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SPEAKERS

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Andria Aird
Pharmacy Owner, Blooms The Chemist

Driven by her passion for delivering personalised care and building genuine relationships with patients and customers, Andria Aird has spent her entire working career in the field of pharmacy. Since 2018, she's proudly served as the pharmacist-owner of both Blooms The Chemist Port Coogee and Blooms The Chemist Joondalup. With a special focus on women's health, Andria works closely with her community to help everyone achieve their best health and live their fullest lives. Alongside her dedication to her customers, she loves mentoring her team and guiding young pharmacists, ensuring the bright future of community pharmacy in Australia.

Natalie Armstrong
Head of Retail Marketing, Sandoz

Natalie Armstrong is an experienced marketing leader dedicated to improving access to high quality medicines. In her role as the Head of Marketing at Sandoz, Natalie has led the launches of generic and biosimilar medications into community pharmacies and hospitals across Australia. Prior to joining Sandoz five years ago, Natalie gained valuable experience working in diverse positions at GSK in London. Natalie holds a Bachelor of Science, with a major in Biology, from Stanford University (USA). With her wealth of knowledge and experience, Natalie continues to drive impactful marketing strategies in the pharmaceutical industry to better serve Australian patients.

Professor Malcolm Battersby
Head of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University

Malcolm Battersby trained at the Institute of Psychiatry, London in behavioural treatment of anxiety disorders and severe neurotic conditions. He is Professor of Psychiatry of Flinders University, Clinical Director of the Southern Adelaide Mental Health Services and Director of the Flinders Centre for Gambling Research. He established the Flinders Human Behaviour and Health Research Unit and cognitive behavioural post graduate courses at Flinders University, as well as the Statewide Gambling Therapy Services. His team has led the training and supervision of low intensity coaches for the Beyondblue NewAccess program, which saw over 3,000 people with anxiety and depression achieving recovery rates of 68%. Professor Battersby was awarded a Harkness Research Fellowship in the study of chronic condition self-management in the United States and had led the development of the Flinders Program of chronic condition management, now provided across Australia and internationally.

Simon Blacker
National Vice-President Clinical Governance, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Simon Blacker is a community pharmacist and has been a pharmacy owner for over 20 years. After 10 years of leading the team at Orana Mall Pharmacy in Dubbo, Simon relocated to Canberra as the Managing Partner of Life Pharmacy Group, ACT. In 2017, Simon was elected President of the Pharmacy Guild’s ACT Branch, a role in which he is passionate about seeking feedback from Guild members, providing a voice to their ideas and providing possible solutions to their challenges. He is also Chair of the Guild’s Clinical Governance Committee. Simon believes the community pharmacy network is ideally positioned to do more to assist patients with their health needs in new and innovative ways.

Liz Brimage
Project Manager Clinical Governance & Quality, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Liz Brimage serves as the Clinical Governance Project Manager at the Pharmacy Guild National Secretariat. With a background in the government policy sector, Liz brings valuable experience to her current role. Liz is passionate about upholding quality standards in healthcare and is dedicated to supporting community pharmacy during this exciting period of growth and advancement. Her focus includes making clinical governance information easily accessible, contributing to the overall improvement of healthcare practices in pharmacy.

Carolyn Clementson
Pharmacy Practice Manager, Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse

A community pharmacist and pharmacy owner, Carolyn Clementson primarily works as the Pharmacy Practice Manager at the Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse support office. In this role, Carolyn is responsible for QCPP accreditation, implementation of health programs and services, professional practice, professional education and regulatory compliance for the group. A former board director or the Australian College of Pharmacy, Carolyn is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland, a previous Visiting Clinical Fellow at QUT and in 2019, was credentialled as an Advancing Practice Pharmacist (Stage II). A passionate advocate for community pharmacists working to their full scope of practice, Carolyn is currently undertaking training to participate in the Queensland Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot.

Regina Cowie
Partnerships Manager, Fred IT Group

Regina Cowie has a Bachelor of Sports Science (Exercise Physiologist) and is a qualified accredited pharmacist. She has over 20 years’ experience in community, industry and corporate pharmacy. Regina developed the first intern training program for the Northern Territory and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. She worked for Australian Pharmaceutical Industries for 8 years, most recently as the National Health Care Services Manager, where she led her team to successfully implement electronic prescribing into Priceline Pharmacy, Soul Pattison and Pharmacist Advice. Regina has a passion for service delivery with care through innovation and technology. She is the newly appointed Partnerships Manager in eHealth for FRED IT.

Session Details: Do we need Artificial Intelligence to serve customers better? | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 2.00pm - 2.45pm

Mick Delaney
Pharmacist, Thursday Island Pharmacy

Mick Delaney is an experienced pharmacist with a passion for regional and remote community pharmacy. As an owner of multiple pharmacies along the eastern corridor or Australia, Mick strongly believes that pharmacists are the hub of regional and remote health and make a huge impact on the health and wellbeing of their patients. Mick is a strong healthcare services professional and understands that business skills are as important as clinical skills if you wish to operate a successful pharmacy. As a Director of Hazel Pharma, Mick appreciates that each pharmacy is unique. With this in mind, Mick is focused on increasing efficiencies by implementing best practice systems and technology that best suits the needs of the individual pharmacy and their community. As a Director of PharmaCEO, Mick’s goal is to simplify data management to allow for accurate reporting, management and forecasting, again improving efficiencies to delivery improved results for the pharmacy and their community.

Hon Peter Dutton MP
Leader of the Opposition

Peter Dutton is the Federal Member for Dickson and Leader of the Liberal Party. Prior to his election in 2001, Peter served as a Queensland Police Officer. He worked in the National Crime Authority and Drug and Sex Offenders’ Squads. Peter was appointed to the Ministry by Prime Minister John Howard in 2004. In January 2006, he was promoted to Assistant Treasurer. Following the 2007 election, Peter served as Shadow Minister for Finance, Competition Policy and Deregulation, and Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing. Most recently, Peter served as Minister for Defence delivering record funding and securing the vital equipment our service personnel need to keep our country safe. He was a member of the National Security Committee of Cabinet and served on the Expenditure Review Committee and leadership teams. Previously, he served as Home Affairs Minister, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection and Minister for Health and Minister for Sport. Peter is married to Kirilly and is the proud father of Rebecca, Harry and Tom and lives in Dayboro in the Dickson electorate.

Kristina Fox
Community Pharmacist

Kristina Fox is a proud community pharmacist who wants to revolutionise the industry. Kristina has a passion for improving patient health outcomes through innovation and is focused on meeting the needs of her local community through specialising in NDIS, medicinal cannabis, IVF, minor ailments and compounding services. Kristina believes collaborating with other health professionals is critical to delivering holistic health solutions and that by working together, can leverage their respective expertise to provide the best possible care for patients. She is also committed to delivering complete care and achieving positive health outcomes for patients.

Richard Gorman
Managing Director, Corporate Financial Services P/L

Richard Gorman is Managing Director of Corporate Financial Services P/L, a company established in 1984 which specialises in pharmacy specific services ranging from sales, business advice and financial needs. Richard leads a team of pharmacy specialists and enjoys strong working relationships with the major banking groups, wholesalers and pharmacists throughout Australia. He is committed to improving the efficiencies within all pharmacies with the intent of maintaining sustainable, long-term profitability.

Session Details: Buying and selling a pharmacy today | Saturday, 16 March 2024 | 2.00pm - 2.30pm

Dr John Gullotta AM
Specialist General Practitioner & Registered Pharmacist

Dr John Gullotta is a Sydney based Specialist General Practitioner with over 30 years’ experience. Dr Gullotta has extensive involvement in academia, teaching, medical organisations, media and community service, is a Visiting Fellow in Pharmacy at the University of Technology Sydney, Graduate School of Health and served as President of the AMA (NSW) from 2004 to 2006. Dr Gullotta is also a proud pharmacist and sits on numerous advisory bodies including Medicines Australia Code of Conduct Committee and Professional Services Review Committee. Dr Gullotta’s extensive contribution to the profession and community service was acknowledged in 2007 when he was appointed Member in the Order of Australia, AM for “service to medicine through a range of executive roles with professional medical associations and as a general practitioner, and to the Italian community”. In 2018, he was elected onto the branch committee of the Order of Australia Association NSW and is currently the Deputy Chair.

Dr Richard “Harry” Harris SC OAM
Australian of the Year 2019, Thai Cave Rescue Diver & Anaesthetist

Dr Richard “Harry” Harris has worked in anaesthesia, diving and aeromedical medicine. His passion for cave diving has taken him to the corners of the globe in search of new adventures, and he has a professional and voluntary interest in search and rescue operations, establishing the first flooded cave rescue capability in Australasia. In 2018, the Thailand cave rescue was an opportunity for Harry to put this training to work. That same year, he received the Star of Courage, Australia’s second highest civilian award for bravery, and the medal of the Order of Australia for his role in the rescue. In 2019, Harry was the joint Australian of the Year with his dive partner, Craig Challen. Harry is now a speaker, author and film maker and an advocate for sensible risk taking in young people, encouraging youth to get off their screens and get outside to build independence, resilience and improve mental health.

Session Details: Against all odds - an inside account of the Thai cave rescue | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 9.40am - 10.30am

Hamish Henderson
Chief Executive Officer, Rival

Hamish Henderson is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Rival and a practicing designer and innovation consultant, specialising in Digital Product Design and Human Factors Engineering. His experience spans health, urban technology, construction, travel, enterprise technology, mass transport and consumer electronics, as well as extensive experience across government and private enterprise. Hamish is also an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney and an Industry Fellow at the University of Technology, Sydney. He is a published author of several academic papers which explore design, technology and innovation. Hamish specialises in designing innovative and usable solutions to complex and difficult problems and in actively teaching and mentoring teams to help them achieve their goals.

Professor Harriet Hiscock
Group Leader, Health Services & Economics, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute

Professor Harriet Hiscock is a consultant paediatrician and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. She is Associate Director, Research at the Centre for Community Child Health, Director of The Royal Children's Hospital Health Services Research Unit and Group Leader, Health Services at Murdoch Children's Research Institute. She has published over 290 peer reviewed papers and has been awarded continuous NHMRC funding since 2002. Her work informs the content of the federal government-funded Raising Children Network Parenting site. She has also co-authored a report which led to the inclusion of a child mental health measure in the Victorian School Entry Health Questionnaire that enables earlier detection and management of child mental health problems.

Janice Hoogeveen
Head of Marketing, TerryWhite Chemmart

Janice Hoogeveen is the Head of Marketing for TerryWhite Chemmart and has over 30 years’ experience across various industries including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, fast-moving goods, and retail. Janice has a deep understanding and analysis of consumer trends, which she adeptly translates into actionable insights and impactful go-to-market strategies. Her tenure includes pivotal roles at organisations such as Sanofi, Nestle, Metagenics, and The Royal Flying Doctors. Throughout her career, Janice has spearheaded numerous successful campaigns, crafting narratives that not only align with a brand's core message but also establish meaningful connections with consumers. Her innovative approach and strategic mindset have propelled brands to new heights, positioning them as market leaders in their respective domains.

Dr Anchita Karmakar
Director of Medicolegal Advisory Board of Peers, Australian Health Practitioners Advisory Solutions

Dr Anchita Karmakar is the Director of Medicolegal Advisory Board of Peers for the Australian Health Practitioners Advisory Solutions (AHPAS). With a dual degree in Medicine and Law, Anchita brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and charisma to this role. Her ambition is to help unite all healthcare professionals under the one banner of AHPAS so that HCPs can collaborate and innovate together. She is an avid social justice fighter, helping and guiding her colleagues through the troubles of regulatory issues.

Lauren Kunde
Dermatologist

Dr Lauren Kunde is a registered Queensland-based dermatologist specialising in general dermatology and paediatric dermatology. She practices privately at Paddington Dermatology and publicly at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, while holding an appointment in tele-dermatology at Princess Alexandra Hospital. Her particular areas of interest are paediatric dermatology, vascular malformations, skin cancer management, acne and photodamage. Lauren was educated in both Australia and the United Kingdom, mastering specific knowledge of inflammatory skin conditions while working in the UK. Her responsibilities as both parent and doctor underscore a passion for educating families about sun safety and skin cancer prevention, as lives and heartbreak can be saved by establishing smart habits.

Mark Li
Pharmacist Advisor (VIC), The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Mark Li is a community pharmacist with a background in rural/regional healthcare in both New Zealand and Australia. Mark has been the Pharmacist Advisor for The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Victoria Branch for the past two years. Mark is an advocate for the central role of community pharmacies in healthcare and believes in leveraging the skills and strategic position of pharmacists to deliver evidence-based healthcare.

Dr Brett MacFarlane
Medical Director, Panwar Health

Dr Brett MacFarlane is Medical Director of Panwar Health. Brett graduated from pharmacy at the University of Queensland in 1993 and managed community pharmacies in metropolitan and regional Queensland for a number of years before completing a PhD in skin science at the UQ Medical School. Brett is a Fellow and former Chief Pharmacist of the Australasian College of Pharmacy. Brett’s primary research area was the movement of molecules across the skin. He later developed an interest in dry skin, other common skin conditions, and gastrointestinal health. Brett is an experienced peer reviewed author, medical writer, public speaker, and podcaster.

Session Details: Easing the strain - managing constipation in children and the importance of the parent/caregiver conversation | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 10.45am - 11.15am

Session Details: Evidence and gaps in children's pain and fever relief - implementation of the first Australian community pharmacist guideline | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 2.00pm - 2.30pm

Abbey Marshall
Rural and Indigenous Chair, NAPSA

Abbey Marshall is the Rural and Indigenous (RANDI) chair for the National Australian Pharmacy Student Association (NAPSA). Abbey has a strong rural background and has developed a great passion for rural and remote and indigenous health. She strives to encourage and promote other pharmacy students to seek experience in a rural community to open their eyes to the wonderful world of the country. Her role as Rural and Indigenous Chair of NAPSA is just the beginning of her work towards equalising opportunities and services across rural and indigenous communities. As a current third year pharmacy student at James Cook University in Townsville, Abbey is working towards her dream of being a health professional in rural and remote Australia.

Tina McGhie
Co-CEO, Curijo

Tina McGhie is an Aboriginal woman who identifies with the Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal peoples of NSW and ACT. Tina is one of two female owners of Curijo, an Aboriginal, female led boutique Consultancy firm, headquartered out of the Illawarra and beautiful Dharawal Country. Tina is a Director and Senior Aboriginal Consultant with extensive management experience within human services and Social and Emotional Wellbeing over the past 25 years. Tina’s work is underpinned by Graduate Certificate’s in Indigenous Business Leadership and Indigenous Trauma Recovery Practice, Diploma’s in Community Services Management and Therapeutic Life Story Work, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Tina is currently undertaking her Masters in Indigenous Health and sits on the Social Work Advisory Panel of the University of Wollongong, NSW and is passionate about Cultural Safety within the Workplace.

Joyce McSwan
Clinical Program Director, Gold Coast Primary Health Network Persistent Pain Program

Joyce McSwan is the Clinical Program Director of the Gold Coast Primary Health Network Persistent Pain Program, as well as the Managing Director of PainWISE. A multi-award-winning clinical pharmacist, pain educator and pain program developer, Joyce is well-known for her work in the area of pain and is an advocate of achieving patient outcomes with a focus on the whole person approach, based on current scientific evidence and innovative collaborative systems. Her area of focus includes encouraging talent and innovation in her fellow pharmacists to enhance their health care role, especially in the fields of pain management and responsible use of medicines. Joyce is also President Elect of the Australian Pain Society and Principal CPD Director of the Australian Health Practitioner Advisory Solutions (AHPAS).

Session Details: Should we approach pain differently in men and women? | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 11.35am - 12.05pm

Session Details: A sensorial approach to natural pain relief | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 4.00pm - 4.30pm

Professor Rebekah Moles
Pharmacist, University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health

Professor Rebekah Moles is a pharmacist from The Sydney Pharmacy School at the University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health. An academic for over 25 years, Rebekah’s research focuses on Medication Safety, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the very young and very old. She also has experience in both community and hospital pharmacy. Rebekah is currently ranked fourth in the world for fever research and simulated patient/mystery shopping research. Her work has highlighted that caregivers, pharmacists and pharmacy assistants alike have some room for improvement when it comes to managing pain and fever in children.

Session Details: Managing pain and fever in children - the importance of the parent/carer conversation | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 2.35pm - 3.05pm

Lily Mulholland
Pain Sufferer

An executive in the public service and an officer in the Australian Army Reserve, Lily has suffered from pain for most of the last 15 years, which forced her into early retirement in 2022. On her good days, Lily explores her creative side through writing, singing and acting. She is more enthusiastic than talented. Lily is married with two children aged 18 and 15 and has two cheeky dogs named Ghillie and Nova.

Chetna Patel

Chetna Patel is an experienced pharmacist with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Diabetes, Medical Cannabis, Business Management, Innovation, Pharmaceutical Industry and Healthcare, Chetna is passionate about life-long learning and professional skill development. Chetna is a graduate from the University of Otago with postgraduate qualifications from the University of Technology, Sydney. In 2019, Chetna led Hardings 24-Hour Pharmacy in Queensland to become the category winner of Excellence in Professional Innovation, making it one of four category winners of the 2019 Pharmacy of the Year award. In 2022, Chetna joined the MedReleaf Australia team and has been responsible for developing the MedReleaf Telehealth Clinic into one of the leading medical cannabis clinics nationwide. With her community pharmacy experience matched with her expert level of medical cannabis knowledge, Chetna has been able to deliver exceptional results not only for the MedReleaf clinic but also in supporting thousands of community pharmacies on how to implement this new category into their business.

Angelo Pricolo
Community Pharmacist

Angelo Pricolo is a Melbourne based pharmacist who has been involved in the treatment of addiction and harm minimisation for over 30 years. Angelo was a pharmacy owner for 25 years and a National Councillor of the Pharmacy Guild. He is a member of the PSA Harm Minimisation Committee, a sessional tutor at Monash University and holds the position of clinical pharmacist at Orygen Youth Health. In 2008, Angelo produced the documentary ‘Fighting the Dragon with Luck’ to help educate more people about addiction. That same year he was named Australian Pharmacist of the Year.

Helen Rogerson
Author, Facilitator, Coach, Trainer

With a long career in the corporate world at executive level in HR and Learning & Development roles, Helen Rogerson has helped leaders to be the best they can. With a real-world approach to developing individual capability, Helen is passionate about her personal mission of making a difference, one person at a time. Helen runs a consultancy, training and coaching businesses specialising in assisting small and large organisations to provide the optimum environment for their teams to be successful, including helping leaders to perform at their best. The author of LeadershipEQ: Everyday Leadership for the Everyday Leader”, Helen is committed to her own learning, with qualifications including a BA, Grad Cert Management, Ad Dip HR, Dip Training & Assessment, Cert IV in Training & Assessment, Dip Leadership & Management, Masters Prof Ed & Training, and undertaking a PhD (Innovation) candidature.

Hayley Ryan
Former Chair, Wounds Australia

Hayley Ryan has 22 years’ experience in nursing and has worked in both acute and aged care. Hayley has a passion for healing wounds as a Clinical Nurse Consultant across Australia and New Zealand in private practice with her own company, WoundRescue. Hayley has presented at national and international conferences and has a proven track record of providing advanced wound care education. She also lectures at Universities and has been appointed as an adjunct fellow at the University of Technology Sydney. Hayley is also Former Chair of the Board for Wounds Australia, Board Director of Diabetes Feet Australia and sits on the Dean’s Industry Advisory Board for the University of Technology Sydney. Hayley's interest includes, aged care, chronic wound management, palliative care, and Telehealth technologies whilst optimising comfort.

Session Details: Pre-Conference Workshop: Mastering Wound Care - Hoe to elevate your pharmacy practice | Wednesday, 13 March 2024 | 9.30am - 4.30pm

Anne Seah
Manager Pharmacy Services, RSM Australia

Anne Seah is a highly experienced professional in the fields of accounting, tax, and business advisory, with a strong track record spanning eight years. She is passionate about providing comprehensive and outcome-focused services to her clients and specialises in working with pharmacy owners to help manage their business performance and tax obligations and achieve a balanced commercial outcome.

Session Details: Pre-Conference Workshop: Commbank Pharmacy Owners Masterclass | Wednesday, 13 March 2024 | 12.30pm - 4.30pm

Emma Sharpe
National Account Manager API/Priceline

Emma Sharpe is the National Account Manager Priceline and API wholesale at Sanofi Consumer Healthcare and has been in the community pharmacy team for 12 months. Prior to this, Emma spent 12 years in FMCG driving snacking and domestic cleaning categories across various roles in field management, category management and account management. Emma completed a Bachelor of Science with a major in pharmacology at Sydney University. Emma is passionate about understanding shopper and consumer behaviors/needs to help deliver ‘Health in your hands’ for each consumer and drive conversion in store for retailers.

Frank Sirianni
Managing Director, Medici Capital

Frank Sirianni is Managing Director of Medici Capital. Having provided management and economic advice to pharmacy for over 44 years, Frank is the industry expert on Pharmacy Valuations, Business Analysis and Finance. He holds Bachelor of Economics (Honours) and Masters of Economics degrees and consults to the owners and prospective owners of community pharmacies, banks and lending institutions, industry bodies, manufacturers and wholesalers. In addition, Frank is working with major clients on some legacy projects while also assisting partnership facilitation and exit planning.

Session Details: Exploring the pharmacy market and financial landscape - 40+ years of challenges and successes | Saturday, 16 March 2024 | 4.20pm - 4.50pm

Professor Pete Smith
Professor of Clinical Medicine in Molecular Immunology

Professor Pete Smith is a Professor of Clinical Medicine in Molecular Immunology, has an honorary Professorship at the National Centre for NeuroImmunology and Emerging Disease and is a Professorial Chair in Allergy at OPRI in Singapore. He has published over 130 papers with a h-Index of 26 and contributed to/edited five textbooks. Co-chair for Rhinitis for EUFOREA and editor for Rhinitis for Frontiers in Allergy, Professor Smith is a member of ASCIA, AAAAI, EAACI and the Australian and NZ Rhinologil Society and is on EAACI advisory boards in relationship to food allergy and anaphylaxis. He is in private practice in Southport, Queensland.

Barry Thatcher
Managing Director, Thatcher Finance

Managing Director of Thatcher Finance, Barry Thatcher, is one of Australia’s most experienced bankers and finance brokers, having previously worked within corporate and institutional sectors of Australia’s leading banks. Barry has made a career from following his passion for helping private and commercial clients by providing insightful client solutions designed to drive business transformation, growth, and personal prosperity. As an industry leader, Barry is well known for his friendly style, professionalism, and client advocacy. Highly regarded and known for exceeding client expectations, Barry provides bespoke financing solutions and industry knowledge which is unapparelled.

Richard Vincent
Chair, National Pharmaceutical Services Association

Richard Vincent was appointed Chair of the National Pharmaceutical Services Association (NPSA) in August 2020. The NPSA represents the CSO wholesalers including API, National Pharmacies, Sigma and Symbion. Richard was previously CEO and Managing Director of API. During his time at API, he oversaw the continued growth of API’s wholesale business, Priceline Pharmacy as well as the acquisition of Clear Skincare Clinics and seed investment in Sisu Health. Richard has been a key negotiator for the wholesalers since the 5CPA which included the creation of the CSO.

Rosemaree Wardle
Employer Partnerships Lead, GuildSuper

Rosemaree Wardle has over 20 years’ experience in financial services, during which time she has worked in claims for financial hardship and contribution processing and managed a 30-person call centre team. Rosemaree has been an Employer Partnership Executive at GuildSuper and Child Care Super for 13 years, where she is highly regarded for going above and beyond to assist employers and partners. Rosemaree holds an RG146 in superannuation and has a diploma in vocational studies, banking.

Session Details: What's new at GuildSuper | Saturday, 16 March 2024 | 2.35pm - 3.05pm

Dr Michael Woodward
Head of Aged Care Research, Austin Health

Dr Michael Woodward is Head of Aged Care Research at Austin Health in Melbourne, where he specialises in geriatric medicine. Dr Woodward has written over 150 peer-reviewed articles and has recently overseen a third revision of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine's position document on Vaccinations for Older People. His particular area of interest is adult vaccination.

Dr Leona Yip
Consultant Dermatologist

Dr Leona Yip is a medical, surgical and laser dermatologist and founding partner and Director of Skin Partners, a leading specialist dermatology practice in Brisbane. She has also worked extensively in private and public practice and has provided private specialist care to various embassies and international diplomatic missions. Dr Yip is one of very few alopecia subspecialty experts in Australia and her PhD work on the genetics of female pattern hair loss received national and international recognition. She is a member of several expert groups and advisory committees and has published widely in peer-reviewed medical journals. She is also an Editorial Consultant for The British Journal of Dermatology and a reviewer for numerous leading international medical journals.

Session Details: Adapalen - the first over the counter topical retinoid for mild to moderate acne | Saturday, 16 March 2024 | 9.55am - 10.25am

Michael Alexander
Pharmacist & Naturopath

Michael Alexander is a pharmacist and naturopath who owned and ran his own pharmacy for over 20 years. Michael has dedicated his career to exploring the benefits of combining evidence-based vitamins and supplements with pharmaceuticals, to bring together natural therapies and conventional medicine for better patient outcomes. He is now a researcher, writer and presenter whose goal is to assist consumers to take control of their health. As a presenter, Michael is on a mission to transform the lives of his audience through sharing his knowledge and unique insights.

Session Details: Novel natural solutions for chronic pain: The case for Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 11.55am - 12.25pm

Dr Hartley Atkinson
Pain Researcher & CEO, AFT Pharmaceuticals

Dr Hartley Atkinson is a registered pharmacist with a Masters of Pharmaceutical Chemistry with Distinction and Doctorate in Pharmacology. He has published 29 research papers and two book chapters. Following roles as Medical Director and Sales and Marketing Director at Swiss based multinational pharmaceutical giant, Roche, Hartley founded AFT Pharmaceuticals in 1997. Today, AFT has an extensive R&D pipeline and operations in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, with licensing and distribution agreements in over 140 countries. AFT Pharmaceuticals listed on the ASX in December 2015. The capital raised has been used to invest in accelerating the R&D portfolio of key innovative products.

Session Details: Making pharmacy a destination for innovation | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 3.10pm - 3.40pm

Kellie Beckenham
Member, Community Pharmacies for Rural & Indigenous Australia Advisory Group

Kellie Beckenham is a proud Nganyaywana woman and a community pharmacist in the rural town of Casino, located on the country of the Bundjalung people in Northern New South Wales. Born and raised in Tamworth and having predominantly lived in country towns, Kellie has a passion for rural health. After completing her Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Tasmania and undertaking an intern year in Darwin, Kellie was the owner of a pharmacy in the small town of Mungindi on the New South Wales and Queensland borders for 11 years prior to moving to Casino. Kellie has recently become a Pharmacist Diabetes Educator in response to the overwhelming number of people living with diabetes who have trouble accessing specialist care in rural settings. A CPRIA Committee Member from 2011 to 2018, Kellie was invited to re-join in 201 and has remained on the CPRIA Advisory Committee since then as a community and Indigenous representative.

Celia Bloxsom
Principal Optometrist, Eyeconic Optometry

Celia Bloxsom is the Principal Optometrist of Eyeconic Optometry Southport. After graduating with first class honours and with the Don Noack prize for contact lens studies from QUT, Celia worked in a Brisbane CBD practice where she became an expert in fitting contact lenses for all types of corneal conditions. It was during this time that she discovered a love for orthokeratology contact lenses, with her enthusiasm leading her to the position of secretary of the Orthokeratology Society of Oceania, a position which she still holds today. Celia is also a guest lecturer and supervising clinical at QUT’s School of Optometry and has twice been awarded the QUT Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching. As part her everyday practice, Celia diagnoses, treats and manages patients with dry eye and other ocular conditions as well as providing expert fitting of contact lenses and other optical professional services.

Catherine Bronger
Catherine Bronger General Manager, Chemistworks & NSW Vice President, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Catherine Bronger is a Vice President of the Pharmacy Guild’s New South Wales Branch and chair of the Guild NSW’s Scope of Practice Subcommittee. Through the Chemistworks pharmacies, where she leads over 200 staff, Catherine is known for pushing the boundaries of community pharmacy practice into professional service delivery, offering innovative health solutions with surrounding health care providers. Catherine was also the lead for electronic prescriptions in the 7CPA negotiations for the Guild. Her passion to utilise technology to make the patients’ journey through community pharmacies seamless, efficient and personal has come into fruition with her new technology first community centre pharmacy which opened in late 2023.

Yvette Costi
Chief Marketing Officer, Blooms The Chemist

Yvette Costi is an experienced marketing professional with a diverse background across multiple industries and continents. She has a track record of developing successful strategies and driving growth for organisations. Yvette is skilled in aligning people, technology, and operations to create brand value, cultivate talent, and achieve strategic objectives. She has worked in industries such as property development, workspace design, professional consultancy, and retail pharmacy. She is currently Chief Marketing Officer at Blooms The Chemist, a role in which she has developed a passion for using marketing as a tool to improve health outcomes for underserved markets. Yvette has used her marketing expertise to design campaigns that raise awareness about health issues, provide educational resources, and encourage healthier, more proactive behaviours. She is dedicated to using her skills to make a positive impact on the quality of health and wellbeing of communities across Australia.

Paul Cross
Managing Director & Publisher, Daily Dispatch

Paul Cross is Director of Daily Dispatch Pty Ltd and publisher of BioPharmaDispatch, BiotechDispatch and HealthDispatch, three leading mainstream publications covering Australia's pharmaceutical, biotechnology, private health and medical device sectors. An experienced Senior Executive in the US and Australia and a former Senior Adviser to two Health Ministers, Paul is also the Founder of The Bim, a social media platform for the Australian life sciences sector.

Dr Richard Di Natale
Public Health Specialist & Former Australian Senator

Dr Richard Di Natale was elected to the Senate in the 2010 federal election and was federal parliamentary leader of the Australian Greens from 2015 to 2020, leading the Greens during the 2016 and 2019 federal elections. As federal health spokesperson he helped secure almost $5 billion towards Medicare-funded dentistry, and successfully campaigned to divest the Future of $250 million in tobacco holdings. He led inquiries into significant public health issues such as antimicrobial resistance, healthcare funding, air pollution, pharmaceutical industry transparency and gambling reform. Prior to entering parliament, Richard was a general practitioner and public health specialist, working in Aboriginal health in the Northern Territory, on HIV prevention among injecting drug users in Northeast India and as a drug and alcohol clinician in regional Victoria. Richard now works as a public health advisor with cohealth, a not-for-profit community health service, leading their work on the establishment of a supervised injecting service for Melbourne’s CBD and developing new multidisciplinary primary health services across Australia.

Session Details: Harm Minimisation Stream | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 4.00pm - 5.30pm

Dr Chris Edwards
Adjunct Research Fellow, Griffith University

Dr Chris Edwards is an Autistic Autism Researcher with Autism Spectrum Australia and an Adjunct Research Fellow at Griffith University. Chris has supported the Autistic community for over nine years through various educational and support roles. His research now covers autism in education, the community, mental health, and adult experiences.

Jessamy Gee
Founder and Director, Think in Colour

As one of Australia’s leading Graphic Recorders, Jessamy Gee has developed a unique skill set in listening, synthesising, capturing and communicating information visually. She is the Founder and Director of Think in Colour and Founder and former President of Graphic Recorders Australia. In 2020, Jessamy became the first Australian Director to serve on the Board of the International Forum of Visual Practitioners and the following year, she took over the role of Chapter Host for Creative Mornings Melbourne. Since launching Think in Colour in 2011, Jessamy has become internationally renowned for her work, and has serviced a diverse range of clients in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the United States and Europe. Jessamy has captured talks by some of Australia’s leading minds including former President of the Human Rights Commission Gillian Triggs, former Greens leader Bob Brown, Todd Sampson, Madga Szubanski, Waleed Aly and Edward de Bono.

Alistair Grenfell
President Europe, Middle East, Africa and South Asia & Global Head of Public Health, IQVIA

Alistair Grenfell is President, Europe, Middle East, Africa and South Asia heading up IQVIA operations and leading IQVIA Global Public Health initiatives. Previously, Alistair served as the company’s president, North Europe and Africa from 2011 to 2015. Since joining IMS Health in 1996, Alistair has held sales, client services and business management roles of increasing responsibility in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. From 2010 to 2011, he served as general manager for Belgium, Netherlands, Nordics and Baltics, and prior to that led the IMS Health sales function in EMEA for three years. He also managed the company’s UK and Ireland sales team and served in a variety of account, business development and global sales roles. Alistair holds a BA degree with honors in Business Economics from Anglia University and an M.Sc. in Economics and Competition Policy from Bayes Business School, City, University of London.

Scott Harris
Workplace Relations Director, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Scott Harris is a workplace relations specialist with 25 years of experience across multiple industry sectors. He is currently employed as the Director, Workplace Relations & Business with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. Scott has previously worked in both the public and private sectors as the workplace relations manager or specialist, and as a human resources manager for international companies. Scott’s experience and knowledge directly assist businesses in improving their operations regarding corporate performance and employment management. Scott holds Master’s degrees in Industrial Relations, Business Administration and Legal Studies from Charles Sturt University.

Brenton Hart
Chief Pharmacist, TerryWhite Chemmart

Brenton Hart is the Chief Pharmacist for TerryWhite Chemmart, which is Australia’s largest community pharmacy network. Brenton is a passionate community pharmacist, pharmacy proprietor and advocate with extensive experience in clinical practice, pharmacy operations, business, leadership and the pharmacy industry. Brenton is increasingly sought after as a thought-leader in various aspects of community pharmacy practice, in particular vaccination and public health. As a confident influencer and communicator, Brenton enjoys overcoming the challenges facing patients, our health system and community pharmacy itself. Brenton’s vision is to drive positive health outcomes in communities around Australia and to assist fellow pharmacists become the primary healthcare leaders of tomorrow by maximising their full scope of practice.

Session Details: Panel Session: The Prescribing Pharmacist | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 11.00am - 11.45am

Chloe Hennessy
Director of Clinical Governance and Quality, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Chloe Hennessy leads Clinical Governance and Quality at the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, which includes the Quality Care Pharmacy Program, a quality assurance program designed to guide community pharmacies in providing high quality, consistent and safe care to their patients. Chloe has a rich and varied experience including customer and stakeholder engagement, program design and development, new system implementation, change management and leadership. With more than 15 years of experience working in pharmacy accreditation, Chloe has a deep understanding of quality management systems, standards and accreditation and how these translate to the pharmacy environment. Chloe’s passion for quality accreditation and continuous improvement was the driving force behind Quality Care 2020, a contemporary accreditation program for community pharmacy which is centred around enabling continuous improvement, innovation and bringing together best-practice business operations with excellence in safe and quality care.

Dr Jason Holland
Clinical Optometrist, The Eye Health Centre

Dr Jason Holland runs a busy glaucoma and advanced dry eye clinic at The Eye Health Centre in Brisbane, as well as providing pre and post-operative care for an ophthalmologist and anterior eye specialist. His previous roles include National Director of Optometry for the Optical Superstore Group, which engages 90 optometrists at 65 locations across Australia. Jason served as a Director and Treasurer for Optometry Australia (QLD & NT) for nine years and on the Optometry Australia National Board for three years, and currently sits on the QUT, Deakin and UWA Optometry Advisory Boards. In 2018, he was the recipient of the Optometry Australia Qld Optometrist. Jason has lectured on contact lenses and dry eye in Australia and South-East Asia.

Christine Hrudka
Past National President, Canadian Pharmacists Association

Christine Hrudka is a Canadian pharmacist, entrepreneur and advocate for women in business who has owned chain and independent pharmacies. Christine served as Chair of the Canadian Pharmacists Association and has led the advancement of many critical topics provincially, nationally and internationally. She is a board member of the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan and the North American representative of the World Pharmacy Council.

Jason Keily
Pharmacist

Jason Keily is the owner of Greg Keily Pharmacy. Jason has experience working at Gold Coast Hospital with rotations in Surgery, Oncology, Renal Medicine, and Paediatrics. Jason has also worked as a renal pharmacist and a surgical directorate pharmacist and was involved with the hospital discharge planning committee at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E). After leaving the RD&E, Jason worked as a surgical pharmacist for the Ministry of Defence at a naval hospital in Gosport, England. As a community pharmacist, Jason’s focus is the dispensary, vaccination services and the management of aged care and HRM services. Jason also provides pharmacy services to festivals (Splendour in the Grass, Blues Fest, CMC Ipswich and Big Red Bash).

Therese Lambert
Pharmacy Owner, TerryWhite Chemmart Sarina

Therese Lambert is the proud owner of TerryWhite Chemmart Sarina and an academic tutor at James Cook University School of Pharmacy, from which she was honoured with an award for her mentorship and tutoring of the next generation of pharmacists. A fervent advocate for rural and regional health, Therese is deeply committed to advancing the scope of practice for pharmacists and is taking part in the Far North Queensland Full Scope Pilot. Therese’s professional journey is about embracing the challenges and joys of her profession while inspiring others to do the same. With her forward-thinking approach and commitment to excellence, Therese continues to shape the future of pharmacy, one patient and one student at a time.

Naomi Lim
Professional Officer, PDL

Naomi Lim is a Professional Officer at PDL and is the Chair of the Victorian Local Advisory Committee. Naomi has practised as a pharmacist in three states in Australia across diverse settings. Her industry experience includes hospital, retail, COVID-19 vaccinations, knowledge development, IVF and Aboriginal health. Naomi enjoys inspiring pharmacists to broaden their professional identity and resilience in the ever-changing landscape of pharmacy.

Session Details: PDL's perspective on Pharmacist Prescribing | Saturday, 16 March 2024 | 3.30pm - 4.00pm

Melissa Manahan
Dermatologist

Dr Melissa Manahan is a dermatologist who undertook her medical degree at The University of Queensland, graduating in 2010 with first class honours and the University medal. Melissa undertook her dermatology training at the Queensland Institute of Dermatology, Nambour General Hospital, the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, the Qld Children’s Hospital, the Princess Alexandra Hospital and Central Brisbane Dermatology. Prior to medicine, Melissa completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy in Queensland and was awarded prizes for the highest mark in the Quality Use of Medicines and Drug Discovery courses as well as the 3rd year student with the highest GPA. She has worked as a pharmacist in both hospital and community pharmacy settings. She has an ongoing relationship with her previous profession, teaching pharmacy students and pharmacists on the management of skin diseases.

Ben Massey
National Senior Associate, CommBank Health National Strategy & Insights

Working within a national team leading the development and execution of the broader health sector strategy for Business Banking, Ben’s role focuses on the pharmacy industry strategy, insights and appetite. The team specialise across the full spectrum of the health sector, from primary care businesses (General Practice) to Pharmacy, Aged Care and Seniors Living and support front-line banking and risk teams in deepening their understanding of these highly specialised businesses. Based in Adelaide, Ben specialises in transaction analysis and structuring, credit risk management, data analytics/research and strategy.

Session Details: Pre-Conference Workshop: Commbank Pharmacy Owners Masterclass | Wednesday, 13 March 2024 | 12.30pm - 4.30pm

Professor Patrick McGorry AO
Psychiatrist & Executive Director, Orygen

Professor Patrick McGorry is a psychiatrist known world-wide for his development and scaling up of early intervention, youth mental health services, mental health innovation, advocacy and reform. He is Executive Director of Orygen, Professor of Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and founding editor of the journal Early Intervention in Psychiatry. In 2010, Prof McGorry was named Australian of the Year. He has received numerous other awards including the Schizophrenia International Research Society Lifetime Achievement Award, has published over 980 publications and has played key advocacy and advisory roles to government on health system reform in Australia and overseas. Prof McGorry is President of the International Association for Youth Mental Health, Past President of the Society for Mental Health Research and Founding President of Early Intervention in Mental Health.

Session Details: Harm Minimisation Stream | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 4.00pm - 5.30pm

Bobby Mehta
Pharmacist

Bobby Mehta is a highly accomplished and award-winning pharmacist with 26 years of international experience in the UK and Australia. Bobby is a pioneer in the field, becoming one of the world’s first prescribing pharmacists in 2007. Boasting over 20 years of community pharmacy expertise plus six years within the pharmaceutical industry, Bobby specialises in complementary and integrative medicine education and has previously worked for the renowned Blackmores Institute. Bobby has a proven track record in designing and delivering education across the UK, Australia and Asia and as an expert in pharmaceutical and holistic healthcare, is dedicated to enhancing patient well-being through knowledge and innovation.

Session Details: Exploring the vital role of ubiquinol in mitochondrial health - the frontier of wellbeing | Saturday, 16 March 2024 | 10.45am - 11.15am

Associate Professor Erin Morton
Clinical Research Associate

Associate Professor Erin Morton is an expert clinical triallist with two decades' experience spanning every role in clinical research, including sterile suite pharmacy technician. Erin has a PhD in Medicine specialising in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, international accreditation as a Clinical Research Associate (aka monitor), leads multiple Health Data-related and community engagement initiatives, and was voted a national Emerging Leader in Health finalist (2022). In 2023, having realised how poorly the peri-/menopause space was recognised in Australia and more broadly, she launched a consumer-focused and consumer-driven national registry for peri-/menopause: "VITAL". VITAL brings together community, clinicians, researchers, government, and allied health with the goal of improving the peri-/menopause experience in Australia. VITAL has been referenced cross-party in both federal Houses of Parliament and received national media attention. Erin was specifically requested by the Senate Community Engagement Committee to make a submission to the upcoming and inaugural Senate Inquiry on Menopause and co-hosted the associated public online "Town Hall" with Greens leader Senator Larissa Waters in February 2024.

Paul Naismith
CEO, Fred IT Group

Paul Naismith is a practising pharmacist and the CEO of Fred IT Group. He co-founded Fred in 1991 and has grown the business to be Australia’s largest provider of IT services to the pharmacy industry. He is the man behind the market leading IT solutions Fred Dispense, eRx Script Exchange and MedView amongst others. Paul’s vision is to make medication management safer and more effective for all Australian’s. He has been a driving force in the recent introduction of electronic prescriptions as well as providing systems to aid in a national approach to combat accidental prescription drug deaths using real time prescriptions monitoring. To help deliver his vision, Paul holds the position as Chair of the Board for PDL, the major indemnity provider for pharmacy as well as Chair of APPCo, publisher of the Australian Journal of Pharmacy. In 2020, Paul received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Monash University and in 2021 Paul was named the Victorian Pharmacist of the Year by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.

Session Details: Do we need Artificial Intelligence to serve customers better? | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 2.00pm - 2.45pm

Andrew Pattinson
Chief Innovation Officer, The Platform Alliance Group

Andrew Pattinson is passionate about the future of pharmacy and is committed to supporting pharmacies so that they can support their communities. Andrew has helped pharmacies develop their health solutions and programs and has worked with suppliers to develop innovative programs to provide a complete solution for patients in pharmacies. Currently Chief Innovation Officer for The Platform Alliance Group, Andrew is a psychologist by profession and leads, coaches and develops high-performing teams.

Session Details: What Australians need from pharmacy now - health retail vs health services | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 11.50am - 12.35pm

Julia Robertson
Accessibility Consultant, Summer Foundation

Julia Robertson is an Accessibility Consultant with the Summer Foundation, a Hopkins Centre Ambassador and Co-Facilitator of the Brisbane Brain Tumour Support Group. Julia is also a Consumer Representative in research projects with NSW Health, Metro South Health, BRAINS Stakeholder Advisory Committee (MRFF funded project), Griffith University, University of Southern Denmark, Deakin University, University of Queensland, and University of Sydney.

Noa Rotenberg
Clinical Psychologist

Noa Rotenberg is a Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about creating an inclusive, diverse, supportive, and communicative environment where all clinicians, clients, and support networks can thrive and collaborate to reach their full potential and goals. Noa actively supports her team at Wisemind & Body, as well as allied health professionals and organisations, by providing education and advocating for all-round health and wellbeing. Noa has extensive experience and success working in both the private and public sectors, working with adolescents, adults, and families. She is especially passionate about working with young adults and adults to navigate and support her clients as they transition through their own, unique new phase of their life.

Kos Sclavos AM
APP Convenor

Kos Sclavos AM was National President of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia from 2005 to 2013. He was the driving force behind many industry initiatives including Pharmacy of the Year and the Quality Care Pharmacy Program and led negotiations for the Fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement. He is currently the Systems Architect for PharmaPrograms, a pharmacist led, IT facilitated patient support program and a Senior Health Strategist with Sinapse. Kos has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Griffith University and an Honorary Life Membership of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia. In 2017, Kos was made a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) for ‘significant service to the pharmacy profession through a range of retail, advisory and executive roles, to education, and to community pharmacy’.

Jessica Seeto
Acting Director of Practice, Policy and Regulation, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Jessica Seeto is the Acting Director of Practice, Policy and Regulation at the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s National Secretariat. In this role, Jessica leads the team responsible for work in the areas of pharmacy practice, including pharmacist scope of practice, pharmacy regulation (ownership and Location Rules), pharmacist regulation through the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme and Therapeutic Goods policy and regulation, including medicines legislation, scheduling and advertising. In her time with the Guild, Jessica has held various roles, gaining knowledge and experience across a broad range of areas including community pharmacy accreditation and regulatory affairs. Jessica is also a pharmacist with over 13 years’ experience in urban and regional community pharmacies and continues to practise regularly, seeing this as vital to her role at the Guild to maintain first-hand experience of the challenges and issues within community pharmacy.

Rabia Siddique
Human Rights Lawyer, Retired British Army Officer, Hostage Survivor, Author

Rabia Saddique is a criminal and human rights lawyer, retired British Army Officer, hostage survivor and author who successfully sued the UK Ministry of Defence for discrimination after it failed to acknowledge the role she played in the rescue of two captured Special Forces soldiers in war-torn Iraq in 2008. Her brave action became a catalyst for policy change to ensure a fairer workplace for women and cultural minorities in the British military.

A sought-after transformational coach and mentor, Rabia has undertaken human rights and community aid work in the Middle East, South America, the UK and Australia, receiving numerous awards including a Queen’s commendation in 2006 for her work in Iraq and Runner Up for Australian Woman of the Year UK in 2009. She was also named one of Australia’s Top 100 Women of Influence. In 2013, Rabia published her memoir, Equal Justice, which was also produced as a film.

Session Details: Equal Justice | Saturday, 16 March 2024 | 11.55am - 12.40pm

Lloyd Smith
Founder & Director, Scrypt

Lloyd Smith has co-founded multiple start-up businesses including community pharmacies, medical centres, property developments and software ventures, with a combined annual turnover in excess of $20m. Throughout his career, Lloyd has successfully tendered and received Commonwealth, State and other grants in excess of $1m. Lloyd currently holds multiple directorships, is a regular speaker at industry conferences and events, and provides in-depth industry knowledge and a commercial network built on years of successful commercial transactions. Lloyd’s passion for innovation and constructive disruption to better patient outcomes is critical to Scrypt’s current and ongoing success.

Session Details: Pre-Conference Workshop: Commbank Pharmacy Owners Masterclass | Wednesday, 13 March 2024 | 12.30pm - 4.30pm

Dr Daniel So
Research Affiliate, Monash University

Dr Daniel So is a research affiliate at Monash University. He studied nutrition and dietetics at Bond University and completed his PhD with the Department of Gastroenterology at Monash University and Alfred Hospital. Since completing his PhD in 2021, Daniel has undertaken postdoctoral research in Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London and manages clinical research at Atmo Biosciences. His research focuses on dietary fibres and re-examining the clinical value they offer, and better understanding the role of fibres on colonic fermentation. Daniel has an emerging track record in this field, with his scientific work published in over 20 peer-reviewed articles.

Luke van der Rijt
Proprietor, Southcity Pharmacy

Luke van der Rijt is owner of Uranquinty Pharmacy and Southcity Pharmacy in Wagga Wagga, which was the winner of the 2018 Guild Pharmacy of the Year. Luke is also a Branch Committee member of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NSW Branch and is a member of the NSW Scope of Practice subcommittee. Luke has led business improvement and embedded professional services in his pharmacies, leading to widespread health benefits across the entire region through partnerships and consultation with health services and specialists. Recently, Luke has been involved in the establishment of the Living Well, Your Way pilot, a local PHN and LHD initiative focusing on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) screening in pharmacy, with the aim to improve care for people with COPD and CHF in the community. Luke is also a member of the Murrumbidgee LHD Health and Knowledge Precinct which aims to improve the quality and accessibility of health care to the local community.

Erica Vowles
Programs, Partnerships and Health Services Director, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Erica Vowles is the Programs, Partnerships and Health Services Director at the National Secretariat of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, based in Canberra. Erica has been at the Guild for 20 years and has broad experience across developing and implementing community pharmacy programs and services. She has also been instrumental in developing the Guild Corporate Health flu vaccination program. Recently, Erica been assisting the 8CPA Negotiating Team to secure a positive 8CPA outcome.

Cate Whalan
Branch Committee Member (Qld), The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Cate Whalan registered in 1995 to be appointed as a pharmacist in the Australian Army. She had postings in charge of Medical Centre dispensaries, medication supply warehouses, and saw operational service with a Field Hospital in Bougainville in 1998. Cate retired from the army to locum and part time pharmacist-in-charge positions. In 2006, she purchased her first pharmacy in Townsville and rebranded it ‘Cate’s Chemist’. Cate has grown the group to include internet sales, other pharmacies in a medical centre pharmacy and an ACCHO. Cate is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served as a company director in a Primary Health Network and an Academic Health Centre. Cate is in her third term on the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (Queensland Branch).

Dr Michael Woodward
Head of Aged Care Research, Austin Health

Dr Michael Woodward is Head of Aged Care Research at Austin Health in Melbourne, where he specialises in geriatric medicine. Dr Woodward has written over 150 peer-reviewed articles and has recently overseen a third revision of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine's position document on Vaccinations for Older People. His particular area of interest is adult vaccination.

Brooke Young
Partner, Cooleman Court Pharmacy

Brooke Young is one of the Partners at Cooleman Court Pharmacy in the ACT, who were the overall winners of the Guild Pharmacy of the Year in 2022. Brooke was registered in 2018 and since then has worked with the Life Pharmacy Group. In 2021, she bought into Cooleman Court Pharmacy and that same year was recognised as the PSA's Early Career Pharmacist of the Year. Brooke is passionate about the future of pharmacy and supporting the new generation of pharmacists, which she has demonstrated in her part in creating Life Pharmacy Group's Intern Training Program.

Sashi Anantham
Principal, Consumer Intelligence & Insights, IQVIA

Sashi Anantham is a Principal with IQVIA and has been with the company for almost nine years. Sashi has worked extensively in the commercial advisory space for both prescription and consumer health/OTC businesses throughout his tenure with IQVIA. Sashi’s current focus is on understanding how OTC markets evolve in response to consumer behaviour, particularly post pandemic, with his areas of study including market characterisation, consumer preferences, price architecture, demand planning and brand equity. Sashi has also completed a PhD and subsequent post-doctoral research on the genetics of antibiotic resistance in human commensal Escherichia coli.

Gus Balbontin
Investor, Adviser, Explorer

From his humble upbringing in Patagonia, by the age of 22, Gus Balbontin had hitchhiked across Latin America, built and sold his first business, and secured his dream job at one of the most familiar travel brands in the world, Lonely Planet. Fast forward a few more years and Gus was global leader of the company, working with companies such as Google X, Nokia and Amazon on the latest technology, creative cultures and high performing teams. His lessons hit a chord, his simplicity disarms you, his energy infects you and his counterintuitive way of looking at the world will motivate you to do things different. Gus is often thought of as a futurist, not because he predicts the future, but because he helps you focus on what you can control to deal with the future.

Session Details: Adapt | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 11.50am - 12.35pm

John Bell
Community Pharmacist & Practitioner/Teacher, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney

John Bell is a Practitioner/Teacher in the Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney and has a community pharmacy practice in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. John is a former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), President of the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) and Vice President of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). He is currently a member of the Global Pain Faculty and of the Global Respiratory Infection Partnership, an international multidisciplinary group established to address the issue of antibiotic resistance, and he is also an advisor to PSA’s Pharmacy Self Care Program, a consumer health information and pharmacist training program.

Session Details: The evolving dry cough landscape - rethinking management options for your patients | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 5.10pm - 5.40pm

Lesley Braun
Global Director, Blackmores Institute

Lesley Braun is the Global Director of Blackmores Institute, which focuses on facilitating research and innovation with university and commercial partners and delivering education and science communications for both retail staff and health professionals. Lesley is an Adjunct Associate Professor at both SCU (NCCM) and WSU (NICM) and has held various positions at The Alfred Hospital, Monash University and RMIT University. Lesley has won numerous awards for her work in promoting research and innovation in complementary medicine. She has authored best-selling textbooks, founded a peer-reviewed scientific journal, and is currently the editor-in-chief of FX Medicine, a popular podcast series. Lesley is passionate about the role of diet, lifestyle, and complementary medicine approaches in healthcare and is a strong advocate for supporting women in STEM to become the new leaders of the future.

Session Details: Vitamins and dietary supplements - fact or fictions, and the important role of pharmacists | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 11.20am - 11.50am

Rochelle Burdge
People, Culture and Operations Director, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia National Secretariat

Rochelle Burdge is the People, Culture and Operations Director at the National Secretariat of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, based in Canberra. Commencing in the workforce as a pharmacy assistant when she was a teenager, Rochelle joined the Guild in 2007 in the mailroom and has built her career in People and Culture through dedication and a genuine love for connecting with people. Rochelle is driven by linking the human experience to the goals of the organisation and through this has been a key player in the Guild’s workplace culture journey into the engaged workplace they are today. Her passion for creating a people-centered workplace experience has not only defined her professional journey but has also become a cornerstone of her mission. More personally, Rochelle’s indigenous heritage and neurodiverse passion allows her to continue to expand traditional workplace practices into inclusive, future focused frameworks. Rochelle firmly believes that embracing differences not only enriches the workplace but also leads to heightened creativity and productivity.

Gabrielle Covino
Head of Healthcare Practitioner Science Communication

Gabrielle has developed curriculum content for both nutrition and naturopathic degrees and has worked in senior academic and clinic supervisory roles across several major training institutions for more than 15 years. She has written for naturopathic and nutrition textbooks and has been contributing editor for a complementary medicine trade journal. She currently leads the content management for Blackmores Institute and for the FX medicine education platform – where she remains committed to the ongoing education of healthcare practitioners to optimise clinical outcomes for patients and support the safe use of complementary medicine. Gabrielle has a Masters in Human Nutrition, a Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Science with Honours, and a Bachelors of Health Science in Naturopathy.

Nathan Davis
Executive Director & Co-Founder, MedReleaf Australia

Nathan David is co-founder of MedReleaf Australia. He has a diverse background including pharmaceuticals, FMCG, luxury retail, supply chain, wholesale and franchising. For almost 10 years, Nathan worked for Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API), where he established himself as a leader within the business and was pivotal in the distribution and wholesale channels. Nathan has a firm foundation of knowledge of the PBS, private and generic medicine marketplace in Australia. He is adept at realising, developing and actioning new and innovative business strategies, is an active participant in the Medical Cannabis Industry Australia (MCIA) and is a sought-after advocate in the Medical Cannabis sector.

Session Details: How medical cannabis as a professional service can drive commercial growth for pharmacy | Saturday, 16 March 2024 | 9.55am - 10.25am

Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin
Chief Investigator & Project Lead, NSW Government Pharmacy Trial

Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin is a full-time teaching and research academic in the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy at the University of Newcastle. A registered pharmacist, Sarah’s expertise lies in community pharmacy consultation services, minor ailments, self-care and optimising scope of practice as part of primary health care. Sarah has led national and international pharmacy research projects and published extensively. She was Chief Investigator on the first trial of an innovative community pharmacy Minor Ailments Scheme and is leading two high profile research grants which involve the implementation and evaluation of the state-wide roll out of expanded scope of practice for pharmacists in New South Wales. Internationally, Sarah has been elected to the International Pharmaceutical Federation’s Community Pharmacy executive committee and is an editorial board member for two international pharmacy journals. In 2022, Sarah was awarded an International Excellence Award for Women in Science in Education from FIP.

Session Details: The Prescribing Pharmacist - the Australian lived experience | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 11.00am - 11.45am

Nicolette Ellis
Senior Clinical Pharmacist, Beyond Pain

Nicolette Ellis is a seasoned expert in the comprehensive management and treatment of individuals grappling with chronic pain, mental health disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome. In her role as Senior Clinical Pharmacist at Beyond Pain, an interdisciplinary coaching and self-management treatment service tailored for individuals with intricate care requirements, Nicolette brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her work. Her fervent commitment lies in advancing advocacy efforts and fostering a deeper understanding of Australians living with chronic pain. This dedication is exemplified through her tenure as President of Chronic Pain Australia. Nicolette's relentless drive for advocacy and transformative change stems from her own personal journey with chronic pain, serving as a profound motivator in her career as a pharmacist specialising in this challenging and often debilitating condition.

Kian Ghahramani
National Director Pharmacy Services, RSM Australia

Kian Ghahramani is a Director of RSM Australia, with over 15 years’ experience in accounting, taxation, and business advisory. Outside of the usual compliance, he provides tax planning, strategic outsourcing, tax advice, and restructuring services to small business clients, both local and international, and specialises in Pharmacy services, Information Technology and Property and Construction. Kian’s involvement typically involves providing budgeting, cashflow, forecasting, tax planning and strategic advice to put his pharmacy clients on a growth path.

Session Details: PRe-Conference Workshop: Commbank Pharmacy Owners Masterclass | Wednesday, 13 March 2024 | 12.30pm - 4.30pm

Assoc Prof Paul Griffin
Director of Infectious Diseases, Mater Hospital

Assoc Prof Paul Griffin was appointed as the Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater Health Services in 2013. He is also Conjoint Head of the Mater Clinical Unit for the University of Queensland. From 2011 to 2022, Paul was Principal Investigator/Medical Director at Nucleus Network, where he was involved in over 150 clinical trials. A Clinical Microbiologist by trade, Paul has an active interest in diagnostic microbiology. His primary research interests are clinical trials in the field of infectious diseases including malaria human challenge and transmission blocking studies, the molecular detection of gametocytes, and the detection of antibiotic resistance. A Director/Scientific Advisory Board member for the Immunisation Coalition, Paul also became a media spokesperson during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Session Details: Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 2.35pm - 3.05pm

Ian Harris
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

Ian Harris is an internationally experienced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist who believes in a whole body and mind approach, encouraging patient participation to achieve well-being in which the patient is at the centre of the treatment approach. Ian has over 25 years’ experience after qualifying in South Africa. He has a post graduate degree in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and has taught both undergraduate and post graduate physiotherapy students in the UK, South Africa and Australia. Ian has been involved in research in the fields of sporting performance and injury rehab and prevention. He has also been an extended scope physiotherapist working alongside orthopaedic surgeons in the UK.

Chris Helder
Business Communication Expert

Chris Helder is a business communication expert, professional speaker and author who is known for his expertise in the areas of communication, leadership, and influence, and working with many high-profile clients around the world. Chris is the author of seven books, including his latest book, called "Re-ignition: How to gain power when you feel flat, tired, and uninspired". His best-selling book, “Useful Belief” is one of Australia’s highest selling business books of all time. Chris has presented at over 2,500 conferences around the world, sharing his insights and strategies on how to communicate effectively, inspire and motivate teams, and achieve success in business and life. His goal is to inspire individuals and organisations to think differently and achieve their full potential.

Session Details: How useful belief changes how you look at work and the customer experience | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 11.00am - 11.45am

Dr Rupert Hinds
Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist

Dr Rupert Hinds commenced working as a Paediatric Gastroenterologist at Monash Medical Centre in 2009. Prior to this he worked in the UK as a consultant at King’s College Hospital and St Thomas’s Hospital in London from 2004, following his specialty training at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London. Dr Hinds manages children and adolescents with gastrointestinal problems. His clinical interests include nutrition, hepatology and inflammatory bowel disease. Dr Hinds is Head of the Department of Gastroenterology at Monash Children’s Hospital as well as a senior lecturer in paediatrics at Monash University.

Session Details: Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) in infants - guidelines and management | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 2.00pm - 2.30pm

Marina Holt
Education and Training Manager, PCCA

Marina Holt is an experienced pharmacist who is well-known in compounding circles for her dedication to improving compounding pharmacy practice through education, training, mentoring and stakeholder engagement. Marina has recently been a reviewer of the APF Compounding chapters and is a member of the Quality Standards Development Committee. She is a proud former elected member of the Pharmacy Council of NSW. Marina is passionate about the difference compounding can make to patient lives, whilst always considering risk minimization and patient -centred care.

Session Details: Major regulatory changes in compounding are here! | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 11.00am - 11.30am

Karalyn Huxhagen
Consultant Pharmacist

Karalyn Huxhagen is a community pharmacist and a consultant pharmacist. Karalyn performs locum services, medication reviews and delivers quality use of medication programs mainly in rural and regional Australia. Karalyn has a strong interest in immunisation and the provision of injectables in community pharmacy, pain management, asthma and COPD, aged care, wound care, travel medicine, chronic disease programs and the health of aboriginal, Torres Strait and South Sea Islander people. Credentialed in Mental Health First aid, Karalyn also provides immunisation and vaccination services as a community pharmacist. Karalyn has written several articles, online programs and podcasts relating to disease management and pharmacy services. She is also a provider and presenter for the PainWise program.

Sara Kemp
Senior Manager – Full Scope Project, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Sara Kemp is a former Canadian pharmacist with over 25 years of experience in community pharmacy, 20 years of which were in pharmacy operations, professional services and business development. Sara has also worked in the areas of medical information and marketing and has practiced across a wide range of pharmacy settings including independent, franchise and big box pharmacies. During her time as President of the College of Pharmacists in the province of New Brunswick in Canada, Sara experienced the updating of the Pharmacy Act to incorporate pharmacist prescribing and injection services as well as technician licensing. Sara believes the evolution of pharmacy practice to a much more patient-centric care model is long overdue in Australia and is excited to be able to continue advocating for the right patient care at the right time and right place.

Andrew Leslie
Pharmacy Owner, Blooms The Chemist

Pharmacy Owner, Blooms The Chemist Andrew Leslie has been a pharmacist with Blooms The Chemist since 2012, during which time he has owned six pharmacies. Andrew relishes the opportunity to have direct and significant impact on both the health of individuals and the health of the community. He is passionate about building teams comprised of individuals who are healthy and happy, which he believes is the success to producing better health outcomes for patients. Andrew believes that when executed well, community pharmacy becomes more than timely access to health products and advice, it becomes a cultural hub that exists to service the bespoke needs of each unique community.

Phil Lynch
Chair, Consumer Health Products Australia

Phil Lynch has over 30 years’ experience working at Johnson & Johnson in Consumer Health care in Asia Pacific markets and as leader of the Australian & New Zealand businesses for a six-year period. While leading J&J’s Australian business, Phil was a member of the ASMI Committee of Management and led its finance committee. In November 2020, he re-joined the Consumer Health Products Australia Board as an Independent Chair. Phil is also a Non-Executive Director of Race Oncology.

Hannah Mann
Founder & Managing Partner, Kimberley Pharmacy Services

Hannah Mann is the pharmacy owner and founder of Kimberley Pharmacy Services, a community focused pharmacy with branches in Broome, Derby and Fitzroy Crossing. Hannah spends much of her time travelling between the pharmacies and remote Aboriginal health services, providing pharmacy-based assistance to locals in towns and communities throughout the Kimberley region. Hannah’s community-focused approach has attracted national recognition - in 2015, the Broome branch was named The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Pharmacy of the Year, the industry’s most prestigious honour. In 2019, Hannah was also named First Amongst Equals, the highest honour in the Business News 40under40 awards, for her extraordinary contribution to remote Indigenous health.

Kim McCauley
National Director, CommBank Health National Strategy & Insights

With over 35 years banking experience, Kim McCauley performs a national role providing expert advice, training and oversight to health banking specialists around Australia on lending criteria and structuring, the regulatory and compliance landscape, current and future trends impacting the sector, benchmarking and risk appetite. Prior to his current role, Kim was a Business Banker where he assisted countless pharmacists with purchasing into a pharmacy. He is passionate about helping health professionals achieve their business and financial ambitions, from entering business ownership, expanding and growing the business, through to succession planning and retirement.

Session Details: Pre-Conference Workshop: Commbank Pharmacy Owners Masterclass | Wednesday, 13 March 2024 | 12.30pm - 4.30pm

Professor Andrew McLachlan
Head of School & Dean of Pharmacy, University of Sydney

Professor Andrew McLachlan AM is a pharmacist, academic and researcher with experience in clinical pharmacology and the quality use of medicines. He is Head of School and Dean at the Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney. Andrew serves on Australian government committees related to medicines policy, evaluation, regulation and antidoping.

Morris Misel
Industry Fellow, Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability

Morris Misel, a dynamic business futurist and globally sought-after presenter and foresight strategist, has been inspiring Guild audiences for over two decades with his visionary foresights. As an Industry Fellow with Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, Morris chairs the Industry Advisor’s Board and mentors Disability Centric researchers. His passion for exploring tomorrow’s possibilities captivates audiences and inspires corporations and brands around the world to want to explore their future possibilities by fostering a culture of inclusivity where every voice is heard and valued. Join him on this exciting journey into the future of Community Pharmacy, where innovative thinking and possibilities abound.

Jack Muir Wilson
Pharmacist, Wilkinson’s TerryWhite Chemmart

Jack Muir Wilson is a passionate community pharmacist residing on the North West Coast of Tasmania. Since graduating from UTAS in 2012 with honours, Jack completed his internship at the north west regional hospital. Following this he has primarily worked as a community pharmacist with a passion for professional services such as medication reviews (Aged care RMMR's and community HMR's), opiate replacement programs and IVF. Since 2022, Jack has played a key role in the successful implementation of pharmacist administered long acting injectable buprenorphine in Tasmania. Jack is also on the clinical advisory council for primary health Tasmania and a Vice President of the Pharmacy Guild of Tasmania.

Suzanna Nash
Chief Pharmacist, Australasian College of Pharmacy

Suzanna Nash is the Chief Pharmacist at the Australasian College of Pharmacy. In this role, she oversees the development of continuing professional development education and education that enables the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice across Australia. Suzanna has worked in the delivery of community pharmacy programs, including the Queensland’s COVID-19 vaccination response, the QLD Free Flu program, the NIP Influenza Program and the Urinary Tract Infection Community Pharmacy Program. Suzanna has also worked in the role of Policy Manager at the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Queensland Branch and contributed to policy change for pharmacists in Queensland. Prior to these roles, Suzanna worked as a community pharmacist for 15 years and also as an accredited pharmacist delivering home medication reviews.

Dr Peter Piazza
General Practitioner

Dr Peter Piazza is a General Practitioner that has been in clinical practice in the inner west of Sydney since 1977. Peter has a strong interest in Continuing Professional Development and is a member of the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) CPD committee. He has facilitated and spoken at many CPD activities over a wide range of therapeutic areas.

Julie Rogan
Senior Disability Advisor, Griffith University Student Disability and Accessibility

Julie Rogan is an accomplished Manager, Career Counsellor, Coach and Trainer with 10 years’ experience in the career development field, covering not-for-profit organisations and tertiary education. As the Director of her own consultancy business, Julie works with individuals to develop their mindset for creating results-driven changes in their lives. After a life-changing accident 44 years ago, Julie was left with chronic pain and mobility issues, which have worsened over the years. Her experiences during this time has her well-placed as the Senior Disability Advisor with Griffith University Student Disability and Accessibility.

The Hon Anne Ruston
Senator for South Australian & Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate

Senator the Hon Anne Ruston has been a Senator since 2012 and is currently the Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Shadow Minister for Sport and Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate. In 2014, Anne was elected Senior Deputy Government Whip in the Senate and Chair of the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee and in 2015, was appointed Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources. She was subsequently appointed as Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific in 2018. Prior to the 2022 election, Senator Ruston was a Cabinet Minister, holding the positions of Minister for Families and Social Services, Minister for Women’s Safety and Manager of Government Business in the Senate for three years. Prior to becoming a Senator, Anne held several senior positions in government and the private sector, including as the inaugural chief executive of the National Wine Centre.

Malcolm Scrymgeour
International Retail Consultant

Mal Scrymgeour has degrees in Marketing, Economics and Management and has worked in senior Marketing and Merchandise roles for Cadbury, Coca-Cola, Shell and Mayne/Symbion, where he ran the marketing and merchandise functions for Chemmart. For the past few years, Mal has been Chief Operating Officer at Farmlands, a New Zealand Agricultural retailer where he was responsible for a $600m retail business with 82 stores and 650 staff. Mal has also consulted to the pharmacy industry for the past 20 years, helping pharmacies overcome profit and operational challenges including managing the impact of 60 Day Dispensing. Mal is a contributor for AJP every month alongside Bruce Annabel, with whom he released a book titled “Pharmacy Matters.” As a speaker, Mal blends his senior corporate background with decades of practical pharmacy experience and ‘boots on the ground’ knowledge to present to audiences in an entertaining and engaging way.

Amanda Seeto
National Councillor, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Amanda Seeto commenced her career as a community pharmacist in 1998. Since then, Amanda has worked as an accredited consultant pharmacist and expanded her knowledge with a Diploma of Management. Now a managing partner with the Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse group, she is also a Pharmacy Guild National Councillor and Vice President of the Guild’s Queensland Branch Committee, a role in which she enjoys engaging with stakeholders to advocate for community pharmacy.

Jessica Simonis
Clinical Nutritionist & Western Herbalist

Jessica Simonis is a dedicated and passionate Clinical Nutritionist and Western Herbalist with over 20 years of experience in the nutritional and natural medicine field. In addition to over 10 years of clinical practice with a focus on the research and treatment of chronic skin conditions (Psoriasis Eczema Clinic, Melbourne), Jessica has authored/co-authored several published articles, been a guest on renowned podcasts and developed/presented educational programs to other industry professionals. Her special interest lies with host-microbiome-environmental relationship and its role in human health and disease. Jessica is currently a Scientific Educator for Life-Space Group.

Erica Smith
Clinical Education, Metagenics Australia

Erica Smith is a qualified healthcare professional working within the Clinical Education Team for Metagenics Australia. After 20 years of growth and experience with Metagenics, she has kept up to date with scientific developments, created clinical education, and lectured extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand, knowing that this brand is committed to producing healthcare solutions that people love and swear by. She brings her personal experience, scientific evidence, and practicality to the meaningful application of advanced natural medicines for all.

Flynn Swift
President, International Pharmacy Student Federation

Flynn Swift is a fourth year pharmacy student, studying at QUT in Brisbane. He is the immediate past president of the National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association (NAPSA) and the current president of the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation, which represents over 500,000 members from over 100 countries.

Bram Verrept
Head of Performance & Analytics, Sanofi

Bram Verrept has cultivated a deep understanding of consumer behavior and insights through extensive experience in research and insights roles across diverse categories and geographies. His background includes impactful positions at research agencies and a global FMCG company. Bram joined Sanofi CHC and assumed leadership positions in consumer and market insights, category development and business intelligence before moving to Germany headquarters to serve as the global lead for Shopper & Trade insights. Currently, Bram is back in ANZ as Sanofi CHC’s Head of Performance Analytics, overseeing teams in Business Intelligence, Performance Systems and Sales Operations. Bram is driven by a passion for consumer centricity, translating insights into actionable strategies, fostering a performance mindset, and adeptly 'connecting the dots' in the ever-evolving landscape of consumer behavior and market dynamics.

Lucy Walker
Branch Committee Member (Qld), The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Lucy Walker has owned and operated TerryWhite Chemmart Goondiwindi, a rural pharmacy in western Queensland, for the past 10 years. TerryWhite Chemmart Goondiwindi was the 2017 Guild Pharmacy of the Year and continues to be an innovative community focused health destination. Lucy has a broad range of pharmacy experience, having worked in hospital pharmacy and in pharmacies in the UK, as well as academic experience and conducting home medicine reviews. Lucy is the Southwest Queensland representative for the Queensland Guild Branch Committee and sits on the advisory board of TerryWhite Chemmart. In 2018, Lucy was awarded a Churchill Fellowship which involved travelling around the world looking at innovative pharmacy practices to bring back to Australia. She is currently undertaking the Queensland full scope training with the hope of improving access to health services in her rural community.

Annette Willisma
National Brand & Communications Manager, Blooms The Chemist

Annette Williams is the National Brand & Communications Manager for Blooms The Chemist. Annette has worked in marketing and communications across the retail, health and beauty industries for over 15 years. Passionate about storytelling and building authentic relationships, Annette works closely with pharmacists and their teams, pharmacy students and customers to shine a light on the unique stories and people of community pharmacy. Through insightful guidance and actionable strategies, Annette inspires others to understand the power of personal branding and how to stand out in today's competitive landscape. Dedicated to making a difference, Annette aims to bring purpose into every aspect of her work, from crafting impactful brand narratives to spearheading initiatives that contribute to a greater cause, driving positive change and fostering a more meaningful vision.

Dr Jason Wu
Consultant Dermatologist

Dr Jason Wu is a dermatologist in private practice at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra (PA) Hospital, where he is the Deputy director. Dr Wu runs the difficult psoriasis and biologics clinic as well as the immunobullous diseases clinic. Actively involved in training of specialist registrars, he is also the Supervisor of Training at the PA Hospital. Dr Wu speaks locally, nationally and internationally to dermatologists, presents frequently to general practitioners, and is involved in teaching medical students as a senior clinical lecturer with the University of Queensland. He has been on the Steering Committee for multiple national scientific meeting and has been on the Advisory Boards for several medications in the fields of psoriasis and eczema.

Andria Aird
Pharmacy Owner, Blooms The Chemist

Driven by her passion for delivering personalised care and building genuine relationships with patients and customers, Andria Aird has spent her entire working career in the field of pharmacy. Since 2018, she's proudly served as the pharmacist-owner of both Blooms The Chemist Port Coogee and Blooms The Chemist Joondalup. With a special focus on women's health, Andria works closely with her community to help everyone achieve their best health and live their fullest lives. Alongside her dedication to her customers, she loves mentoring her team and guiding young pharmacists, ensuring the bright future of community pharmacy in Australia.

Michael Alexander
Pharmacist & Naturopath

Michael Alexander is a pharmacist and naturopath who owned and ran his own pharmacy for over 20 years. Michael has dedicated his career to exploring the benefits of combining evidence-based vitamins and supplements with pharmaceuticals, to bring together natural therapies and conventional medicine for better patient outcomes. He is now a researcher, writer and presenter whose goal is to assist consumers to take control of their health. As a presenter, Michael is on a mission to transform the lives of his audience through sharing his knowledge and unique insights.

Session Details: Novel natural solutions for chronic pain: The case for Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 11.55am - 12.25pm

Sashi Anantham
Principal, Consumer Intelligence & Insights, IQVIA

Sashi Anantham is a Principal with IQVIA and has been with the company for almost nine years. Sashi has worked extensively in the commercial advisory space for both prescription and consumer health/OTC businesses throughout his tenure with IQVIA. Sashi’s current focus is on understanding how OTC markets evolve in response to consumer behaviour, particularly post pandemic, with his areas of study including market characterisation, consumer preferences, price architecture, demand planning and brand equity. Sashi has also completed a PhD and subsequent post-doctoral research on the genetics of antibiotic resistance in human commensal Escherichia coli.

Natalie Armstrong
Head of Retail Marketing, Sandoz

Natalie Armstrong is an experienced marketing leader dedicated to improving access to high quality medicines. In her role as the Head of Marketing at Sandoz, Natalie has led the launches of generic and biosimilar medications into community pharmacies and hospitals across Australia. Prior to joining Sandoz five years ago, Natalie gained valuable experience working in diverse positions at GSK in London. Natalie holds a Bachelor of Science, with a major in Biology, from Stanford University (USA). With her wealth of knowledge and experience, Natalie continues to drive impactful marketing strategies in the pharmaceutical industry to better serve Australian patients.

Dr Hartley Atkinson
Pain Researcher & CEO, AFT Pharmaceuticals

Dr Hartley Atkinson is a registered pharmacist with a Masters of Pharmaceutical Chemistry with Distinction and Doctorate in Pharmacology. He has published 29 research papers and two book chapters. Following roles as Medical Director and Sales and Marketing Director at Swiss based multinational pharmaceutical giant, Roche, Hartley founded AFT Pharmaceuticals in 1997. Today, AFT has an extensive R&D pipeline and operations in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, with licensing and distribution agreements in over 140 countries. AFT Pharmaceuticals listed on the ASX in December 2015. The capital raised has been used to invest in accelerating the R&D portfolio of key innovative products.

Session Details: Making pharmacy a destination for innovation | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 3.10pm - 3.40pm

Gus Balbontin
Investor, Adviser, Explorer

From his humble upbringing in Patagonia, by the age of 22, Gus Balbontin had hitchhiked across Latin America, built and sold his first business, and secured his dream job at one of the most familiar travel brands in the world, Lonely Planet. Fast forward a few more years and Gus was global leader of the company, working with companies such as Google X, Nokia and Amazon on the latest technology, creative cultures and high performing teams. His lessons hit a chord, his simplicity disarms you, his energy infects you and his counterintuitive way of looking at the world will motivate you to do things different. Gus is often thought of as a futurist, not because he predicts the future, but because he helps you focus on what you can control to deal with the future.

Session Details: Adapt | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 11.50am - 12.35pm

Professor Malcolm Battersby
Head of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University

Malcolm Battersby trained at the Institute of Psychiatry, London in behavioural treatment of anxiety disorders and severe neurotic conditions. He is Professor of Psychiatry of Flinders University, Clinical Director of the Southern Adelaide Mental Health Services and Director of the Flinders Centre for Gambling Research. He established the Flinders Human Behaviour and Health Research Unit and cognitive behavioural post graduate courses at Flinders University, as well as the Statewide Gambling Therapy Services. His team has led the training and supervision of low intensity coaches for the Beyondblue NewAccess program, which saw over 3,000 people with anxiety and depression achieving recovery rates of 68%. Professor Battersby was awarded a Harkness Research Fellowship in the study of chronic condition self-management in the United States and had led the development of the Flinders Program of chronic condition management, now provided across Australia and internationally.

Kellie Beckenham
Member, Community Pharmacies for Rural & Indigenous Australia Advisory Group

Kellie Beckenham is a proud Nganyaywana woman and a community pharmacist in the rural town of Casino, located on the country of the Bundjalung people in Northern New South Wales. Born and raised in Tamworth and having predominantly lived in country towns, Kellie has a passion for rural health. After completing her Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Tasmania and undertaking an intern year in Darwin, Kellie was the owner of a pharmacy in the small town of Mungindi on the New South Wales and Queensland borders for 11 years prior to moving to Casino. Kellie has recently become a Pharmacist Diabetes Educator in response to the overwhelming number of people living with diabetes who have trouble accessing specialist care in rural settings. A CPRIA Committee Member from 2011 to 2018, Kellie was invited to re-join in 201 and has remained on the CPRIA Advisory Committee since then as a community and Indigenous representative.

John Bell
Community Pharmacist & Practitioner/Teacher, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney

John Bell is a Practitioner/Teacher in the Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney and has a community pharmacy practice in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. John is a former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), President of the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) and Vice President of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). He is currently a member of the Global Pain Faculty and of the Global Respiratory Infection Partnership, an international multidisciplinary group established to address the issue of antibiotic resistance, and he is also an advisor to PSA’s Pharmacy Self Care Program, a consumer health information and pharmacist training program.

Session Details: The evolving dry cough landscape - rethinking management options for your patients | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 5.10pm - 5.40pm

Simon Blacker
National Vice-President Clinical Governance, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Simon Blacker is a community pharmacist and has been a pharmacy owner for over 20 years. After 10 years of leading the team at Orana Mall Pharmacy in Dubbo, Simon relocated to Canberra as the Managing Partner of Life Pharmacy Group, ACT. In 2017, Simon was elected President of the Pharmacy Guild’s ACT Branch, a role in which he is passionate about seeking feedback from Guild members, providing a voice to their ideas and providing possible solutions to their challenges. He is also Chair of the Guild’s Clinical Governance Committee. Simon believes the community pharmacy network is ideally positioned to do more to assist patients with their health needs in new and innovative ways.

Celia Bloxsom
Principal Optometrist, Eyeconic Optometry

Celia Bloxsom is the Principal Optometrist of Eyeconic Optometry Southport. After graduating with first class honours and with the Don Noack prize for contact lens studies from QUT, Celia worked in a Brisbane CBD practice where she became an expert in fitting contact lenses for all types of corneal conditions. It was during this time that she discovered a love for orthokeratology contact lenses, with her enthusiasm leading her to the position of secretary of the Orthokeratology Society of Oceania, a position which she still holds today. Celia is also a guest lecturer and supervising clinical at QUT’s School of Optometry and has twice been awarded the QUT Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching. As part her everyday practice, Celia diagnoses, treats and manages patients with dry eye and other ocular conditions as well as providing expert fitting of contact lenses and other optical professional services.

Lesley Braun
Global Director, Blackmores Institute

Lesley Braun is the Global Director of Blackmores Institute, which focuses on facilitating research and innovation with university and commercial partners and delivering education and science communications for both retail staff and health professionals. Lesley is an Adjunct Associate Professor at both SCU (NCCM) and WSU (NICM) and has held various positions at The Alfred Hospital, Monash University and RMIT University. Lesley has won numerous awards for her work in promoting research and innovation in complementary medicine. She has authored best-selling textbooks, founded a peer-reviewed scientific journal, and is currently the editor-in-chief of FX Medicine, a popular podcast series. Lesley is passionate about the role of diet, lifestyle, and complementary medicine approaches in healthcare and is a strong advocate for supporting women in STEM to become the new leaders of the future.

Session Details: Vitamins and dietary supplements - fact or fictions, and the important role of pharmacists | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 11.20am - 11.50am

Liz Brimage
Project Manager Clinical Governance & Quality, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Liz Brimage serves as the Clinical Governance Project Manager at the Pharmacy Guild National Secretariat. With a background in the government policy sector, Liz brings valuable experience to her current role. Liz is passionate about upholding quality standards in healthcare and is dedicated to supporting community pharmacy during this exciting period of growth and advancement. Her focus includes making clinical governance information easily accessible, contributing to the overall improvement of healthcare practices in pharmacy.

Catherine Bronger
Catherine Bronger General Manager, Chemistworks & NSW Vice President, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Catherine Bronger is a Vice President of the Pharmacy Guild’s New South Wales Branch and chair of the Guild NSW’s Scope of Practice Subcommittee. Through the Chemistworks pharmacies, where she leads over 200 staff, Catherine is known for pushing the boundaries of community pharmacy practice into professional service delivery, offering innovative health solutions with surrounding health care providers. Catherine was also the lead for electronic prescriptions in the 7CPA negotiations for the Guild. Her passion to utilise technology to make the patients’ journey through community pharmacies seamless, efficient and personal has come into fruition with her new technology first community centre pharmacy which opened in late 2023.

Rochelle Burdge
People, Culture and Operations Director, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia National Secretariat

Rochelle Burdge is the People, Culture and Operations Director at the National Secretariat of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, based in Canberra. Commencing in the workforce as a pharmacy assistant when she was a teenager, Rochelle joined the Guild in 2007 in the mailroom and has built her career in People and Culture through dedication and a genuine love for connecting with people. Rochelle is driven by linking the human experience to the goals of the organisation and through this has been a key player in the Guild’s workplace culture journey into the engaged workplace they are today. Her passion for creating a people-centered workplace experience has not only defined her professional journey but has also become a cornerstone of her mission. More personally, Rochelle’s indigenous heritage and neurodiverse passion allows her to continue to expand traditional workplace practices into inclusive, future focused frameworks. Rochelle firmly believes that embracing differences not only enriches the workplace but also leads to heightened creativity and productivity.

Carolyn Clementson
Pharmacy Practice Manager, Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse

A community pharmacist and pharmacy owner, Carolyn Clementson primarily works as the Pharmacy Practice Manager at the Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse support office. In this role, Carolyn is responsible for QCPP accreditation, implementation of health programs and services, professional practice, professional education and regulatory compliance for the group. A former board director or the Australian College of Pharmacy, Carolyn is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland, a previous Visiting Clinical Fellow at QUT and in 2019, was credentialled as an Advancing Practice Pharmacist (Stage II). A passionate advocate for community pharmacists working to their full scope of practice, Carolyn is currently undertaking training to participate in the Queensland Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot.

Yvette Costi
Chief Marketing Officer, Blooms The Chemist

Yvette Costi is an experienced marketing professional with a diverse background across multiple industries and continents. She has a track record of developing successful strategies and driving growth for organisations. Yvette is skilled in aligning people, technology, and operations to create brand value, cultivate talent, and achieve strategic objectives. She has worked in industries such as property development, workspace design, professional consultancy, and retail pharmacy. She is currently Chief Marketing Officer at Blooms The Chemist, a role in which she has developed a passion for using marketing as a tool to improve health outcomes for underserved markets. Yvette has used her marketing expertise to design campaigns that raise awareness about health issues, provide educational resources, and encourage healthier, more proactive behaviours. She is dedicated to using her skills to make a positive impact on the quality of health and wellbeing of communities across Australia.

Gabrielle Covino
Head of Healthcare Practitioner Science Communication

Gabrielle has developed curriculum content for both nutrition and naturopathic degrees and has worked in senior academic and clinic supervisory roles across several major training institutions for more than 15 years. She has written for naturopathic and nutrition textbooks and has been contributing editor for a complementary medicine trade journal. She currently leads the content management for Blackmores Institute and for the FX medicine education platform – where she remains committed to the ongoing education of healthcare practitioners to optimise clinical outcomes for patients and support the safe use of complementary medicine. Gabrielle has a Masters in Human Nutrition, a Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Science with Honours, and a Bachelors of Health Science in Naturopathy.

Regina Cowie
Partnerships Manager, Fred IT Group

Regina Cowie has a Bachelor of Sports Science (Exercise Physiologist) and is a qualified accredited pharmacist. She has over 20 years’ experience in community, industry and corporate pharmacy. Regina developed the first intern training program for the Northern Territory and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. She worked for Australian Pharmaceutical Industries for 8 years, most recently as the National Health Care Services Manager, where she led her team to successfully implement electronic prescribing into Priceline Pharmacy, Soul Pattison and Pharmacist Advice. Regina has a passion for service delivery with care through innovation and technology. She is the newly appointed Partnerships Manager in eHealth for FRED IT.

Session Details: Do we need Artificial Intelligence to serve customers better? | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 2.00pm - 2.45pm

Paul Cross
Managing Director & Publisher, Daily Dispatch

Paul Cross is Director of Daily Dispatch Pty Ltd and publisher of BioPharmaDispatch, BiotechDispatch and HealthDispatch, three leading mainstream publications covering Australia's pharmaceutical, biotechnology, private health and medical device sectors. An experienced Senior Executive in the US and Australia and a former Senior Adviser to two Health Ministers, Paul is also the Founder of The Bim, a social media platform for the Australian life sciences sector.

Nathan Davis
Executive Director & Co-Founder, MedReleaf Australia

Nathan David is co-founder of MedReleaf Australia. He has a diverse background including pharmaceuticals, FMCG, luxury retail, supply chain, wholesale and franchising. For almost 10 years, Nathan worked for Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API), where he established himself as a leader within the business and was pivotal in the distribution and wholesale channels. Nathan has a firm foundation of knowledge of the PBS, private and generic medicine marketplace in Australia. He is adept at realising, developing and actioning new and innovative business strategies, is an active participant in the Medical Cannabis Industry Australia (MCIA) and is a sought-after advocate in the Medical Cannabis sector.

Session Details: How medical cannabis as a professional service can drive commercial growth for pharmacy | Saturday, 16 March 2024 | 9.55am - 10.25am

Mick Delaney
Pharmacist, Thursday Island Pharmacy

Mick Delaney is an experienced pharmacist with a passion for regional and remote community pharmacy. As an owner of multiple pharmacies along the eastern corridor or Australia, Mick strongly believes that pharmacists are the hub of regional and remote health and make a huge impact on the health and wellbeing of their patients. Mick is a strong healthcare services professional and understands that business skills are as important as clinical skills if you wish to operate a successful pharmacy. As a Director of Hazel Pharma, Mick appreciates that each pharmacy is unique. With this in mind, Mick is focused on increasing efficiencies by implementing best practice systems and technology that best suits the needs of the individual pharmacy and their community. As a Director of PharmaCEO, Mick’s goal is to simplify data management to allow for accurate reporting, management and forecasting, again improving efficiencies to delivery improved results for the pharmacy and their community.

Dr Richard Di Natale
Public Health Specialist & Former Australian Senator

Dr Richard Di Natale was elected to the Senate in the 2010 federal election and was federal parliamentary leader of the Australian Greens from 2015 to 2020, leading the Greens during the 2016 and 2019 federal elections. As federal health spokesperson he helped secure almost $5 billion towards Medicare-funded dentistry, and successfully campaigned to divest the Future of $250 million in tobacco holdings. He led inquiries into significant public health issues such as antimicrobial resistance, healthcare funding, air pollution, pharmaceutical industry transparency and gambling reform. Prior to entering parliament, Richard was a general practitioner and public health specialist, working in Aboriginal health in the Northern Territory, on HIV prevention among injecting drug users in Northeast India and as a drug and alcohol clinician in regional Victoria. Richard now works as a public health advisor with cohealth, a not-for-profit community health service, leading their work on the establishment of a supervised injecting service for Melbourne’s CBD and developing new multidisciplinary primary health services across Australia.

Session Details: Harm Minimisation Stream | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 4.00pm - 5.30pm

Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin
Chief Investigator & Project Lead, NSW Government Pharmacy Trial

Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin is a full-time teaching and research academic in the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy at the University of Newcastle. A registered pharmacist, Sarah’s expertise lies in community pharmacy consultation services, minor ailments, self-care and optimising scope of practice as part of primary health care. Sarah has led national and international pharmacy research projects and published extensively. She was Chief Investigator on the first trial of an innovative community pharmacy Minor Ailments Scheme and is leading two high profile research grants which involve the implementation and evaluation of the state-wide roll out of expanded scope of practice for pharmacists in New South Wales. Internationally, Sarah has been elected to the International Pharmaceutical Federation’s Community Pharmacy executive committee and is an editorial board member for two international pharmacy journals. In 2022, Sarah was awarded an International Excellence Award for Women in Science in Education from FIP.

Session Details: The Prescribing Pharmacist - the Australian lived experience | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 11.00am - 11.45am

Hon Peter Dutton MP
Leader of the Opposition

Peter Dutton is the Federal Member for Dickson and Leader of the Liberal Party. Prior to his election in 2001, Peter served as a Queensland Police Officer. He worked in the National Crime Authority and Drug and Sex Offenders’ Squads. Peter was appointed to the Ministry by Prime Minister John Howard in 2004. In January 2006, he was promoted to Assistant Treasurer. Following the 2007 election, Peter served as Shadow Minister for Finance, Competition Policy and Deregulation, and Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing. Most recently, Peter served as Minister for Defence delivering record funding and securing the vital equipment our service personnel need to keep our country safe. He was a member of the National Security Committee of Cabinet and served on the Expenditure Review Committee and leadership teams. Previously, he served as Home Affairs Minister, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection and Minister for Health and Minister for Sport. Peter is married to Kirilly and is the proud father of Rebecca, Harry and Tom and lives in Dayboro in the Dickson electorate.

Dr Chris Edwards
Adjunct Research Fellow, Griffith University

Dr Chris Edwards is an Autistic Autism Researcher with Autism Spectrum Australia and an Adjunct Research Fellow at Griffith University. Chris has supported the Autistic community for over nine years through various educational and support roles. His research now covers autism in education, the community, mental health, and adult experiences.

Nicolette Ellis
Senior Clinical Pharmacist, Beyond Pain

Nicolette Ellis is a seasoned expert in the comprehensive management and treatment of individuals grappling with chronic pain, mental health disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome. In her role as Senior Clinical Pharmacist at Beyond Pain, an interdisciplinary coaching and self-management treatment service tailored for individuals with intricate care requirements, Nicolette brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her work. Her fervent commitment lies in advancing advocacy efforts and fostering a deeper understanding of Australians living with chronic pain. This dedication is exemplified through her tenure as President of Chronic Pain Australia. Nicolette's relentless drive for advocacy and transformative change stems from her own personal journey with chronic pain, serving as a profound motivator in her career as a pharmacist specialising in this challenging and often debilitating condition.

Kristina Fox
Community Pharmacist

Kristina Fox is a proud community pharmacist who wants to revolutionise the industry. Kristina has a passion for improving patient health outcomes through innovation and is focused on meeting the needs of her local community through specialising in NDIS, medicinal cannabis, IVF, minor ailments and compounding services. Kristina believes collaborating with other health professionals is critical to delivering holistic health solutions and that by working together, can leverage their respective expertise to provide the best possible care for patients. She is also committed to delivering complete care and achieving positive health outcomes for patients.

Jessamy Gee
Founder and Director, Think in Colour

As one of Australia’s leading Graphic Recorders, Jessamy Gee has developed a unique skill set in listening, synthesising, capturing and communicating information visually. She is the Founder and Director of Think in Colour and Founder and former President of Graphic Recorders Australia. In 2020, Jessamy became the first Australian Director to serve on the Board of the International Forum of Visual Practitioners and the following year, she took over the role of Chapter Host for Creative Mornings Melbourne. Since launching Think in Colour in 2011, Jessamy has become internationally renowned for her work, and has serviced a diverse range of clients in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the United States and Europe. Jessamy has captured talks by some of Australia’s leading minds including former President of the Human Rights Commission Gillian Triggs, former Greens leader Bob Brown, Todd Sampson, Madga Szubanski, Waleed Aly and Edward de Bono.

Kian Ghahramani
National Director Pharmacy Services, RSM Australia

Kian Ghahramani is a Director of RSM Australia, with over 15 years’ experience in accounting, taxation, and business advisory. Outside of the usual compliance, he provides tax planning, strategic outsourcing, tax advice, and restructuring services to small business clients, both local and international, and specialises in Pharmacy services, Information Technology and Property and Construction. Kian’s involvement typically involves providing budgeting, cashflow, forecasting, tax planning and strategic advice to put his pharmacy clients on a growth path.

Session Details: PRe-Conference Workshop: Commbank Pharmacy Owners Masterclass | Wednesday, 13 March 2024 | 12.30pm - 4.30pm

Richard Gorman
Managing Director, Corporate Financial Services P/L

Richard Gorman is Managing Director of Corporate Financial Services P/L, a company established in 1984 which specialises in pharmacy specific services ranging from sales, business advice and financial needs. Richard leads a team of pharmacy specialists and enjoys strong working relationships with the major banking groups, wholesalers and pharmacists throughout Australia. He is committed to improving the efficiencies within all pharmacies with the intent of maintaining sustainable, long-term profitability.

Session Details: Buying and selling a pharmacy today | Saturday, 16 March 2024 | 2.00pm - 2.30pm

Alistair Grenfell
President Europe, Middle East, Africa and South Asia & Global Head of Public Health, IQVIA

Alistair Grenfell is President, Europe, Middle East, Africa and South Asia heading up IQVIA operations and leading IQVIA Global Public Health initiatives. Previously, Alistair served as the company’s president, North Europe and Africa from 2011 to 2015. Since joining IMS Health in 1996, Alistair has held sales, client services and business management roles of increasing responsibility in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. From 2010 to 2011, he served as general manager for Belgium, Netherlands, Nordics and Baltics, and prior to that led the IMS Health sales function in EMEA for three years. He also managed the company’s UK and Ireland sales team and served in a variety of account, business development and global sales roles. Alistair holds a BA degree with honors in Business Economics from Anglia University and an M.Sc. in Economics and Competition Policy from Bayes Business School, City, University of London.

Assoc Prof Paul Griffin
Director of Infectious Diseases, Mater Hospital

Assoc Prof Paul Griffin was appointed as the Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater Health Services in 2013. He is also Conjoint Head of the Mater Clinical Unit for the University of Queensland. From 2011 to 2022, Paul was Principal Investigator/Medical Director at Nucleus Network, where he was involved in over 150 clinical trials. A Clinical Microbiologist by trade, Paul has an active interest in diagnostic microbiology. His primary research interests are clinical trials in the field of infectious diseases including malaria human challenge and transmission blocking studies, the molecular detection of gametocytes, and the detection of antibiotic resistance. A Director/Scientific Advisory Board member for the Immunisation Coalition, Paul also became a media spokesperson during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Session Details: Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 2.35pm - 3.05pm

Dr John Gullotta AM
Specialist General Practitioner & Registered Pharmacist

Dr John Gullotta is a Sydney based Specialist General Practitioner with over 30 years’ experience. Dr Gullotta has extensive involvement in academia, teaching, medical organisations, media and community service, is a Visiting Fellow in Pharmacy at the University of Technology Sydney, Graduate School of Health and served as President of the AMA (NSW) from 2004 to 2006. Dr Gullotta is also a proud pharmacist and sits on numerous advisory bodies including Medicines Australia Code of Conduct Committee and Professional Services Review Committee. Dr Gullotta’s extensive contribution to the profession and community service was acknowledged in 2007 when he was appointed Member in the Order of Australia, AM for “service to medicine through a range of executive roles with professional medical associations and as a general practitioner, and to the Italian community”. In 2018, he was elected onto the branch committee of the Order of Australia Association NSW and is currently the Deputy Chair.

Scott Harris
Workplace Relations Director, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Scott Harris is a workplace relations specialist with 25 years of experience across multiple industry sectors. He is currently employed as the Director, Workplace Relations & Business with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. Scott has previously worked in both the public and private sectors as the workplace relations manager or specialist, and as a human resources manager for international companies. Scott’s experience and knowledge directly assist businesses in improving their operations regarding corporate performance and employment management. Scott holds Master’s degrees in Industrial Relations, Business Administration and Legal Studies from Charles Sturt University.

Ian Harris
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

Ian Harris is an internationally experienced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist who believes in a whole body and mind approach, encouraging patient participation to achieve well-being in which the patient is at the centre of the treatment approach. Ian has over 25 years’ experience after qualifying in South Africa. He has a post graduate degree in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and has taught both undergraduate and post graduate physiotherapy students in the UK, South Africa and Australia. Ian has been involved in research in the fields of sporting performance and injury rehab and prevention. He has also been an extended scope physiotherapist working alongside orthopaedic surgeons in the UK.

Dr Richard “Harry” Harris SC OAM
Australian of the Year 2019, Thai Cave Rescue Diver & Anaesthetist

Dr Richard “Harry” Harris has worked in anaesthesia, diving and aeromedical medicine. His passion for cave diving has taken him to the corners of the globe in search of new adventures, and he has a professional and voluntary interest in search and rescue operations, establishing the first flooded cave rescue capability in Australasia. In 2018, the Thailand cave rescue was an opportunity for Harry to put this training to work. That same year, he received the Star of Courage, Australia’s second highest civilian award for bravery, and the medal of the Order of Australia for his role in the rescue. In 2019, Harry was the joint Australian of the Year with his dive partner, Craig Challen. Harry is now a speaker, author and film maker and an advocate for sensible risk taking in young people, encouraging youth to get off their screens and get outside to build independence, resilience and improve mental health.

Session Details: Against all odds - an inside account of the Thai cave rescue | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 9.40am - 10.30am

Brenton Hart
Chief Pharmacist, TerryWhite Chemmart

Brenton Hart is the Chief Pharmacist for TerryWhite Chemmart, which is Australia’s largest community pharmacy network. Brenton is a passionate community pharmacist, pharmacy proprietor and advocate with extensive experience in clinical practice, pharmacy operations, business, leadership and the pharmacy industry. Brenton is increasingly sought after as a thought-leader in various aspects of community pharmacy practice, in particular vaccination and public health. As a confident influencer and communicator, Brenton enjoys overcoming the challenges facing patients, our health system and community pharmacy itself. Brenton’s vision is to drive positive health outcomes in communities around Australia and to assist fellow pharmacists become the primary healthcare leaders of tomorrow by maximising their full scope of practice.

Session Details: Panel Session: The Prescribing Pharmacist | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 11.00am - 11.45am

Chris Helder
Business Communication Expert

Chris Helder is a business communication expert, professional speaker and author who is known for his expertise in the areas of communication, leadership, and influence, and working with many high-profile clients around the world. Chris is the author of seven books, including his latest book, called "Re-ignition: How to gain power when you feel flat, tired, and uninspired". His best-selling book, “Useful Belief” is one of Australia’s highest selling business books of all time. Chris has presented at over 2,500 conferences around the world, sharing his insights and strategies on how to communicate effectively, inspire and motivate teams, and achieve success in business and life. His goal is to inspire individuals and organisations to think differently and achieve their full potential.

Session Details: How useful belief changes how you look at work and the customer experience | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 11.00am - 11.45am

Hamish Henderson
Chief Executive Officer, Rival

Hamish Henderson is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Rival and a practicing designer and innovation consultant, specialising in Digital Product Design and Human Factors Engineering. His experience spans health, urban technology, construction, travel, enterprise technology, mass transport and consumer electronics, as well as extensive experience across government and private enterprise. Hamish is also an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney and an Industry Fellow at the University of Technology, Sydney. He is a published author of several academic papers which explore design, technology and innovation. Hamish specialises in designing innovative and usable solutions to complex and difficult problems and in actively teaching and mentoring teams to help them achieve their goals.

Chloe Hennessy
Director of Clinical Governance and Quality, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Chloe Hennessy leads Clinical Governance and Quality at the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, which includes the Quality Care Pharmacy Program, a quality assurance program designed to guide community pharmacies in providing high quality, consistent and safe care to their patients. Chloe has a rich and varied experience including customer and stakeholder engagement, program design and development, new system implementation, change management and leadership. With more than 15 years of experience working in pharmacy accreditation, Chloe has a deep understanding of quality management systems, standards and accreditation and how these translate to the pharmacy environment. Chloe’s passion for quality accreditation and continuous improvement was the driving force behind Quality Care 2020, a contemporary accreditation program for community pharmacy which is centred around enabling continuous improvement, innovation and bringing together best-practice business operations with excellence in safe and quality care.

Dr Rupert Hinds
Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist

Dr Rupert Hinds commenced working as a Paediatric Gastroenterologist at Monash Medical Centre in 2009. Prior to this he worked in the UK as a consultant at King’s College Hospital and St Thomas’s Hospital in London from 2004, following his specialty training at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London. Dr Hinds manages children and adolescents with gastrointestinal problems. His clinical interests include nutrition, hepatology and inflammatory bowel disease. Dr Hinds is Head of the Department of Gastroenterology at Monash Children’s Hospital as well as a senior lecturer in paediatrics at Monash University.

Session Details: Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) in infants - guidelines and management | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 2.00pm - 2.30pm

Professor Harriet Hiscock
Group Leader, Health Services & Economics, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute

Professor Harriet Hiscock is a consultant paediatrician and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. She is Associate Director, Research at the Centre for Community Child Health, Director of The Royal Children's Hospital Health Services Research Unit and Group Leader, Health Services at Murdoch Children's Research Institute. She has published over 290 peer reviewed papers and has been awarded continuous NHMRC funding since 2002. Her work informs the content of the federal government-funded Raising Children Network Parenting site. She has also co-authored a report which led to the inclusion of a child mental health measure in the Victorian School Entry Health Questionnaire that enables earlier detection and management of child mental health problems.

Dr Jason Holland
Clinical Optometrist, The Eye Health Centre

Dr Jason Holland runs a busy glaucoma and advanced dry eye clinic at The Eye Health Centre in Brisbane, as well as providing pre and post-operative care for an ophthalmologist and anterior eye specialist. His previous roles include National Director of Optometry for the Optical Superstore Group, which engages 90 optometrists at 65 locations across Australia. Jason served as a Director and Treasurer for Optometry Australia (QLD & NT) for nine years and on the Optometry Australia National Board for three years, and currently sits on the QUT, Deakin and UWA Optometry Advisory Boards. In 2018, he was the recipient of the Optometry Australia Qld Optometrist. Jason has lectured on contact lenses and dry eye in Australia and South-East Asia.

Marina Holt
Education and Training Manager, PCCA

Marina Holt is an experienced pharmacist who is well-known in compounding circles for her dedication to improving compounding pharmacy practice through education, training, mentoring and stakeholder engagement. Marina has recently been a reviewer of the APF Compounding chapters and is a member of the Quality Standards Development Committee. She is a proud former elected member of the Pharmacy Council of NSW. Marina is passionate about the difference compounding can make to patient lives, whilst always considering risk minimization and patient -centred care.

Session Details: Major regulatory changes in compounding are here! | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 11.00am - 11.30am

Janice Hoogeveen
Head of Marketing, TerryWhite Chemmart

Janice Hoogeveen is the Head of Marketing for TerryWhite Chemmart and has over 30 years’ experience across various industries including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, fast-moving goods, and retail. Janice has a deep understanding and analysis of consumer trends, which she adeptly translates into actionable insights and impactful go-to-market strategies. Her tenure includes pivotal roles at organisations such as Sanofi, Nestle, Metagenics, and The Royal Flying Doctors. Throughout her career, Janice has spearheaded numerous successful campaigns, crafting narratives that not only align with a brand's core message but also establish meaningful connections with consumers. Her innovative approach and strategic mindset have propelled brands to new heights, positioning them as market leaders in their respective domains.

Christine Hrudka
Past National President, Canadian Pharmacists Association

Christine Hrudka is a Canadian pharmacist, entrepreneur and advocate for women in business who has owned chain and independent pharmacies. Christine served as Chair of the Canadian Pharmacists Association and has led the advancement of many critical topics provincially, nationally and internationally. She is a board member of the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan and the North American representative of the World Pharmacy Council.

Karalyn Huxhagen
Consultant Pharmacist

Karalyn Huxhagen is a community pharmacist and a consultant pharmacist. Karalyn performs locum services, medication reviews and delivers quality use of medication programs mainly in rural and regional Australia. Karalyn has a strong interest in immunisation and the provision of injectables in community pharmacy, pain management, asthma and COPD, aged care, wound care, travel medicine, chronic disease programs and the health of aboriginal, Torres Strait and South Sea Islander people. Credentialed in Mental Health First aid, Karalyn also provides immunisation and vaccination services as a community pharmacist. Karalyn has written several articles, online programs and podcasts relating to disease management and pharmacy services. She is also a provider and presenter for the PainWise program.

Dr Anchita Karmakar
Director of Medicolegal Advisory Board of Peers, Australian Health Practitioners Advisory Solutions

Dr Anchita Karmakar is the Director of Medicolegal Advisory Board of Peers for the Australian Health Practitioners Advisory Solutions (AHPAS). With a dual degree in Medicine and Law, Anchita brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and charisma to this role. Her ambition is to help unite all healthcare professionals under the one banner of AHPAS so that HCPs can collaborate and innovate together. She is an avid social justice fighter, helping and guiding her colleagues through the troubles of regulatory issues.

Jason Keily
Pharmacist

Jason Keily is the owner of Greg Keily Pharmacy. Jason has experience working at Gold Coast Hospital with rotations in Surgery, Oncology, Renal Medicine, and Paediatrics. Jason has also worked as a renal pharmacist and a surgical directorate pharmacist and was involved with the hospital discharge planning committee at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E). After leaving the RD&E, Jason worked as a surgical pharmacist for the Ministry of Defence at a naval hospital in Gosport, England. As a community pharmacist, Jason’s focus is the dispensary, vaccination services and the management of aged care and HRM services. Jason also provides pharmacy services to festivals (Splendour in the Grass, Blues Fest, CMC Ipswich and Big Red Bash).

Sara Kemp
Senior Manager – Full Scope Project, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Sara Kemp is a former Canadian pharmacist with over 25 years of experience in community pharmacy, 20 years of which were in pharmacy operations, professional services and business development. Sara has also worked in the areas of medical information and marketing and has practiced across a wide range of pharmacy settings including independent, franchise and big box pharmacies. During her time as President of the College of Pharmacists in the province of New Brunswick in Canada, Sara experienced the updating of the Pharmacy Act to incorporate pharmacist prescribing and injection services as well as technician licensing. Sara believes the evolution of pharmacy practice to a much more patient-centric care model is long overdue in Australia and is excited to be able to continue advocating for the right patient care at the right time and right place.

Lauren Kunde
Dermatologist

Dr Lauren Kunde is a registered Queensland-based dermatologist specialising in general dermatology and paediatric dermatology. She practices privately at Paddington Dermatology and publicly at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, while holding an appointment in tele-dermatology at Princess Alexandra Hospital. Her particular areas of interest are paediatric dermatology, vascular malformations, skin cancer management, acne and photodamage. Lauren was educated in both Australia and the United Kingdom, mastering specific knowledge of inflammatory skin conditions while working in the UK. Her responsibilities as both parent and doctor underscore a passion for educating families about sun safety and skin cancer prevention, as lives and heartbreak can be saved by establishing smart habits.

Therese Lambert
Pharmacy Owner, TerryWhite Chemmart Sarina

Therese Lambert is the proud owner of TerryWhite Chemmart Sarina and an academic tutor at James Cook University School of Pharmacy, from which she was honoured with an award for her mentorship and tutoring of the next generation of pharmacists. A fervent advocate for rural and regional health, Therese is deeply committed to advancing the scope of practice for pharmacists and is taking part in the Far North Queensland Full Scope Pilot. Therese’s professional journey is about embracing the challenges and joys of her profession while inspiring others to do the same. With her forward-thinking approach and commitment to excellence, Therese continues to shape the future of pharmacy, one patient and one student at a time.

Andrew Leslie
Pharmacy Owner, Blooms The Chemist

Pharmacy Owner, Blooms The Chemist Andrew Leslie has been a pharmacist with Blooms The Chemist since 2012, during which time he has owned six pharmacies. Andrew relishes the opportunity to have direct and significant impact on both the health of individuals and the health of the community. He is passionate about building teams comprised of individuals who are healthy and happy, which he believes is the success to producing better health outcomes for patients. Andrew believes that when executed well, community pharmacy becomes more than timely access to health products and advice, it becomes a cultural hub that exists to service the bespoke needs of each unique community.

Mark Li
Pharmacist Advisor (VIC), The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Mark Li is a community pharmacist with a background in rural/regional healthcare in both New Zealand and Australia. Mark has been the Pharmacist Advisor for The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Victoria Branch for the past two years. Mark is an advocate for the central role of community pharmacies in healthcare and believes in leveraging the skills and strategic position of pharmacists to deliver evidence-based healthcare.

Naomi Lim
Professional Officer, PDL

Naomi Lim is a Professional Officer at PDL and is the Chair of the Victorian Local Advisory Committee. Naomi has practised as a pharmacist in three states in Australia across diverse settings. Her industry experience includes hospital, retail, COVID-19 vaccinations, knowledge development, IVF and Aboriginal health. Naomi enjoys inspiring pharmacists to broaden their professional identity and resilience in the ever-changing landscape of pharmacy.

Session Details: PDL's perspective on Pharmacist Prescribing | Saturday, 16 March 2024 | 3.30pm - 4.00pm

Phil Lynch
Chair, Consumer Health Products Australia

Phil Lynch has over 30 years’ experience working at Johnson & Johnson in Consumer Health care in Asia Pacific markets and as leader of the Australian & New Zealand businesses for a six-year period. While leading J&J’s Australian business, Phil was a member of the ASMI Committee of Management and led its finance committee. In November 2020, he re-joined the Consumer Health Products Australia Board as an Independent Chair. Phil is also a Non-Executive Director of Race Oncology.

Dr Brett MacFarlane
Medical Director, Panwar Health

Dr Brett MacFarlane is Medical Director of Panwar Health. Brett graduated from pharmacy at the University of Queensland in 1993 and managed community pharmacies in metropolitan and regional Queensland for a number of years before completing a PhD in skin science at the UQ Medical School. Brett is a Fellow and former Chief Pharmacist of the Australasian College of Pharmacy. Brett’s primary research area was the movement of molecules across the skin. He later developed an interest in dry skin, other common skin conditions, and gastrointestinal health. Brett is an experienced peer reviewed author, medical writer, public speaker, and podcaster.

Session Details: Easing the strain - managing constipation in children and the importance of the parent/caregiver conversation | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 10.45am - 11.15am

Session Details: Evidence and gaps in children's pain and fever relief - implementation of the first Australian community pharmacist guideline | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 2.00pm - 2.30pm

Melissa Manahan
Dermatologist

Dr Melissa Manahan is a dermatologist who undertook her medical degree at The University of Queensland, graduating in 2010 with first class honours and the University medal. Melissa undertook her dermatology training at the Queensland Institute of Dermatology, Nambour General Hospital, the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, the Qld Children’s Hospital, the Princess Alexandra Hospital and Central Brisbane Dermatology. Prior to medicine, Melissa completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy in Queensland and was awarded prizes for the highest mark in the Quality Use of Medicines and Drug Discovery courses as well as the 3rd year student with the highest GPA. She has worked as a pharmacist in both hospital and community pharmacy settings. She has an ongoing relationship with her previous profession, teaching pharmacy students and pharmacists on the management of skin diseases.

Hannah Mann
Founder & Managing Partner, Kimberley Pharmacy Services

Hannah Mann is the pharmacy owner and founder of Kimberley Pharmacy Services, a community focused pharmacy with branches in Broome, Derby and Fitzroy Crossing. Hannah spends much of her time travelling between the pharmacies and remote Aboriginal health services, providing pharmacy-based assistance to locals in towns and communities throughout the Kimberley region. Hannah’s community-focused approach has attracted national recognition - in 2015, the Broome branch was named The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Pharmacy of the Year, the industry’s most prestigious honour. In 2019, Hannah was also named First Amongst Equals, the highest honour in the Business News 40under40 awards, for her extraordinary contribution to remote Indigenous health.

Abbey Marshall
Rural and Indigenous Chair, NAPSA

Abbey Marshall is the Rural and Indigenous (RANDI) chair for the National Australian Pharmacy Student Association (NAPSA). Abbey has a strong rural background and has developed a great passion for rural and remote and indigenous health. She strives to encourage and promote other pharmacy students to seek experience in a rural community to open their eyes to the wonderful world of the country. Her role as Rural and Indigenous Chair of NAPSA is just the beginning of her work towards equalising opportunities and services across rural and indigenous communities. As a current third year pharmacy student at James Cook University in Townsville, Abbey is working towards her dream of being a health professional in rural and remote Australia.

Ben Massey
National Senior Associate, CommBank Health National Strategy & Insights

Working within a national team leading the development and execution of the broader health sector strategy for Business Banking, Ben’s role focuses on the pharmacy industry strategy, insights and appetite. The team specialise across the full spectrum of the health sector, from primary care businesses (General Practice) to Pharmacy, Aged Care and Seniors Living and support front-line banking and risk teams in deepening their understanding of these highly specialised businesses. Based in Adelaide, Ben specialises in transaction analysis and structuring, credit risk management, data analytics/research and strategy.

Session Details: Pre-Conference Workshop: Commbank Pharmacy Owners Masterclass | Wednesday, 13 March 2024 | 12.30pm - 4.30pm

Kim McCauley
National Director, CommBank Health National Strategy & Insights

With over 35 years banking experience, Kim McCauley performs a national role providing expert advice, training and oversight to health banking specialists around Australia on lending criteria and structuring, the regulatory and compliance landscape, current and future trends impacting the sector, benchmarking and risk appetite. Prior to his current role, Kim was a Business Banker where he assisted countless pharmacists with purchasing into a pharmacy. He is passionate about helping health professionals achieve their business and financial ambitions, from entering business ownership, expanding and growing the business, through to succession planning and retirement.

Session Details: Pre-Conference Workshop: Commbank Pharmacy Owners Masterclass | Wednesday, 13 March 2024 | 12.30pm - 4.30pm

Tina McGhie
Co-CEO, Curijo

Tina McGhie is an Aboriginal woman who identifies with the Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal peoples of NSW and ACT. Tina is one of two female owners of Curijo, an Aboriginal, female led boutique Consultancy firm, headquartered out of the Illawarra and beautiful Dharawal Country. Tina is a Director and Senior Aboriginal Consultant with extensive management experience within human services and Social and Emotional Wellbeing over the past 25 years. Tina’s work is underpinned by Graduate Certificate’s in Indigenous Business Leadership and Indigenous Trauma Recovery Practice, Diploma’s in Community Services Management and Therapeutic Life Story Work, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Tina is currently undertaking her Masters in Indigenous Health and sits on the Social Work Advisory Panel of the University of Wollongong, NSW and is passionate about Cultural Safety within the Workplace.

Professor Patrick McGorry AO
Psychiatrist & Executive Director, Orygen

Professor Patrick McGorry is a psychiatrist known world-wide for his development and scaling up of early intervention, youth mental health services, mental health innovation, advocacy and reform. He is Executive Director of Orygen, Professor of Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and founding editor of the journal Early Intervention in Psychiatry. In 2010, Prof McGorry was named Australian of the Year. He has received numerous other awards including the Schizophrenia International Research Society Lifetime Achievement Award, has published over 980 publications and has played key advocacy and advisory roles to government on health system reform in Australia and overseas. Prof McGorry is President of the International Association for Youth Mental Health, Past President of the Society for Mental Health Research and Founding President of Early Intervention in Mental Health.

Session Details: Harm Minimisation Stream | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 4.00pm - 5.30pm

Professor Andrew McLachlan
Head of School & Dean of Pharmacy, University of Sydney

Professor Andrew McLachlan AM is a pharmacist, academic and researcher with experience in clinical pharmacology and the quality use of medicines. He is Head of School and Dean at the Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney. Andrew serves on Australian government committees related to medicines policy, evaluation, regulation and antidoping.

Joyce McSwan
Clinical Program Director, Gold Coast Primary Health Network Persistent Pain Program

Joyce McSwan is the Clinical Program Director of the Gold Coast Primary Health Network Persistent Pain Program, as well as the Managing Director of PainWISE. A multi-award-winning clinical pharmacist, pain educator and pain program developer, Joyce is well-known for her work in the area of pain and is an advocate of achieving patient outcomes with a focus on the whole person approach, based on current scientific evidence and innovative collaborative systems. Her area of focus includes encouraging talent and innovation in her fellow pharmacists to enhance their health care role, especially in the fields of pain management and responsible use of medicines. Joyce is also President Elect of the Australian Pain Society and Principal CPD Director of the Australian Health Practitioner Advisory Solutions (AHPAS).

Session Details: Should we approach pain differently in men and women? | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 11.35am - 12.05pm

Session Details: A sensorial approach to natural pain relief | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 4.00pm - 4.30pm

Bobby Mehta
Pharmacist

Bobby Mehta is a highly accomplished and award-winning pharmacist with 26 years of international experience in the UK and Australia. Bobby is a pioneer in the field, becoming one of the world’s first prescribing pharmacists in 2007. Boasting over 20 years of community pharmacy expertise plus six years within the pharmaceutical industry, Bobby specialises in complementary and integrative medicine education and has previously worked for the renowned Blackmores Institute. Bobby has a proven track record in designing and delivering education across the UK, Australia and Asia and as an expert in pharmaceutical and holistic healthcare, is dedicated to enhancing patient well-being through knowledge and innovation.

Session Details: Exploring the vital role of ubiquinol in mitochondrial health - the frontier of wellbeing | Saturday, 16 March 2024 | 10.45am - 11.15am

Morris Misel
Industry Fellow, Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability

Morris Misel, a dynamic business futurist and globally sought-after presenter and foresight strategist, has been inspiring Guild audiences for over two decades with his visionary foresights. As an Industry Fellow with Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, Morris chairs the Industry Advisor’s Board and mentors Disability Centric researchers. His passion for exploring tomorrow’s possibilities captivates audiences and inspires corporations and brands around the world to want to explore their future possibilities by fostering a culture of inclusivity where every voice is heard and valued. Join him on this exciting journey into the future of Community Pharmacy, where innovative thinking and possibilities abound.

Professor Rebekah Moles
Pharmacist, University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health

Professor Rebekah Moles is a pharmacist from The Sydney Pharmacy School at the University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health. An academic for over 25 years, Rebekah’s research focuses on Medication Safety, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the very young and very old. She also has experience in both community and hospital pharmacy. Rebekah is currently ranked fourth in the world for fever research and simulated patient/mystery shopping research. Her work has highlighted that caregivers, pharmacists and pharmacy assistants alike have some room for improvement when it comes to managing pain and fever in children.

Session Details: Managing pain and fever in children - the importance of the parent/carer conversation | Friday, 15 March 2024 | 2.35pm - 3.05pm

Associate Professor Erin Morton
Clinical Research Associate

Associate Professor Erin Morton is an expert clinical triallist with two decades' experience spanning every role in clinical research, including sterile suite pharmacy technician. Erin has a PhD in Medicine specialising in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, international accreditation as a Clinical Research Associate (aka monitor), leads multiple Health Data-related and community engagement initiatives, and was voted a national Emerging Leader in Health finalist (2022). In 2023, having realised how poorly the peri-/menopause space was recognised in Australia and more broadly, she launched a consumer-focused and consumer-driven national registry for peri-/menopause: "VITAL". VITAL brings together community, clinicians, researchers, government, and allied health with the goal of improving the peri-/menopause experience in Australia. VITAL has been referenced cross-party in both federal Houses of Parliament and received national media attention. Erin was specifically requested by the Senate Community Engagement Committee to make a submission to the upcoming and inaugural Senate Inquiry on Menopause and co-hosted the associated public online "Town Hall" with Greens leader Senator Larissa Waters in February 2024.

Jack Muir Wilson
Pharmacist, Wilkinson’s TerryWhite Chemmart

Jack Muir Wilson is a passionate community pharmacist residing on the North West Coast of Tasmania. Since graduating from UTAS in 2012 with honours, Jack completed his internship at the north west regional hospital. Following this he has primarily worked as a community pharmacist with a passion for professional services such as medication reviews (Aged care RMMR's and community HMR's), opiate replacement programs and IVF. Since 2022, Jack has played a key role in the successful implementation of pharmacist administered long acting injectable buprenorphine in Tasmania. Jack is also on the clinical advisory council for primary health Tasmania and a Vice President of the Pharmacy Guild of Tasmania.

Lily Mulholland
Pain Sufferer

An executive in the public service and an officer in the Australian Army Reserve, Lily has suffered from pain for most of the last 15 years, which forced her into early retirement in 2022. On her good days, Lily explores her creative side through writing, singing and acting. She is more enthusiastic than talented. Lily is married with two children aged 18 and 15 and has two cheeky dogs named Ghillie and Nova.

Paul Naismith
CEO, Fred IT Group

Paul Naismith is a practising pharmacist and the CEO of Fred IT Group. He co-founded Fred in 1991 and has grown the business to be Australia’s largest provider of IT services to the pharmacy industry. He is the man behind the market leading IT solutions Fred Dispense, eRx Script Exchange and MedView amongst others. Paul’s vision is to make medication management safer and more effective for all Australian’s. He has been a driving force in the recent introduction of electronic prescriptions as well as providing systems to aid in a national approach to combat accidental prescription drug deaths using real time prescriptions monitoring. To help deliver his vision, Paul holds the position as Chair of the Board for PDL, the major indemnity provider for pharmacy as well as Chair of APPCo, publisher of the Australian Journal of Pharmacy. In 2020, Paul received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Monash University and in 2021 Paul was named the Victorian Pharmacist of the Year by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.

Session Details: Do we need Artificial Intelligence to serve customers better? | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 2.00pm - 2.45pm

Suzanna Nash
Chief Pharmacist, Australasian College of Pharmacy

Suzanna Nash is the Chief Pharmacist at the Australasian College of Pharmacy. In this role, she oversees the development of continuing professional development education and education that enables the expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice across Australia. Suzanna has worked in the delivery of community pharmacy programs, including the Queensland’s COVID-19 vaccination response, the QLD Free Flu program, the NIP Influenza Program and the Urinary Tract Infection Community Pharmacy Program. Suzanna has also worked in the role of Policy Manager at the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Queensland Branch and contributed to policy change for pharmacists in Queensland. Prior to these roles, Suzanna worked as a community pharmacist for 15 years and also as an accredited pharmacist delivering home medication reviews.

Chetna Patel

Chetna Patel is an experienced pharmacist with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Diabetes, Medical Cannabis, Business Management, Innovation, Pharmaceutical Industry and Healthcare, Chetna is passionate about life-long learning and professional skill development. Chetna is a graduate from the University of Otago with postgraduate qualifications from the University of Technology, Sydney. In 2019, Chetna led Hardings 24-Hour Pharmacy in Queensland to become the category winner of Excellence in Professional Innovation, making it one of four category winners of the 2019 Pharmacy of the Year award. In 2022, Chetna joined the MedReleaf Australia team and has been responsible for developing the MedReleaf Telehealth Clinic into one of the leading medical cannabis clinics nationwide. With her community pharmacy experience matched with her expert level of medical cannabis knowledge, Chetna has been able to deliver exceptional results not only for the MedReleaf clinic but also in supporting thousands of community pharmacies on how to implement this new category into their business.

Andrew Pattinson
Chief Innovation Officer, The Platform Alliance Group

Andrew Pattinson is passionate about the future of pharmacy and is committed to supporting pharmacies so that they can support their communities. Andrew has helped pharmacies develop their health solutions and programs and has worked with suppliers to develop innovative programs to provide a complete solution for patients in pharmacies. Currently Chief Innovation Officer for The Platform Alliance Group, Andrew is a psychologist by profession and leads, coaches and develops high-performing teams.

Session Details: What Australians need from pharmacy now - health retail vs health services | Thursday, 14 March 2024 | 11.50am - 12.35pm

Dr Peter Piazza
General Practitioner

Dr Peter Piazza is a General Practitioner that has been in clinical practice in the inner west of Sydney since 1977. Peter has a strong interest in Continuing Professional Development and is a member of the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) CPD committee. He has facilitated and spoken at many CPD activities over a wide range of therapeutic areas.

Angelo Pricolo
Community Pharmacist

Angelo Pricolo is a Melbourne based pharmacist who has been involved in the treatment of addiction and harm minimisation for over 30 years. Angelo was a pharmacy owner for 25 years and a National Councillor of the Pharmacy Guild. He is a member of the PSA Harm Minimisation Committee, a sessional tutor at Monash University and holds the position of clinical pharmacist at Orygen Youth Health. In 2008, Angelo produced the documentary ‘Fighting the Dragon with Luck’ to help educate more people about addiction. That same year he was named Australian Pharmacist of the Year.

Julia Robertson
Accessibility Consultant, Summer Foundation

Julia Robertson is an Accessibility Consultant with the Summer Foundation, a Hopkins Centre Ambassador and Co-Facilitator of the Brisbane Brain Tumour Support Group. Julia is also a Consumer Representative in research projects with NSW Health, Metro South Health, BRAINS Stakeholder Advisory Committee (MRFF funded project), Griffith University, University of Southern Denmark, Deakin University, University of Queensland, and University of Sydney.

Julie Rogan
Senior Disability Advisor, Griffith University Student Disability and Accessibility

Julie Rogan is an accomplished Manager, Career Counsellor, Coach and Trainer with 10 years’ experience in the career development field, covering not-for-profit organisations and tertiary education. As the Director of her own consultancy business, Julie works with individuals to develop their mindset for creating results-driven changes in their lives. After a life-changing accident 44 years ago, Julie was left with chronic pain and mobility issues, which have worsened over the years. Her experiences during this time has her well-placed as the Senior Disability Advisor with Griffith University Student Disability and Accessibility.

Helen Rogerson
Author, Facilitator, Coach, Trainer

With a long career in the corporate world at executive level in HR and Learning & Development roles, Helen Rogerson has helped leaders to be the best they can. With a real-world approach to developing individual capability, Helen is passionate about her personal mission of making a difference, one person at a time. Helen runs a consultancy, training and coaching businesses specialising in assisting small and large organisations to provide the optimum environment for their teams to be successful, including helping leaders to perform at their best. The author of LeadershipEQ: Everyday Leadership for the Everyday Leader”, Helen is committed to her own learning, with qualifications including a BA, Grad Cert Management, Ad Dip HR, Dip Training & Assessment, Cert IV in Training & Assessment, Dip Leadership & Management, Masters Prof Ed & Training, and undertaking a PhD (Innovation) candidature.

Noa Rotenberg
Clinical Psychologist

Noa Rotenberg is a Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about creating an inclusive, diverse, supportive, and communicative environment where all clinicians, clients, and support networks can thrive and collaborate to reach their full potential and goals. Noa actively supports her team at Wisemind & Body, as well as allied health professionals and organisations, by providing education and advocating for all-round health and wellbeing. Noa has extensive experience and success working in both the private and public sectors, working with adolescents, adults, and families. She is especially passionate about working with young adults and adults to navigate and support her clients as they transition through their own, unique new phase of their life.

The Hon Anne Ruston
Senator for South Australian & Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate

Senator the Hon Anne Ruston has been a Senator since 2012 and is currently the Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Shadow Minister for Sport and Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate. In 2014, Anne was elected Senior Deputy Government Whip in the Senate and Chair of the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee and in 2015, was appointed Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources. She was subsequently appointed as Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific in 2018. Prior to the 2022 election, Senator Ruston was a Cabinet Minister, holding the positions of Minister for Families and Social Services, Minister for Women’s Safety and Manager of Government Business in the Senate for three years. Prior to becoming a Senator, Anne held several senior positions in government and the private sector, including as the inaugural chief executive of the National Wine Centre.

Hayley Ryan
Former Chair, Wounds Australia

Hayley Ryan has 22 years’ experience in nursing and has worked in both acute and aged care. Hayley has a passion for healing wounds as a Clinical Nurse Consultant across Australia and New Zealand in private practice with her own company, WoundRescue. Hayley has presented at national and international conferences and has a proven track record of providing advanced wound care education. She also lectures at Universities and has been appointed as an adjunct fellow at the University of Technology Sydney. Hayley is also Former Chair of the Board for Wounds Australia, Board Director of Diabetes Feet Australia and sits on the Dean’s Industry Advisory Board for the University of Technology Sydney. Hayley's interest includes, aged care, chronic wound management, palliative care, and Telehealth technologies whilst optimising comfort.

Session Details: Pre-Conference Workshop: Mastering Wound Care - Hoe to elevate your pharmacy practice | Wednesday, 13 March 2024 | 9.30am - 4.30pm

Kos Sclavos AM
APP Convenor

Kos Sclavos AM was National President of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia from 2005 to 2013. He was the driving force behind many industry initiatives including Pharmacy of the Year and the Quality Care Pharmacy Program and led negotiations for the Fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement. He is currently the Systems Architect for PharmaPrograms, a pharmacist led, IT facilitated patient support program and a Senior Health Strategist with Sinapse. Kos has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Griffith University and an Honorary Life Membership of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia. In 2017, Kos was made a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) for ‘significant service to the pharmacy profession through a range of retail, advisory and executive roles, to education, and to community pharmacy’.

Malcolm Scrymgeour
International Retail Consultant

Mal Scrymgeour has degrees in Marketing, Economics and Management and has worked in senior Marketing and Merchandise roles for Cadbury, Coca-Cola, Shell and Mayne/Symbion, where he ran the marketing and merchandise functions for Chemmart. For the past few years, Mal has been Chief Operating Officer at Farmlands, a New Zealand Agricultural retailer where he was responsible for a $600m retail business with 82 stores and 650 staff. Mal has also consulted to the pharmacy industry for the past 20 years, helping pharmacies overcome profit and operational challenges including managing the impact of 60 Day Dispensing. Mal is a contributor for AJP every month alongside Bruce Annabel, with whom he released a book titled “Pharmacy Matters.” As a speaker, Mal blends his senior corporate background with decades of practical pharmacy experience and ‘boots on the ground’ knowledge to present to audiences in an entertaining and engaging way.

Anne Seah
Manager Pharmacy Services, RSM Australia

Anne Seah is a highly experienced professional in the fields of accounting, tax, and business advisory, with a strong track record spanning eight years. She is passionate about providing comprehensive and outcome-focused services to her clients and specialises in working with pharmacy owners to help manage their business performance and tax obligations and achieve a balanced commercial outcome.

Session Details: Pre-Conference Workshop: Commbank Pharmacy Owners Masterclass | Wednesday, 13 March 2024 | 12.30pm - 4.30pm

Jessica Seeto
Acting Director of Practice, Policy and Regulation, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Jessica Seeto is the Acting Director of Practice, Policy and Regulation at the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s National Secretariat. In this role, Jessica leads the team responsible for work in the areas of pharmacy practice, including pharmacist scope of practice, pharmacy regulation (ownership and Location Rules), pharmacist regulation through the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme and Therapeutic Goods policy and regulation, including medicines legislation, scheduling and advertising. In her time with the Guild, Jessica has held various roles, gaining knowledge and experience across a broad range of areas including community pharmacy accreditation and regulatory affairs. Jessica is also a pharmacist with over 13 years’ experience in urban and regional community pharmacies and continues to practise regularly, seeing this as vital to her role at the Guild to maintain first-hand experience of the challenges and issues within community pharmacy.

Amanda Seeto
National Councillor, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Amanda Seeto commenced her career as a community pharmacist in 1998. Since then, Amanda has worked as an accredited consultant pharmacist and expanded her knowledge with a Diploma of Management. Now a managing partner with the Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse group, she is also a Pharmacy Guild National Councillor and Vice President of the Guild’s Queensland Branch Committee, a role in which she enjoys engaging with stakeholders to advocate for community pharmacy.

Emma Sharpe
National Account Manager API/Priceline

Emma Sharpe is the National Account Manager Priceline and API wholesale at Sanofi Consumer Healthcare and has been in the community pharmacy team for 12 months. Prior to this, Emma spent 12 years in FMCG driving snacking and domestic cleaning categories across various roles in field management, category management and account management. Emma completed a Bachelor of Science with a major in pharmacology at Sydney University. Emma is passionate about understanding shopper and consumer behaviors/needs to help deliver ‘Health in your hands’ for each consumer and drive conversion in store for retailers.

Rabia Siddique
Human Rights Lawyer, Retired British Army Officer, Hostage Survivor, Author

Rabia Saddique is a criminal and human rights lawyer, retired British Army Officer, hostage survivor and author who successfully sued the UK Ministry of Defence for discrimination after it failed to acknowledge the role she played in the rescue of two captured Special Forces soldiers in war-torn Iraq in 2008. Her brave action became a catalyst for policy change to ensure a fairer workplace for women and cultural minorities in the British military.

A sought-after transformational coach and mentor, Rabia has undertaken human rights and community aid work in the Middle East, South America, the UK and Australia, receiving numerous awards including a Queen’s commendation in 2006 for her work in Iraq and Runner Up for Australian Woman of the Year UK in 2009. She was also named one of Australia’s Top 100 Women of Influence. In 2013, Rabia published her memoir, Equal Justice, which was also produced as a film.

Session Details: Equal Justice | Saturday, 16 March 2024 | 11.55am - 12.40pm

Jessica Simonis
Clinical Nutritionist & Western Herbalist

Jessica Simonis is a dedicated and passionate Clinical Nutritionist and Western Herbalist with over 20 years of experience in the nutritional and natural medicine field. In addition to over 10 years of clinical practice with a focus on the research and treatment of chronic skin conditions (Psoriasis Eczema Clinic, Melbourne), Jessica has authored/co-authored several published articles, been a guest on renowned podcasts and developed/presented educational programs to other industry professionals. Her special interest lies with host-microbiome-environmental relationship and its role in human health and disease. Jessica is currently a Scientific Educator for Life-Space Group.

Frank Sirianni
Managing Director, Medici Capital

Frank Sirianni is Managing Director of Medici Capital. Having provided management and economic advice to pharmacy for over 44 years, Frank is the industry expert on Pharmacy Valuations, Business Analysis and Finance. He holds Bachelor of Economics (Honours) and Masters of Economics degrees and consults to the owners and prospective owners of community pharmacies, banks and lending institutions, industry bodies, manufacturers and wholesalers. In addition, Frank is working with major clients on some legacy projects while also assisting partnership facilitation and exit planning.

Session Details: Exploring the pharmacy market and financial landscape - 40+ years of challenges and successes | Saturday, 16 March 2024 | 4.20pm - 4.50pm

Lloyd Smith
Founder & Director, Scrypt

Lloyd Smith has co-founded multiple start-up businesses including community pharmacies, medical centres, property developments and software ventures, with a combined annual turnover in excess of $20m. Throughout his career, Lloyd has successfully tendered and received Commonwealth, State and other grants in excess of $1m. Lloyd currently holds multiple directorships, is a regular speaker at industry conferences and events, and provides in-depth industry knowledge and a commercial network built on years of successful commercial transactions. Lloyd’s passion for innovation and constructive disruption to better patient outcomes is critical to Scrypt’s current and ongoing success.

Session Details: Pre-Conference Workshop: Commbank Pharmacy Owners Masterclass | Wednesday, 13 March 2024 | 12.30pm - 4.30pm

Erica Smith
Clinical Education, Metagenics Australia

Erica Smith is a qualified healthcare professional working within the Clinical Education Team for Metagenics Australia. After 20 years of growth and experience with Metagenics, she has kept up to date with scientific developments, created clinical education, and lectured extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand, knowing that this brand is committed to producing healthcare solutions that people love and swear by. She brings her personal experience, scientific evidence, and practicality to the meaningful application of advanced natural medicines for all.

Professor Pete Smith
Professor of Clinical Medicine in Molecular Immunology

Professor Pete Smith is a Professor of Clinical Medicine in Molecular Immunology, has an honorary Professorship at the National Centre for NeuroImmunology and Emerging Disease and is a Professorial Chair in Allergy at OPRI in Singapore. He has published over 130 papers with a h-Index of 26 and contributed to/edited five textbooks. Co-chair for Rhinitis for EUFOREA and editor for Rhinitis for Frontiers in Allergy, Professor Smith is a member of ASCIA, AAAAI, EAACI and the Australian and NZ Rhinologil Society and is on EAACI advisory boards in relationship to food allergy and anaphylaxis. He is in private practice in Southport, Queensland.

Dr Daniel So
Research Affiliate, Monash University

Dr Daniel So is a research affiliate at Monash University. He studied nutrition and dietetics at Bond University and completed his PhD with the Department of Gastroenterology at Monash University and Alfred Hospital. Since completing his PhD in 2021, Daniel has undertaken postdoctoral research in Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London and manages clinical research at Atmo Biosciences. His research focuses on dietary fibres and re-examining the clinical value they offer, and better understanding the role of fibres on colonic fermentation. Daniel has an emerging track record in this field, with his scientific work published in over 20 peer-reviewed articles.

Flynn Swift
President, International Pharmacy Student Federation

Flynn Swift is a fourth year pharmacy student, studying at QUT in Brisbane. He is the immediate past president of the National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association (NAPSA) and the current president of the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation, which represents over 500,000 members from over 100 countries.

Barry Thatcher
Managing Director, Thatcher Finance

Managing Director of Thatcher Finance, Barry Thatcher, is one of Australia’s most experienced bankers and finance brokers, having previously worked within corporate and institutional sectors of Australia’s leading banks. Barry has made a career from following his passion for helping private and commercial clients by providing insightful client solutions designed to drive business transformation, growth, and personal prosperity. As an industry leader, Barry is well known for his friendly style, professionalism, and client advocacy. Highly regarded and known for exceeding client expectations, Barry provides bespoke financing solutions and industry knowledge which is unapparelled.

Luke van der Rijt
Proprietor, Southcity Pharmacy

Luke van der Rijt is owner of Uranquinty Pharmacy and Southcity Pharmacy in Wagga Wagga, which was the winner of the 2018 Guild Pharmacy of the Year. Luke is also a Branch Committee member of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NSW Branch and is a member of the NSW Scope of Practice subcommittee. Luke has led business improvement and embedded professional services in his pharmacies, leading to widespread health benefits across the entire region through partnerships and consultation with health services and specialists. Recently, Luke has been involved in the establishment of the Living Well, Your Way pilot, a local PHN and LHD initiative focusing on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) screening in pharmacy, with the aim to improve care for people with COPD and CHF in the community. Luke is also a member of the Murrumbidgee LHD Health and Knowledge Precinct which aims to improve the quality and accessibility of health care to the local community.

Bram Verrept
Head of Performance & Analytics, Sanofi

Bram Verrept has cultivated a deep understanding of consumer behavior and insights through extensive experience in research and insights roles across diverse categories and geographies. His background includes impactful positions at research agencies and a global FMCG company. Bram joined Sanofi CHC and assumed leadership positions in consumer and market insights, category development and business intelligence before moving to Germany headquarters to serve as the global lead for Shopper & Trade insights. Currently, Bram is back in ANZ as Sanofi CHC’s Head of Performance Analytics, overseeing teams in Business Intelligence, Performance Systems and Sales Operations. Bram is driven by a passion for consumer centricity, translating insights into actionable strategies, fostering a performance mindset, and adeptly 'connecting the dots' in the ever-evolving landscape of consumer behavior and market dynamics.

Richard Vincent
Chair, National Pharmaceutical Services Association

Richard Vincent was appointed Chair of the National Pharmaceutical Services Association (NPSA) in August 2020. The NPSA represents the CSO wholesalers including API, National Pharmacies, Sigma and Symbion. Richard was previously CEO and Managing Director of API. During his time at API, he oversaw the continued growth of API’s wholesale business, Priceline Pharmacy as well as the acquisition of Clear Skincare Clinics and seed investment in Sisu Health. Richard has been a key negotiator for the wholesalers since the 5CPA which included the creation of the CSO.

Erica Vowles
Programs, Partnerships and Health Services Director, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Erica Vowles is the Programs, Partnerships and Health Services Director at the National Secretariat of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, based in Canberra. Erica has been at the Guild for 20 years and has broad experience across developing and implementing community pharmacy programs and services. She has also been instrumental in developing the Guild Corporate Health flu vaccination program. Recently, Erica been assisting the 8CPA Negotiating Team to secure a positive 8CPA outcome.

Lucy Walker
Branch Committee Member (Qld), The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Lucy Walker has owned and operated TerryWhite Chemmart Goondiwindi, a rural pharmacy in western Queensland, for the past 10 years. TerryWhite Chemmart Goondiwindi was the 2017 Guild Pharmacy of the Year and continues to be an innovative community focused health destination. Lucy has a broad range of pharmacy experience, having worked in hospital pharmacy and in pharmacies in the UK, as well as academic experience and conducting home medicine reviews. Lucy is the Southwest Queensland representative for the Queensland Guild Branch Committee and sits on the advisory board of TerryWhite Chemmart. In 2018, Lucy was awarded a Churchill Fellowship which involved travelling around the world looking at innovative pharmacy practices to bring back to Australia. She is currently undertaking the Queensland full scope training with the hope of improving access to health services in her rural community.

Rosemaree Wardle
Employer Partnerships Lead, GuildSuper

Rosemaree Wardle has over 20 years’ experience in financial services, during which time she has worked in claims for financial hardship and contribution processing and managed a 30-person call centre team. Rosemaree has been an Employer Partnership Executive at GuildSuper and Child Care Super for 13 years, where she is highly regarded for going above and beyond to assist employers and partners. Rosemaree holds an RG146 in superannuation and has a diploma in vocational studies, banking.

Session Details: What's new at GuildSuper | Saturday, 16 March 2024 | 2.35pm - 3.05pm

Cate Whalan
Branch Committee Member (Qld), The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Cate Whalan registered in 1995 to be appointed as a pharmacist in the Australian Army. She had postings in charge of Medical Centre dispensaries, medication supply warehouses, and saw operational service with a Field Hospital in Bougainville in 1998. Cate retired from the army to locum and part time pharmacist-in-charge positions. In 2006, she purchased her first pharmacy in Townsville and rebranded it ‘Cate’s Chemist’. Cate has grown the group to include internet sales, other pharmacies in a medical centre pharmacy and an ACCHO. Cate is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served as a company director in a Primary Health Network and an Academic Health Centre. Cate is in her third term on the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (Queensland Branch).

Annette Willisma
National Brand & Communications Manager, Blooms The Chemist

Annette Williams is the National Brand & Communications Manager for Blooms The Chemist. Annette has worked in marketing and communications across the retail, health and beauty industries for over 15 years. Passionate about storytelling and building authentic relationships, Annette works closely with pharmacists and their teams, pharmacy students and customers to shine a light on the unique stories and people of community pharmacy. Through insightful guidance and actionable strategies, Annette inspires others to understand the power of personal branding and how to stand out in today's competitive landscape. Dedicated to making a difference, Annette aims to bring purpose into every aspect of her work, from crafting impactful brand narratives to spearheading initiatives that contribute to a greater cause, driving positive change and fostering a more meaningful vision.

Dr Michael Woodward
Head of Aged Care Research, Austin Health

Dr Michael Woodward is Head of Aged Care Research at Austin Health in Melbourne, where he specialises in geriatric medicine. Dr Woodward has written over 150 peer-reviewed articles and has recently overseen a third revision of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine's position document on Vaccinations for Older People. His particular area of interest is adult vaccination.

Dr Michael Woodward
Head of Aged Care Research, Austin Health

Dr Michael Woodward is Head of Aged Care Research at Austin Health in Melbourne, where he specialises in geriatric medicine. Dr Woodward has written over 150 peer-reviewed articles and has recently overseen a third revision of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine's position document on Vaccinations for Older People. His particular area of interest is adult vaccination.

Dr Jason Wu
Consultant Dermatologist

Dr Jason Wu is a dermatologist in private practice at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra (PA) Hospital, where he is the Deputy director. Dr Wu runs the difficult psoriasis and biologics clinic as well as the immunobullous diseases clinic. Actively involved in training of specialist registrars, he is also the Supervisor of Training at the PA Hospital. Dr Wu speaks locally, nationally and internationally to dermatologists, presents frequently to general practitioners, and is involved in teaching medical students as a senior clinical lecturer with the University of Queensland. He has been on the Steering Committee for multiple national scientific meeting and has been on the Advisory Boards for several medications in the fields of psoriasis and eczema.

Dr Leona Yip
Consultant Dermatologist

Dr Leona Yip is a medical, surgical and laser dermatologist and founding partner and Director of Skin Partners, a leading specialist dermatology practice in Brisbane. She has also worked extensively in private and public practice and has provided private specialist care to various embassies and international diplomatic missions. Dr Yip is one of very few alopecia subspecialty experts in Australia and her PhD work on the genetics of female pattern hair loss received national and international recognition. She is a member of several expert groups and advisory committees and has published widely in peer-reviewed medical journals. She is also an Editorial Consultant for The British Journal of Dermatology and a reviewer for numerous leading international medical journals.

Session Details: Adapalen - the first over the counter topical retinoid for mild to moderate acne | Saturday, 16 March 2024 | 9.55am - 10.25am

Brooke Young
Partner, Cooleman Court Pharmacy

Brooke Young is one of the Partners at Cooleman Court Pharmacy in the ACT, who were the overall winners of the Guild Pharmacy of the Year in 2022. Brooke was registered in 2018 and since then has worked with the Life Pharmacy Group. In 2021, she bought into Cooleman Court Pharmacy and that same year was recognised as the PSA's Early Career Pharmacist of the Year. Brooke is passionate about the future of pharmacy and supporting the new generation of pharmacists, which she has demonstrated in her part in creating Life Pharmacy Group's Intern Training Program.