Two pharmacy professionals have been acknowledged in this year’s awards: Mrs Anna Barwick of Walcha NSW and Dr Craig Rayner of Victoria. Husband and wife team, Sobia and Irfan Hashmi of South Australia were also finalists in the 2025 Australian Local Heroes Award.
Dr Craig Rayner, Airleys Inlet, Victoria AC
Craig Rayner has been appointed as a Companion of the Order of Australia in recognition of his significant service to pharmacology across a range of roles and organisations.
Craig was instrumental in assisting to develop the antiparasitic drug moxidectin, critical for treating river blindness in Africa; leading efforts to develop the breakthrough antiviral medicine Tamiflu, a now pharmacy staple across the world; and his ongoing work on MRNA-derived vaccines.
Mrs Anna Barwick, Walcha, NSW OAM
Amanda is a Walcha pharmacist, academic and founder of PharmOnline and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to the pharmacy profession.
A resident of Walcha for more than a decade, Amanda has also worked as a pharmacist at Tamworth and Armidale hospitals and as an academic at the University of New England.
Amanda Barwick recently completed a PhD focussed on telepharmacy.
Sobia and Irfan Hashmi of South Australia – South Australia’s local hero
Over 20 years, Sobia and Irfan have transformed healthcare in remote and rural communities in South Australia. They have established six pharmacies in areas where there were previously none.
Sobia and Irfan are committed to serving their diverse communities. They employ staff who collectively speak 21 languages, allowing them to reach vulnerable populations and provide culturally sensitive healthcare.
Pharmacy Guild National President Professor Trent Twomey congratulated this year’s finalists, award recipients and honours all community pharmacists this Australia Day.
“This year’s award winners demonstrate a wide-ranging commitment not only to our profession but most importantly, to their patients and community,” Professor Twomey said.
“I’d like to extend that acknowledgement to all our community pharmacists, their assistants and employees, many of whom are working on this Australia Day.
“Community pharmacy is the most accessible frontline health service, serving Australians each and every day.”