What’s happening?
Australia’s leading community pharmacy professionals have been recognised at the national final of the 2026 National Pharmacy Awards.
Among the national winners was Molly McGuire, a pharmacist based in Toowoomba, Queensland, who was named Community Pharmacist of the Year.
The awards recognise individuals and pharmacy teams who show strong leadership, innovation and patient focused care in community pharmacy practice.
Other national winners were also announced. Capital Chemist Bathurst in New South Wales received the Community Pharmacy of the Year award, while Mia Shinkfield from Tasmania was named Student Pharmacist of the Year.
The awards highlight the important work carried out by community pharmacies in supporting patients and strengthening primary healthcare across Australia.
Why it matters
Community pharmacies play a key role in helping Australians access healthcare quickly and close to home.
Pharmacists now support patients with a range of everyday health concerns and help manage ongoing health conditions.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Professor Trent Twomey said the award winners demonstrate the strength of the profession.
“Community pharmacies are Australia’s most trusted and accessible frontline healthcare destinations. These national winners represent the strength, leadership and innovation that define our profession,” Professor Twomey said.
“These winners exemplify the best of our profession. They are improving access, strengthening communities and showing Australians why they should Think Pharmacy First.”
Local impact
The national recognition for Molly McGuire highlights the contribution of pharmacists working in regional Queensland.
Her award also places Toowoomba on the national stage for excellence in community pharmacy care.
By the numbers
• In 2026, the National Pharmacy Awards recognised leading pharmacy professionals from across the country during the national final.
• Australia has around 6,000 community pharmacies, forming a key part of the country’s primary healthcare network.
• On average, Australians visit a community pharmacy every three weeks, making pharmacists one of the most frequently accessed healthcare professionals.
Zoom in
The Community Pharmacist of the Year award recognises pharmacists who make a strong impact in patient care and community health.
Molly McGuire’s recognition reflects the work pharmacists carry out every day to support patients and improve access to healthcare.
Zoom out
Across Australia, the role of pharmacists continues to grow as healthcare needs change.
Community pharmacies are now able to treat a range of everyday health conditions while also helping patients manage long-term illnesses.
The National Pharmacy Awards highlight how pharmacists continue to strengthen frontline healthcare services.
What to look for next
Nominations for the 2027 National Pharmacy Awards are now open through www.findapharmacy.com.au.