Blak, Loud and Proud in community pharmacy

Bryony's journey into pharmacy began with a personal drive sparked by her father's battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Growing up, she witnessed firsthand the impact of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, on her family's life.

Bryony Forrest is currently in her third year of pharmacy studies at RMIT but has already been working within community pharmacy for the past six years.

Her path to pharmacy wasn't straightforward—after starting in paramedicine at Monash, she began a part-time job in community pharmacy and found herself inspired to pursue it as a career.

'I enjoyed the challenges and the close-knit community interactions,' she shares.

Determined to pursue her passion, Bryony took a strategic break, working and building her qualifications until she secured a place at RMIT's pharmacy program. She was awarded a scholarship under the Symbion and Guild Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarship Initiative, which helped support her throughout her journey.

Now, in her third year, Bryony finds herself drawn to the clinical aspects of her education, seeing direct relevance to her future practice.

'Extemporaneous compounding has been a hands-on highlight,' she adds.

As she nears graduation, Bryony is driven by a desire to return to her mob in Rockhampton, aiming to make a tangible difference in people's lives and becoming Home Medicines Review qualified.

Acknowledging the ever-changing pharmacy landscape, Bryony is keen on continuing her journey with an open mind. By being open to learning new things and seeking ongoing education and training, Bryony will be able to become the best pharmacist she can be.

For Indigenous students considering pharmacy, Bryony offers practical advice: 'Get involved early in community pharmacy to see if it resonates with you. It's about finding that connection.'

Her journey reflects resilience and a commitment to learning, embodying this year's NAIDOC theme, 'Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud,' by honouring her heritage and sharing her story with pride.

Bryony sums up her reflection by writing “It's about being proud for those who maybe haven’t always been allowed to be proud of mob/ being mob due to colonialism.”

Henry Joseph is a proud Torres Strait Islander with paternal heritage from the Wagadagam clan (Mabuiag Island) and Argun clan (Badu Island).

This year’s NAIDOC theme is “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud”. To Henry, this important week underscores the importance of never losing touch of who you are, celebrating your identity and culture with pride, and sharing that love with other mob.

Henry is currently working as a pharmacy assistant at the Thursday Island Pharmacy. He is also studying for the Certificate III Community Pharmacy to further upskill as a pharmacy assistant. He was recently awarded the "Symbion and Guild Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarship” which provides not only monetary support to help ease cost of living, but also links him up with a valuable mentor of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander ancestry.

When asked about what made him choose to study further, he credits his parents and manager.

“They have always believed in me to try, and been supportive along this journey.”

As a Thursday Island local, being able to work with and for his community by caring for them is what he enjoys the most about being a pharmacy assistant.

For those considering a career as a pharmacy assistant in community pharmacy, Henry has some strong advice.

“Never ever back down from opportunities. Believe in yourself that you can do anything.” he says. “Always push yourself by being the best of the best.”

Looking forward, Henry aims to complete his Certificate III studies and eventually pursue a Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy, continuing his contribution to his community.

For Keely Clemments, it’s the intrigue of science that brought pharmacy to life, and how she is able to understand, translate and share it with her First Nations community that motivates her.

Keely is a pharmacy assistant and second year student in Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours). She’s also a 2024 recipient of the Symbion Guild Aboriginal and Torres Strait Isander Scholarship Initiative.

Keely has always been a lover of biology, chemistry and research, and pharmacy proved to be the perfect combination of these three disciplines and more. This is likely why she finds enjoyment in the science component of pharmacy.

“Learning about the causes of diseases, treatment and how medications work will always be interesting to me.” she says.

She also has an interest in researching the use of traditional medicine amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people - a topic lacking in current literature.

As Keely progresses her pharmacy career, she aims to work in a rural or regional community pharmacy, collaboratively caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. But above all else, she wants to provide a welcoming, supportive presence to all patients.

For other Indigenous students considering a career in pharmacy, Keely provides strong encouragement.

"I’d say to absolutely go for it. Indigenous practitioners offer a valuable, unique perspective and have a pivotal role in building a rapport with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.“

Reflecting on the 2024 NAIDOC Week Theme, 'Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud', Keely emphasises the enduring significance of Indigenous knowledge and voices in shaping a supportive future.

“Our culture is rich with generations of knowledge. The [NAIDOC theme] solidifies the importance of committing to a future that supports and values Indigenous voices.”

Kirra Natty is a community pharmacist currently working full-time at Carters Pharmacies in the rural NSW towns of Gunnedah and Narrabri. Her journey into pharmacy was not straightforward but was driven by a passion for healthcare and the encouragement of a supportive mentor.

After finishing school, Kirra started working part-time in a pharmacy and initially pursued a degree in teaching, but soon realised teaching wasn’t what she wanted to do. She went through a few different job changes—including a stint in the mines and managing a hotel—but found herself being pulled back to pharmacy. She decided to take a chance and apply for university.

It was the right decision and in 2018 Kirra secured a scholarship as part of the Pharmacy Programs Administrator’s (PPA) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Scholarship Scheme.  

Kirra graduated her degree in 2021. Reflecting on her academic journey, she says, “University was no easy feat for me. It was a struggle, but I had a point to prove to myself and those that had openly told me I wouldn’t make it.” Kirra found the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Scholarship scheme to be essential. It allowed her to balance work and study while still affording cost of living, resulting in becoming a fully registered pharmacist after a long uphill battle.

For Kirra, being the best pharmacist she can be and keeping her love for helping people is what’s important. She feels strongly about improving health outcomes for First Nations communities and strives to be a strong advocate for their health. She aspires to be a role model for others, particularly First Nations people, encouraging them to dream big and strive for their goals.

What Kirra loves most about working in community pharmacy are the relationships she builds with people, especially in rural areas where pharmacists often become the first point of contact for patients. “You become their soundboard and listening ear, and it is great to hear about their lives and just being generally part of the community,” she shares.

Kirra sees a crucial role for community pharmacies in supporting the healthcare of First Nations peoples. Recognising the higher risk of chronic health conditions and vaccine-preventable diseases among these communities, she believes pharmacies can offer a culturally safe environment that encourages First Nations people to seek care. By providing education, vaccination services, and fostering trust, pharmacies can significantly contribute to improving health outcomes.

For First Nations people considering a career in pharmacy, Kirra’s advice is clear: “Just go for it! Forget the haters and the non-believers, you can do it. There is plenty of help out there to get you through.”

Looking ahead, Kirra plans to continue developing her skills as a pharmacist and aims to be an advocate and educator for First Nations health.

Shana Valentine is a proud Kalkadoon and Arrernte woman. Currently serving as the General Manager at Pharmacy First Mount Isa, Shana's journey with the pharmacy began in her teenage years as a Pharmacy Assistant.

Shana was awarded a scholarship under the “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Scholarship Scheme” in 2010 which proved highly beneficial in her university journey. The financial support eased her pressures, allowing her to focus entirely on her studies and professional development. "The scholarship was a game-changer for me," Shana recalls. "It enabled me to concentrate on my education and set the foundation for my contributions to community health."

Fuelled by a deep-seated desire to give back to her community, pharmacy was the perfect career choice for her.

"My motivation is deeply rooted in my commitment to my community," Shana explains. "I want to make a tangible difference in the health and well-being of First Nations Peoples."

Her career goals reflect this dedication. Shana aims to further integrate culturally competent practices into everyday pharmacy operations. She is also passionate about pioneering roles such as pharmacist prescribers within Australia, with a particular focus on remote and underserved populations.

For Shana, the most rewarding aspect of working in community pharmacy is the ability to make a direct impact on individuals' health daily. She particularly values the opportunity to offer innovative services, such as vaccination programs, that benefit the community.

For Indigenous students considering a career in pharmacy, she has some advice. "Embrace every opportunity for growth and learning," she encourages. "The path can be challenging, but it is incredibly rewarding. Community pharmacy offers a unique platform to make a real difference in people's lives."

Looking ahead, Shana is currently participating in the North Queensland Community Pharmacy Extended Scope of Practice Pilot Training. She is also on the final steps towards pharmacy ownership, marking an exciting new chapter in her career.