Maddison Waide from Lucy Walker Pharmacy, Goondiwindi, QLD was announced as the 2024 Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year (PATY).
Maddison was one of eight exceptional finalists whose victory was announced at the 2024 Pharmacy Assistant National Conference (PA2024), held on 6 September at the Hyatt Regency Sydney.
The PATY award recognises excellence in community pharmacy by celebrating pharmacy assistants who demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to patient care. This year’s competition culminated in a national workshop where finalists showcased their skills, knowledge, and commitment to the profession after months of preparation and competition.
Chosen from a highly competitive group of state winners, Maddison was praised for her expertise, leadership abilities, and significant contributions to the pharmacy industry.
Daniel Shalhoub, representing AFT Pharmaceuticals and one of the award judges, spoke about the exceptional calibre of this year’s finalists. “It’s always challenging to select a winner given the exceptional talent and dedication displayed by each finalist,” said Mr Shalhoub. “However, Maddison truly embodied the qualities that this award represents: commitment to patient care, leadership, and a passion for professional growth. Congratulations to Maddison on this well-deserved recognition.”
As the 2024 National Pharmacy Assistant of the Year, Maddisonwill receive a $5,000 cash prize along with travel and accommodation packages to attend key industry events, including the 2025 Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition (APP2025) and the 2025 Pharmacy Assistant National Conference (PA2025).
Daniel Shalhoub, AFT Pharmaceuticals with Guild National President Trent Twomey and Maddison Waide
Professor Trent Twomey, National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, also extended his congratulations. “The PATY award continues to be a cornerstone in acknowledging the hard work and dedication of pharmacy assistants across Australia. Maddisonshould be incredibly proud of this achievement, as it highlights her significant contribution to community pharmacy,” said Professor Twomey.
For the first time, this year’s competition also featured a runner-up award. Congratulations to Amy Clayson from South Australia, who received the Glucojel Runner Up Award for 2024.
Roger Kluth, Gold Cross with Amy Cayson
Congratulations to all state and territory winners:
- Australian Capital Territory: Danielle Peel, Cooleman Court Pharmacy, Weston
- Northern Territory: Karisa Lunn, Blooms the Chemist Bakewell
- New South Wales: Aidan Kassi, Amcal Pharmacy Kings Cross Centre, Sydney
- Queensland: Maddison Waide, Lucy Walker Pharmacy, Goondiwindi
- South Australia: Amy Clayson, Terry White Chemmart Normanville
- Tasmania: Seetha Naidoo, Terry White Chemmart Legana
- Victoria: Rebecca Frost, Gunn and McConville Medication Management, Balwyn North
- Western Australia: Demi Morton, Pharmacy 777 Tambrey, Nickol
Nominations for the 2025 Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award will open in March 2025, continuing the tradition of honouring the best in Australian community pharmacy.
