The newly formed Foundation will build on nearly a century of community pharmacy service in Australia.
It will invest in initiatives to help improve access to essential medicines, strengthen pharmacist capability, and support better health outcomes for people in need.
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW has a proud history of supporting people facing hardship and disadvantage with dignity, compassion and practical assistance.
Joy Kyriacou, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW
Chair of the Pharmacy Guild Foundation, pharmacist Catherine Bronger, said the Foundation was a natural extension of the values which have always underpinned community pharmacy.
“Pharmacists have always cared deeply about the communities they serve,” Catherine said.
“Every day, we see health challenges firsthand and work with patients to help them achieve better outcomes.
“The Foundation provides an opportunity for our profession to give back in a different way, supporting individuals, families and communities who are facing significant health and social disadvantage," she said.
Building trust
Catherine also said Australia’s pharmacy sector had spent generations earning the trust of its communities.
“Through the Foundation, we can channel that commitment into initiatives that improve access to care, support health equity and create lasting positive change,” she said.
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Acting Executive Director of Membership, Volunteers and Early Intervention, Joy Kyriacou, said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to helping those most in need.
“St Vincent de Paul Society NSW has a proud history of supporting people facing hardship and disadvantage with dignity, compassion and practical assistance,” Joy said.
“We are delighted to work alongside community pharmacy to deliver this important work.
“Our members are located in over 350 local communities throughout the state providing a range of material and financial assistance, including food, clothing, household bills and health expenses.
“Together, we can help make sure people facing disadvantage are not left behind when it comes to accessing healthcare and essential support.”
Volunteer power
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW supported more than 106,000 people during the past financial year through its network of volunteer members.
The organisation provided more than AUD 16.2 million in financial and material assistance, including help with prescriptions and medical needs for 1,400 primary recipients and a further 1,050 dependents.
Assistance for those seeking help with scripts averaged AUD 130 per person.
Together, we can help make sure people facing disadvantage are not left behind when it comes to accessing healthcare and essential support.
Joy Kyriacou
Launching in September
The Pharmacy Guild Foundation will host its inaugural Gala Dinner on September 10 2026 at Sydney's Fullerton Hotel.
The event will be held in conjunction with Pharmacy Connect 2026 and is set to provide an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the Foundation’s mission.
Catherine said the Foundation’s vision was simple: to harness the generosity, expertise and community spirit of pharmacy to improve lives and help create a healthier community and a healthier future for people in Australia.
What is the Pharmacy Guild Foundation?
The Pharmacy Guild Foundation aims to improve access to medicines and pharmacy care for communities which need it most.
Its purpose is to advance community health and wellbeing domestically and internationally by relieving poverty, sickness, and distress through the direct provision of, or funding for, essential medicines, healthcare services, and related support to individuals and communities experiencing financial or social disadvantage.
To achieve this, the Foundation will fund projects to improve access to medicines; support communities experiencing disadvantage or poor access to healthcare; and help deliver better health outcomes through pharmacy-led initiatives.
The Foundation will raise funds through donations, sponsorships and is being formally launched next month, on September 10.
