Pharmacy assistants across Australia are reminded there’s still time to self-nominate or respond to a nomination for the 2025 Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year (PATY2025) Award, with entries closing on Friday 9 May.

Whether you’ve received a nomination from an employer, colleague, customer, or industry representative – or want to put your own name forward – this is your opportunity to be recognised on a national stage for your contribution to your community.

Alison Hope, PATY Award Judge and General Manager of Education and Training for the Australasian College of Pharmacy, says the PATY Award is about more than just recognition.

“It’s about celebrating the pharmacy assistants who show exceptional commitment to their work and communities,” Mrs Hope said. “By nominating yourself or completing your nomination response, you’re taking the next step in your professional development journey.”

Now in its 19th year, PATY is the leading award for pharmacy assistants in Australia, recognising excellence in customer service, leadership, and continued learning.

Finalists and winners receive a wide range of benefits, including:

PATY2025 State Finalists will:

• participate in the PATY2025 State Workshop and Judging Day, gaining invaluable professional development; and
• receive 50% off Pharmacy Connect 2025 conference registrations, which includes a dedicated Pharmacy Assistant educational stream.

Each PATY2025 State Winner will receive:

• a custom glass trophy;
• exclusive training and development sessions;
• national recognition in industry publications such as Retail Pharmacy Assistants, Retail Pharmacy, Australasian Pharmacist, and Pharmacy Daily;
• a profile in National Guild electronic and social media platforms; and
• return flights, accommodation, and complimentary registration to Pharmacy Connect 2025 for attendance at the PATY2025 National Judging Workshop.

The PATY2025 National Winner will receive:

• all the State Winner benefits;
• $5,000 cash prize;
• return flights, accommodation and registration to APP2026 on the Gold Coast, including tickets to the Welcome Reception and Street Party;

Self-nominations and nomination acceptances close Friday 9 May 2025.

Media Enquiries:
Olive Reilly

Marketing and Communications Manager
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland
0423 494 050

Tomorrow is the final day to nominate a pharmacy assistant for the 2025 Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year (PATY2025) Award!

Nominations close at 11:59 PM (AEST) on Friday 18 April, marking the last opportunity for pharmacy owners, colleagues, customers, and industry representatives to acknowledge an outstanding pharmacy assistant in their community.

Alison Hope, PATY Award Judge and General Manager of Education and Training for the Australasian College of Pharmacy, says now is the time to act.

“Pharmacy assistants are at the heart of community pharmacy, providing exceptional care and support every day,” Mrs Hope said. “If you’ve been thinking about nominating someone, don’t wait — submit your nomination before it’s too late!”

The national winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize, a custom glass trophy, and industry recognition, along with professional development opportunities, including attendance at the 2026 Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference (APP2026) on the Gold Coast.

Third-party nominations close 18 April 2025

Media Enquiries:
Olive Reilly

Marketing and Communications Manager
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland
0423 494 050

MEDIA RELEASE
11 April 2025

One Week Left to Nominate an Outstanding Pharmacy Assistant for PATY 2025

Time is running out to recognise an outstanding pharmacy assistant for the 2025 Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year (PATY2025) Award, with third-party nominations closing next Friday 18 April.

Now in its 19th year, PATY is Australia’s leading award for pharmacy assistants, celebrating excellence in customer service, professional development, and leadership.

Alison Hope, PATY Award Judge and General Manager of Education and Training for the Australasian College of Pharmacy, urges pharmacy owners, colleagues, customers, and industry representatives to submit their nominations before the deadline.

“Pharmacy assistants are the backbone of community pharmacy, providing invaluable support to both customers and their teams,” Mrs Hope said. “If you know someone who consistently goes above and beyond, now is the time to recognise them.”

The national winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize, a custom glass trophy, and exclusive professional development opportunities, including attendance at the 2026 Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference (APP2026) on the Gold Coast.

Third-party nominations close 18 April 2025.

MEDIA RELEASE

1 April 2025

Pharmacy Connect 2025: Early Bird Registration Now Open!

Pharmacy Connect Convenor Kos Sclavos AM has today announced that Early Bird registration for Pharmacy Connect 2025 is now open.

“Pharmacy Connect is a must-attend event for pharmacy professionals, and we’re pleased to offer early bird savings for those who register now,” said Mr Sclavos. “By securing a ticket early, attendees can save $100 off their registration.”

Pharmacy Connect 2025 will take place at the Hyatt Regency Sydney from 3-5 September, featuring a two-and-a-half-day education program, pre-conference workshops, a 70-stand trade exhibition, and networking events, including the Welcome Reception and Cocktail Party.

Mr Sclavos encouraged pharmacists, owners, executives, students, interns, and industry representatives to take advantage of the offer before it ends.

“The conference may be in September, but early bird savings are only available for a limited time,” he said. “Don’t miss the chance to secure your spot at a discounted rate!”

According to Mr Sclavos, this year’s program is being carefully curated to ensure delegates gain valuable insights into critical pharmacy trends, legislative updates, and emerging technologies that are shaping the industry’s future.

“Attendees will have the opportunity to learn practical strategies to enhance their pharmacy’s profitability, operational efficiency, and patient care services,” he said. “Pharmacy Connect delivers content that is not only relevant but immediately applicable to pharmacy businesses.”

Networking will also play a crucial role at this year’s conference, with Mr Sclavos highlighting the unique opportunities for delegates to connect with like-minded professionals, industry leaders, and suppliers.

“Pharmacy Connect is designed to facilitate high-quality interactions in a more intimate setting, making it ideal for those looking to strengthen their business connections,” said Mr Sclavos.

While in past years, the Pharmacy Connect conference has been run in parallel to the Pharmacy Assistant National Conference, this year Pharmacy Connect 2025 will offer tailored education streams, including a dedicated learning stream for pharmacy assistants. This change will bring attendees from all areas of the pharmacy industry more closely together, while still offering opportunities for tailored learning.

“The program is being structured to ensure all attendees, from owners and executives to interns and pharmacy assistants, gain valuable professional development,” said Mr Sclavos. “Our pharmacy assistant stream provides targeted skills development and career growth opportunities, reinforcing the important role assistants play in the sector.”

The conference’s Trade Exhibition will also provide attendees with the opportunity to engage directly with industry representatives, suppliers, and service providers.

“The exhibition space is designed to encourage genuine conversations and collaboration, so delegates walk away with fresh perspectives and actionable insights they can implement in their businesses,” Mr Sclavos added.

ENDS

Media Enquiries:
Olive Reilly
Marketing and Communications Manager
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland
0423 494 050

MEDIA RELEASE

3 March 2025

PATY 2025: Nominations now open!

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, in partnership with AFT Pharmaceuticals, is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year (PATY2025) Award.

Celebrating its 19th year, PATY is Australia’s premier accolade for pharmacy assistants, recognising exceptional dedication to customer service, professional development, and leadership in community pharmacy.

Pharmacy assistants across the nation are encouraged to participate by either self-nominating or being nominated by employers, colleagues, customers, or industry representatives.

Key dates for the 2025 award process are as follows:

3 March 2025: Nominations open

18 April 2025: Third-party nominations close

9 May 2025: Self-nominations and nomination responses close

23 May 2025: State finalists notified

17 June 2025: Virtual state workshop & judging day

18 June 2025: Virtual state selection interviews and state winner announcements

3 September 2025: National workshop and judging day in Sydney

4 September 2025: National winner announced at the Pharmacy Connect 2025 Cocktail Party in Sydney

The national winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize, a custom glass trophy, and opportunities for further professional development, including attendance at the 2026 Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference (APP2026) on the Gold Coast. State winners will also be recognised with trophies, exclusive training sessions, and national industry exposure.

For more information on the nomination process and to submit nominations, please visit the official PATY website.

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Media Enquiries: Olive Reilly 0423 494 050