Maddison Waide from Lucy Walker Pharmacy in Goondiwindi, Queensland, has been awarded the 2024 Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year (PATY). Maddison distinguished herself among eight finalists representing their states and territories at the national workshop during the Pharmacy Assistant National Conference (PA2024) at the Hyatt Regency Sydney on September 6, 2024.

The PATY Award honours excellence in community pharmacy, recognising assistants who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and commitment to patient care. Maddison was chosen after a rigorous assessment that tested the finalists’ knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities.

Speaking on a panel before the winner’s announcement, Maddison emphasised the significance of Full Scope of Practice services in community pharmacies across Australia, which will increase access to healthcare for everyday health conditions. “These changes will allow participating pharmacies to offer treatment for a wider range of health conditions for everyone,” she noted.

Reflecting on her experience, Maddison shared, “I’ve been so lucky to be fully immersed in all our training. It’s been such a hands-on opportunity. Something we need everyone to know is that it’s not just about the pharmacist. It starts with our assistants and techs. We’re already doing our part, from triaging to checking weights and taking blood pressures.”

She also expressed her appreciation for the Full Scope of Practice training: “The Australasian Full Scope training was incredibly beneficial. It reinforced the knowledge I gained from my pharmacists and gave me the confidence to know that we can do this, and do it really well. I’m excited to see where Full Scope goes next.”

Award judge Daniel Shalhoub from AFT Pharmaceuticals praised the high calibre of finalists.

“It’s always challenging to select a winner given the exceptional talent and dedication displayed by each finalist,” said Mr Shalhoub. “However, Maddison truly embodied the qualities that this award represents: commitment to patient care, leadership, and a passion for professional growth. Congratulations to Maddison on this well-deserved recognition.”

Maddison will receive a $5,000 cash prize and packages to attend key industry conferences, including the 2025 Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference and the 2025 Pharmacy Assistant National Conference, to further her professional development.

The Pharmacy Guild’s National President, Professor Trent Twomey, congratulated Maddison, stating: “The PATY award continues to be a cornerstone in acknowledging the hard work and dedication of pharmacy assistants across Australia. Maddison should be incredibly proud of this achievement, as it highlights her significant contribution to community pharmacy.”

This year also introduced the Glucojel Runner Up Award, which Amy Clayson, Terry White Chemmart Normanville in SA, won.

The other state and territory winners were:

  • ACT: Danielle Peel, Cooleman Court Pharmacy, Weston
  • NT: Karisa Lunn, Blooms the Chemist Bakewell
  • NSW: Aidan Kassi, Amcal Pharmacy Kings Cross Centre, Sydney
  • SA: Amy Clayson, Terry White Chemmart Normanville
  • TAS: Seetha Naidoo, Terry White Chemmart Legana
  • VIC: Rebecca Frost, Gunn and McConville Medication Management, Balwyn North
  • WA: Demi Morton, Pharmacy 777 Tambrey, Nickol

Nominations for the 2025 Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award will open in March 2025.

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