Mikac AM, will share his remarkable story of turning unimaginable personal tragedy into a message of hope, resilience, and purpose in the Alan Russell Oration. You’ll also find our interview with Walter in the following pages.

“APP is the heartbeat of community pharmacy — it’s where we come together to share knowledge, celebrate achievements, and shape the future of our profession,” Kos said.

For those wanting to expand their clinical knowledge, sessions on osteoarthritis care, iron therapy, acne management, type 2 diabetes care, wound care, airway wellness, and more will provide practical insights, evidence-based strategies, and valuable takeaways to enhance patient outcomes and support professional growth.

In addition to the main program, the pre-conference workshops on Wednesday March 12 will allow delegates to start their APP experience with immersive learning in full scope of practice, immunisation, and business transformation.