Benjamin King from Alice Springs Pharmacy in Northern Territory has been recognised as Australia’s outstanding pharmacy assistant of 2020.
Benjamin took out the top gong at the Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award (PATY).
PATY recognises outstanding pharmacy assistants’ skills, knowledge, leadership and customer service across a 12-month period.
Benjamin was selected from over 460 nominated pharmacy assistants and eight state winners, with the prize awarded following a virtual national judging day.
Benjamin said: “I am so happy I could bring it home for the Northern Territory. A huge congratulations to all the other contestants – I am incredibly thankful I got to meet them.”
The competition judges commended Benjamin for his positive attitude and commitment to ongoing training and development. The judges were particularly impressed with Benjamin’s enthusiasm and passion towards the pharmacy industry and his dedication to his role as a pharmacy assistant.
“Without my customers I would be out of a job – the people of Alice Springs are the heart of Australia,” Benjamin said.
“A big thank you to my team at work who have been supportive and helpful in preparing me.”
Benjamin takes home over $10,000 in prizes including cash, a training package, educational opportunities and other great rewards.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, George Tambassis congratulated Benjamin for his valuable contribution to community pharmacy in Australia.
“Benjamin has been recognised as always going the extra mile with customers and staff members, which is critical to the future success of the pharmacy industry as our range of services to the public continues to grow,” Mr Tambassis said.
“The calibre of PATY nominees this year has been extremely high, and each PATY finalist has displayed a strong commitment to their work and the industry in what has been a very challenging year for everyone in Australia.”