This year’s National Reconciliation Week (NRW) will be held from the Monday 27 May through to Sunday 3 June. The theme, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will – and must – continue.
Proud Kalkadoon and Arrernte woman Shana O'Connor is the current General Manager at Pharmacy First Mount Isa. A past recipient of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Pharmacy Scholarship Scheme, she has been involved in the pharmacy community since her teenage years, progressing from a Pharmacy Assistant to her current leadership role.
National Reconciliation Week is an important reminder to explore how each of us contributes to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Shana’s contribution to community pharmacy shows in her passion for how she serves her community through pharmacy.
“My motivation to pursue pharmacy stemmed from a deep-seated desire to give back to my community, particularly to enhance healthcare accessibility and outcomes for First Nations Peoples.”
“My primary goal is to further integrate culturally competent practices into everyday pharmacy operations and to pioneer roles like pharmacist prescribers within Australia, particularly for remote and underserved populations.”
Shana’s advice for Indigenous students is to embrace every opportunity for growth and learning. Community pharmacy offers a unique platform to make a tangible difference in people's lives. The path is challenging but incredibly rewarding.
“The most rewarding aspect is the ability to make a direct impact on individuals' health daily, especially through innovative services like our vaccination programs.”
Shana is currently participating in the Queensland Community Pharmacy Extended Scope of Practice Pilot Training and undertaking the final steps towards pharmacy ownership.
This National Reconciliation Week reminds us to reaffirm our commitment to tackling the unfinished business of closing the health gap. Examples like Shana’s remind us that now more than ever, the work continues toward building a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate society.
