Held at the Hyatt Regency Sydney from 3-5 September, the conference brought together nearly 1,800 owners, pharmacists, students, interns, pharmacy assistants, and industry representatives under the theme ‘From Inspiration to Action’.
Hosted by The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, the event delivered a dynamic program of keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, designed to spark innovation and drive progress across the pharmacy sector.
Guild National President, Professor Trent Twomey, opened the conference with a compelling call to action, urging community pharmacy to embrace its evolving role in Australia’s health care system.
Conference Convenor, Kos Sclavos AM echoed Professor Twomey’s sentiment for the industry to take advantage of current opportunities and act now.
“This year’s conference theme was more than a slogan; it was a challenge to every attendee to take the inspiration they found at the event and turn it into meaningful change in their communities,” Mr Sclavos said.
With a diverse program featuring over 60 expert speakers, including leading voices in pharmacy, business, and health, delegates learnt about the future of the industry following renewed government focus on accessible and affordable health care, and the recent expansion of pharmacy scope of practice rolling out across Australia.
Program highlights included a keynote address by NSW Premier, The Hon Chris Minns, whose presence signaled the growing importance of pharmacy in public health policy.
The Premier made three announcements: a reform giving pharmacists permanent treatment authority for dermatological conditions; the aim of both the University of Newcastle and the University of Technology Sydney to offer full scope training for community pharmacists from 2026; and the NSW government’s current investigation into ways to improve community access to antiviral medications to treat influenza, including through pharmacy.
Other highlights included renowned futurist Michael McQueen, who inspired delegates to embrace innovation and resilience in their professional journeys, and Nicky Miklos’ “Hustle to Happy” session on sustainable achievement.
For the first time, this year’s Cocktail Party was held on board the Starship Sydney, where stunning views of the Sydney skyline provided a unique backdrop to the announcement of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic National Pharmacy Assistant of the Year (PATY) for 2025. The PATY Award celebrates excellence in community pharmacy and the impact pharmacy assistants have on the industry. And there was plenty to celebrate for this year’s runner-up, Yasmin Elmawey from Hammondville Discount Pharmacy, NSW, and national winner Jessica Brown from Emerald Village Pharmacy, VIC.
Pharmacy Connect also featured a trade exhibition of 70 stands, which was the networking hub of the event.
“The energy in the exhibition hall was fantastic,” Mr Sclavos said. “It was a space where authentic connections were made, and delegates could engage meaningfully with exhibitors and industry leaders.”
Reflecting on the success of Pharmacy Connect 2025, Mr Sclavos extended his thanks to all sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and attendees for making the conference so memorable.
“We couldn’t do it without the support of our partners and the enthusiasm of our delegates,” he said. “Pharmacy Connect is truly a team effort.”
Pharmacy Connect will return to the Hyatt Regency Sydney from 9 September – 11 September 2026. More details will be announced soon.
