The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is today paying tribute to the pharmacists who have been recognised with Australia Day honours.
This year, three pharmacists have been recognised, including one posthumous award, for their selfless and exceptional work in the community in addition to their work in pharmacy.
The three pharmacists awarded this year are:
- The late Mr Nazminali Hudda (OAM), formerly of Queensland
- Mr Richard French (OAM) of New South Wales
- And David Lawie (OAM) of Queensland
The late Mr Nazminali Hudda OAM
Nazminali Hudda began working as a pharmacist in London before moving to Australia where he worked as a pharmacist and manager at Lakes Entrance and Redcliffe in Queensland before becoming a pharmacist and principal at Woorim Surfside Pharmacy at Bribie Island until 2019.
He is being recognised today for his dedication and service to the Nizari lsmaili Muslim community of Queensland, where he was the head of the Parent Liaison Team for Religious Education Program for two years.
Mr Richard French OAM
Richard French was a pharmacist and partner of Berry and French Pharmacy in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales from 1984, after moving from Sydney, right up until 2019 when he retired.
Mr French originally intended on staying in the area for five or six years but has remained there ever since.
Mr French has been awarded the Order of Australia Medal, General Division for his community work in the upper Hunter Valley including volunteer work for the local Rural Fire Service as well as his work with the community's Baptist Church.
Mr Donald Lawie OAM
Mr Lawie was a pharmacist and compounding chemist in Babinda for an astonishing 60 years (1956-2016).
Today he has been awarded and Order of Australia in the General Division for his community work including his volunteering efforts for the Queensland SES in both Cyclones Larry and Yasi.
Pharmacy Guild National President Professor Trent Twomey paid tribute to our pharmacists receiving Australia Day honours.
"We often talk about our community pharmacists and the work they do in their practice, which is demanding work in itself.
"However, to go the extra mile and do so much for their local community in addition to their pharmacy work, truly makes them special Australians and all deserve the recognition they have received today.
"I would like to congratulate all three and their families for their distinguished service.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank ALL our pharmacists and pharmacy assistants for the work they do not just on Australia Day, but each and every day."
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank ALL our pharmacists and pharmacy assistants for the work they do not just on Australia Day, but each and every day.
Professor Trent Twomey - National President, Pharmacy Guild of Australia
