This year’s program emphasised the importance of translating innovation into real‑world change, spotlighting the unique access barriers rural Australians face and the essential role community pharmacies play in bridging those gaps.
The session opened with a keynote from Dr Peta‑Ann Teague, offering a medical perspective on rural health needs and opportunities for stronger, more integrated care. Attendees then moved into interactive tabletop discussions, engaging directly with rural clinicians, educators, Guild leaders, prescribing pharmacists and workforce specialists to explore how successful models are already being implemented on the ground.
Echoing broader APP themes, forum discussions aligned with APTV conversations highlighting that regional pharmacies are often the only frontline health service available in their communities — reinforcing why strengthening rural practice is fundamental to national health equity.
The Forum concluded with a highlight that has become an APP favourite: the unveiling of the I Love Rural Pharmacy video competition winners.
This year’s theme, “Rural Pharmacy: Insight to Impact,” celebrated the ingenuity and heart that define rural practice. Ouyen Pharmacy (Victoria) won Best Video, and TerryWhite Chemmart Burnie (Tasmania) received People’s Choice, with entries reflecting the humour, creativity and community‑focused solutions synonymous with rural pharmacy.
