New Zealand university graduates Aisling Casey (Life Pharmacy Forbes) and Zandra Hinton (Parkes Pharmacy) have joined Forbes local Sami Duggan (Flannery’s Pharmacy) in living and working in Parkes and Forbes for their intern year.

“I came back to Forbes because pharmacists play such an important role in small rural communities,” former Red Bend Catholic College student, turned Pharmacy intern, Sami Duggan said.

“You don’t fully realise the value of working in a rural community until you spend time there yourself – the trust people place in you, the sense of connection, and the opportunity to make a genuine difference is incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally.”

“People rely on their local pharmacist not just for medicines, but for advice, support, and sometimes even just a friendly chat.

“Having grown up here, it means a lot to be able to give back to the community.

“I’d encourage other healthcare students to give regional practice a go, and to be open to the experience.

“Working in rural communities allows you to build strong relationships with patients and be part of their healthcare journey in a really meaningful way.

“You don’t fully realise the value of working in a rural community until you spend time there yourself – the trust people place in you, the sense of connection, and the opportunity to make a genuine difference is incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally.”

Aisling and Zandra were among a group of interns who spent time in NSW and the ACT in 2025, as part of the Life Pharmacy Group (LPG) placement program which provides university students with a practical understanding of working in an Australian community pharmacy.

“I was fortunate to be chosen for the LPG New Zealand Pharmacy student placement, and I got to experience eight of LPG’s pharmacies, which was an amazing experience,” pharmacy intern Aisling Casey said.

“I was super impressed with the advancements in pharmacy practice in Australia, but more importantly LPG’s focus on patient centred care, which aligns with my personal values of what pharmacy care should look like.”

“As for Forbes, I was here in May of last year, and even though I was only in Forbes for a couple of days, the staff at both Life Pharmacy Forbes and Flannery’s Pharmacy made me feel so welcome, and I absolutely loved the community of Forbes, so had to come back!”

Partner at Flannery’s and Life Pharmacies, Sarah Hazell, says the LPG placement program is having great success in encouraging the next generation of pharmacists to live in rural Australia.

“Our university placement program is about opening students’ eyes to what community pharmacy really looks like in rural Australia,” Pharmacist Sarah Hazell said.

“When students experience the level of patient care, trust and impact we have day to day, they’re often surprised by how rewarding it is.

“Encouraging the next generation to explore regional pharmacy is critical not just for the future of the profession, but for the communities that rely on it.

“Aisling, Zandra and Sami are already making their mark in our stores.

< p>“They’re a wonderful example of the talent coming through our industry, and we’re delighted to welcome them to LPG.”

Forbes Advocate
Published 05 March 2026

Read the article on the Forbes Advocate website

The post Pharmacy Interns Return to Important Role in Central West first appeared on Life Pharmacy Group.

LPG pharmacists Chris and Brooke Young, together with their daughter Lily, have relocated to Forbes where Chris is the newest Pharmacist in Charge at Flannery’s Pharmacy. Brooke will join the team this year.

“I’ve been really impressed with how well the pharmacy teams and the doctors in Forbes communicate as well as how community focused the pharmacies are, it’s very heartwarming to see the community be so supportive in return,” Chris Young said.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of the pharmacy, and continuing to grow the services we offer, as well as being a part of the Forbes community.

“Hopefully I can get involved with the local Rural Fire Service, Landcare and church organisations.

“I chose pharmacy as I saw small country town pharmacists as being respected in their communities for their ability to be both accessible and professional and that certainly holds true in Forbes. Farming is still certainly my happy place, I’ve still got my wool classers stencil and sheepdog,” Chris said.

“Managing both work and a young family has proved a little tricky so far!”

It has been a busy period for Chris and Brooke, who have relocated from Canberra, via a stint at Life Pharmacy Orange.

Having grown up in a farming family, Chris is no stranger to the region, having worked with LPG in Forbes and Parkes in the early stages of his career.

“I chose pharmacy as I saw small country town pharmacists as being respected in their communities for their ability to be both accessible and professional and that certainly holds true in Forbes. Farming is still certainly my happy place, I’ve still got my wool classers stencil and sheepdog,” Chris said.

“In 2026, Forbes will also welcome Aisling Casey from New Zealand as well as Forbes local, Sami Duggan as Intern Pharmacists.”

“Working with Intern and student pharmacists is a real passion of mine, it’s nice to be able to reciprocate the mentoring and training I had from some truly inspiring and helpful pharmacists to see them have every success possible and develop their own special interest areas.”

Partner at Flannery’s and Life Pharmacies, Sarah Hazell, has welcomed the Young family to Forbes and says they are a welcome addition to the local community.

“We are so pleased to have Chris, Brooke and Lily here in Forbes,” Sarah Hazell said.

“Both Chris and Brooke bring a wealth of pharmacy experience and expertise to Flannery’s, they’re such a wonderful addition to our team.

“They’re both country people who work hard and appreciate the importance of their role.

“They’re engaging and approachable so if you see them in store, don’t be afraid to say hello and welcome!”

Forbes Advocate
Published 12 February 2026

Read the article on the Forbes Advocate website

The post Flannery’s Welcomes Two New Pharmacists to Community first appeared on Life Pharmacy Group.

Founded in 2013 by Canberra pharmacist Brad Butt (pictured) to break down the stigma surrounding male urological health conditions, MHDU aims to ensure men can access the care, rehabilitation and advice they need to ensure the best outcomes post-treatment.

MHDU is now the largest men’s health pharmacist-led clinic in Australia, providing support and tailored solutions for a wide range of male health issues.

MHDU is now the largest men’s health pharmacist-led clinic in Australia, providing support and tailored solutions for a wide range of male health issues.

With referrals from GPs, urologists and sexual health clinics, MHDU operates across major cities and regional centres nationwide, offering accessible, specialist care for men at every stage of their health journey.

Butt also co-authored a new handbook to help pharmacists support patients managing erectile dysfunction for the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) this year (PD 30 May).

The clinic caught the eye of Daragh Connolly, Chair of the FIP Board of Pharmaceutical Practice, when he visited Australia for the FIP World Congress last year.

“I was blown away by the service, because of its simplicity, accessibility and relevance,” Connolly said.

Daragh Connolly | Mens Health Downunder Ireland

“I knew if it worked in Brisbane it could work in my community pharmacy in Dungarvan.

“As soon as I met Brad and learned of his work establishing MHDU, I knew this was a service we were missing in Ireland, but I also knew instinctively that these people are professionals driven by a passion to improve men’s health and lives.

“We’re proud to strengthen what community pharmacy can offer, and this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for patients.”

Butt is delighted that MHDU is expanding into Ireland, saying it is an incredible opportunity to reach even more men who often put their health on the backburner.

“If we can give them a trusted place to start the conversation and point them toward the right support, that alone can make a life-changing difference,” Butt explained.

“Men everywhere face the same barriers, whether its cost-of-living pressures, embarrassment, or the belief they’ll ‘come good’ on their own, so taking MHDU’s specialised model of care abroad is a vital step.

“By connecting men with practical advice, targeted support and the right clinicians, we can help them take control of their health much sooner.” KB

(BY) KB
Pharmacy Daily
Published 16 December 2025

Read the article on the Pharmacy Daily website

The post Aussie men’s health clinic goes global first appeared on Life Pharmacy Group.

Jesyca Pearson has just graduated from Charles Sturt University (CSU) and been named the student pharmacist of the year.

Jesyca spoke about her four-year ongoing mission to visit schools and support students who wanted to pursue further education by showing them pathways to financial, cultural and housing assistance.

The Wiradjuri woman from Molong was awarded by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, a national representing community pharmacies.

“I’m still quite shocked that a girl from Molong, who went to a central school, can win an award like this,” Jesyca said.

“It feels a bit random to be honest. I said to my parents ‘I’m not the smartest person’, I do good, but I’m not the best by any means at all.”

CSU pharmacy students Bridie Gilchrist and Jesyca Pearson. Picture by Iqra Saeed | Central Western Daily

A personal mission for change

She talks to the CWD about why she went into the medical industry during a 10-minute break from her job at the Life Pharmacy Orange.

“It’s important to understand indigenous health doesn’t just mean physical health … it’s encompassing cultural wellbeing, family health, mob health,” Jesyca said.

She grew up with a strong emphasis on her traditional background, which was further strengthened by the presence of her Wiradjuri grandparents living nearby.

“Seeing how my Pop has grown up and how culture can influence your health and wellbeing quite massively,” she said.

She said some chronic health conditions are “very common” among indigenous people.

“I think back to my family, I’ve been seeing a lot of health conditions that are more prominent because of their cultural background and not having any representation,” Jesyca said.

“Dislocation from your land and mob can have quite the impact, especially on the older generations who have practised it for most of their lives.”

Jesyca said for many indigenous kids who go to school, it is not “culturally safe” to practice culture.

These factors, she said, are the main reasons she wants to change the approach to indigenous health.

Jes Pearson

Addressing the healthcare gap

In her two-week placement in Broome, Western Australia, she said conditions are prevalent because of limited access to healthcare.

“Many people out in remote communities and traditional living communities … also don’t have the greatest intentions to actually seek access to healthcare,” Jesyca said.

Addressing this gap is “very important” to her.

She has also recently done research on the impact of Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) shortages on women in rural areas.

Jesyca spoke about her four-year ongoing mission to visit schools and support students who wanted to pursue further education by showing them pathways to financial, cultural and housing assistance.

“My family is very big. My older sister, Carla, was the first person to go to uni, she’s a physio now,” she said.

For kids who live in more remote communities, she said leaving land and mob for university can be quite challenging.

“I don’t really need to make a massive difference. But helping those kids understand how they can make those transitions from home to university is quite nice,” Jesyca said.

She received a scholarship with the help of community pharmacists in Molong where she worked since she was 15 years old.

“It’s not that easy. For me, I was really lucky I could just drive 20 minutes and go home to my family, and be connected in that way. I know for some people it’s not like that.”
‘A real passion for making a difference’

“Jes has a fantastic work ethic, excels in her studies, and has a real passion for making a difference in Indigenous health. We’re all so proud of her and excited to see what she achieves next,” Chris Young, pharmacist at Life Pharmacy Orange, said.

“She’s been a great support in training new staff and lifting those around her.”

Jesyca has since helped establish the CSU First Nations Club and is a proud First Nations representative on the Orange Pharmacy Students Association (OPSA).

She wants to go into community-controlled pharmacies and work in remote communities that have a higher population of indigenous people.

“If you find something that you’re incredibly passionate about it can really take you places, and help you make the difference you want to make,” Jesyca said.

(BY) Iqra Saeed
Central Western Daily
Published 12 November 2025

Read the article on the Central Western Daily website

The post ‘Passion takes you places’: Jes Pearson on winning national award, and how she’s giving back first appeared on Life Pharmacy Group.

“Pharmacies in regional Australia are regularly the first port of call for assistance – we often play a role beyond healthcare in our communities,” Ms Gibson said.

She is now the managing partner and pharmacist in charge and has just been named Australia’s Pharmacist of the Year.
She was recognised for her outstanding commitment to improving community health by the Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA) at the annual Pharmacy Excellence Awards.

“Pharmacies in regional Australia are regularly the first port of call for assistance – we often play a role beyond healthcare in our communities,” Ms Gibson said.

“Not only are the IPA awards recognition of individuals and their achievements, but the wider team who support our pharmacists in their vital work.”
More than 500 industry representatives attended the annual awards ceremony on the Gold Coast where the long-time partner of Orana Mall Pharmacy (OMP) received the accolade for her leadership and ongoing commitment to community pharmacy.

IPA is the largest network of independent owned pharmacies, representing more than 1100 pharmacies across Australia.

“It was nice to be recognised for over 20 years of service to the Dubbo community,” Ms Gibson said.

Through Ms Gibson’s leadership, Orana Mall Pharmacy has expanded its scope to deliver essential services such as vaccinations and treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, directly reducing pressure on overstretched local GPs.

She further champions innovative care by spearheading a primary care pilot program with in-store cholesterol and diabetes testing, ensuring earlier detection and better management of chronic conditions.

“I’m incredibly proud. It was a great night to celebrate with pharmacists from all over the country and take time to recognise leaders within our industry, a large percentage who live and work in regional Australia,” she said.

Ms Gibson also provides tailored support for people with diabetes in the Dubbo and surrounding areas after becoming a diabetes educator. If that wasn’t enough, Ms Gibson also established the in-store sleep apnoea clinic at Orana Mall Pharmacy to address a critical gap in access to specialised sleep.

Ms Gibson trained under the supervision of OMP co-owner Simon Blacker, who congratulated her on achieving one of the country’s most prestigious and highly regarded pharmacy accolades.

Lisa Gibson, Owner and Pharmacist in Charge at Orana Mall Pharmacy

“Lisa is one of the most capable, hardworking pharmacists I’ve worked alongside,” he said.

“She has an amazing ability to upskill and then successfully implement changes in her practice, which ultimately benefits her local community.

“We’re incredibly proud of Lisa for this accomplishment.”

Mr Blacker said Lisa epitomises the qualities of an outstanding rural health professional through her unwavering commitment to the Dubbo community, her innovative approach to healthcare delivery, and her dedication to mentoring the next generation of pharmacists.

Dubbo’s Leisa Stone was also a finalist in the Retail Manager of the Year Award.

(BY) Ciara Bastow
Daily Liberal
Published 29 October 2025

Read the article on the Daily Liberal website

The post Essential care now: the simple way this top pharmacy is helping you skip the doctor first appeared on Life Pharmacy Group.

A regional pharmacist is embarking on a monumental flight across outback Australia, to help provide essential medical equipment to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

Jack Buckley, a pilot, and co-owner of pharmacies in the central NSW town of Forbes through the Life Pharmacy Group (LPG), has taken to the skies for 15 days, flying more than 3,880 kilometres in the 2025 Outback Air Race to raise vital funds for the RFDS.

Sponsored by LPG, the Flyin4phun aircraft team includes Buckley, Cowra farmer Brad Shephard and Grenfell farmer John Johnson. They are flying from Yulara in the Northern Territory to Carnarvon, Western Australia.

“As a healthcare professional I have incredible respect and admiration for the work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service—what they do is extraordinary,” Buckley said.

All three pilots helped residents across the Central West during the NSW flood crisis of November 2022, flying supplies to towns along the Lachlan River.

“As a healthcare professional I have incredible respect and admiration for the work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service—what they do is extraordinary,” Buckley said.

“The RFDS is such an integral part of healthcare delivery in outback Australia and having lived in Forbes for almost a decade now, I have seen the importance of this service firsthand. I’m really thrilled that we can be helping to raise funds for them this year. It is such an incredible opportunity for the three of us, it really is ‘bucket list’ stuff.”

More than 40 teams are participating in the Air Race, with the Flyin4phun trio aiming to raise $100,000.

So far, the Outback Air Race 2025 has raised over $870,000 to help fit RFDS aircrafts with essential medical equipment, vital for treating sick children and injured patients across Australia.

“We are really proud LPG can support Jack on this incredible flight,” said Life Pharmacy Group CEO Michael Flannery.

“LPG has been in regional NSW and the ACT for 70 years, we’ve seen firsthand the importance of the RFDS, and the lifesaving services it provides communities in rural and remote areas. To have one of our pharmacists representing not only LPG but the Central West of NSW, and the broader pharmacy industry feels very fitting.”

Since its launch in 1996, the Outback Air Race has raised nearly $4 million to equip RFDS aircrafts with vital medical equipment.

The race is a time trial designed to keep competition fair regardless of aircraft size or speed. Prizes are awarded for each race leg, the overall winner, and the top fundraising team.

(BY) Chris Brooker
Daily Liberal
Published 01 October 2025

Read the article on the AJP website

The post Flying pharmacist takes off for fundraiser first appeared on Life Pharmacy Group.

Year 12 student, Kaydence Storm, attends St Mary MacKillop College in Canberra and works at Lanyon Pharmacy.

Kaydence is completing a Certificate II in Community Pharmacy, through the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, and worked on her ASBA two days a week, throughout Year 11 and 12. This involved one day of work with Life Pharmacy Group and one day of study at CIT.

The post Industry First for Canberra Student first appeared on Life Pharmacy Group.

That’s why she is so proud to have reached a 15-year milestone at Parkes Pharmacy.

The senior pharmacy assistant joined the Life Pharmacy Group back in 2010 and today is a familiar and trusted to face to those in the community.

The post Parkes local celebrates 15 year career milestone first appeared on Life Pharmacy Group.

At 28-years-of age, Ms Gersbach has fast risen the ranks, but admits ownership was always her ambition.
“It does feel like quite a career achievement,” Ms Gersbach said.

“I always wanted to be part of the bigger picture, and this is such a varied and rewarding role, so it’s exciting.”

“I always wanted to be part of the bigger picture, and this is such a varied and rewarding role, so it’s exciting.”

Born in Orange, Ms Gersbach moved to Dubbo at a young age and graduated from St John’s College before returning to Orange to complete a Bachelor of Pharmacy at Charles Sturt University (CSU).

“I started working at OMP in 2012 as a Pharmacy Assistant, I was then trained to the dispensary and while studying at university would work here weekends, and where the schedule would allow,” she said.

“Completing my intern year in Dubbo, and committing to OMP full time, just felt like the natural and logical next step.”

There has been an increasing demand for community pharmacists with an extra 1700 full-time equivalent (FTE) pharmacists needed in regional and rural pharmacy in 2026 alone, according to the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.

“Now is probably the best time to get into pharmacy because we’re on the road to expanding our scope of practice, which means we can offer more to residents and really support the local healthcare sector, particularly in country areas,” Ms Gersbach said.

Mollie-Anne Gersbach with OMP Managing Partner Lisa Gibson. Picture by Monique Lovick Photography

“The pharmacy is your first point of contact – whether it’s vaccinations, urinary tract infections, diabetes, sleep services – we can help ease the pressure on GPs and emergency departments. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

Ms Gersbach has been working under the mentorship of longtime Managing Partner, Lisa Gibson, who said she saw ownership potential in Mollie early in her career.

“It’s wonderful to have another pharmacist follow the same pathway to business that I did,” Managing Partner of Orana Mall Pharmacy, Lisa Gibson, said.

“Mollie brings a youthful perspective to the business and a real love of rural pharmacy, which our staff and patients appreciate.

“On a personal note, I’m proud to see someone who was raised in the Dubbo community, returning here, to give back to the city she loves. This is a wonderful milestone for Mollie and we’re very happy to officially welcome her as a partner within Life Pharmacy Group.

“Mollie should be very proud, this is a great achievement for any young, healthcare professional.”

(BY) Clara Bastow
Daily Liberal
Published 19 July 2025

Read the article on the Daily Liberal website

The post Mollie takes the next step in ‘rewarding’ career as industry expands first appeared on Life Pharmacy Group.

STEPHANIE Crowe, who started working in a local chemist as a 15-year-old, has been named the ACT’s Pharmacy Assistant of the Year.

She will represent the ACT at the national finals in September.

“It’s a huge honour,” she said. “I also think it sheds light on the team here as well. I think it’s nice that it recognises the role of the pharmacy assistant, who is often the first point of contact in a pharmacy.”

Now aged 19, Stephanie will be representing the Erindale Pharmacy, where she has worked for the past 18 months. She started as a part-time worker at a Chemist Warehouse while still at school but soon realised she would like to pursue a career as a pharmacist.

“I found I had a passion for the community side of things and actually being able to help customers in a real sense, so I decided to move to a more community-based pharmacy here,” she said. “I found I’ve grown a lot more in my role and we get to see our impact on customers every day.”

Erindale Pharmacy owner Nick Trevethan said the award was great recognition for Stephanie and her hard work.

“She’s really compassionate with people around their health and is really quick to learn new things about medicines,” Mr Trevethan said. “And she’s really quite engaged with people and helping them with their problems.”

The Pharmacy Assistant of the Year acknowledges the “exceptional dedication to patient care and proactive commitment to professional development shown by pharmacy assistants”. It is awarded by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. The judging process took place over a full-day virtual workshop, where state and territory finalists demonstrated their pharmacy knowledge and leadership skills.

The Pharmacy Guild’s ACT branch senior vice-president, Elise Apolloni, congratulated Stephanie for her “fantastic contribution to community pharmacy in Canberra’s south”.

Stephanie, who lives in Monash, graduated from St Mary MacKillop College. She is looking to continue her pharmacy career by enrolling in a local Bachelor of Pharmacy course. Stephanie will be vying for the national award with other pharmacy assistants from around Australia, this year’s finalists hailing from Alice Springs to Devonport.

(BY) Megan Doherty
Canberra Times
Published 28 June 2025

Read the article on the Canberra Times website

The post Stephanie leads the way first appeared on Life Pharmacy Group.