Dr Louise Schaper at PSA25[/caption]
PSA presented its 2025 Queensland Excellence Awards in Brisbane over the weekend, recognising five outstanding pharmacists for their commitment to excellence in pharmacy practice.
PSA Queensland President Hannah Knowles MPS acknowledged the outstanding achievements of this year’s award winners and nominees, as well as the continued dedication of pharmacists practising throughout the state.
‘The amazing work pharmacists do in communities across Queensland every day is inspiring and it’s a great privilege to recognise them for what they do to advance the profession,’ she said.
‘On behalf of the PSA, I congratulate the outstanding pharmacists presented with awards and thank them for their commitment to bettering the health of Queenslanders.’
2025 PSA Queensland Pharmacist of the Year – Peter Fairgray MPS
As the Queensland lead for Men’s Health Downunder, pharmacy owner Mr Fairgray supports men in their recovery from prostate surgery, and assists those experiencing Peyronie’s disease, erectile dysfunction, or other conditions affecting the male anatomy.
As one of the first prescribing pharmacists, Mr Fairgray is passionate about safeguarding the public’s health and wellbeing. He is also a committed advocate for the profession, freely giving his time to train and energise fellow pharmacists.
Queensland Early Career Pharmacist of the Year – Gift Sailim MPS
Based in Far North Queensland, Ms Sailim is an accredited full-scope practitioner and forward-thinking innovator in compounding. She is a compassionate, community-focused pharmacist who elevates the profession.
Ms Phillips’ postgraduate research is focused on developing medicines for gestational diabetes, demonstrating her advocacy for safe, effective and equitable medicines use. As an accredited pharmacist, Ms Phillips also regularly liaises with rural and remote communities, improving care by providing medication reviews and collaborating with local clinicians.
Queensland Intern of the Year – Kaden Collier MPS
As a pharmacy intern, Mr Collier has shown exemplary commitment to patient care and medicines safety. Reducing jargon at every opportunity, he keeps medicines education accessible and relevant. Mr Collier strives to understand what’s important to patients and provides patient-centred care that aligns with their goals. When counselling patients, he uses educational resources, demonstrating evidence-based practice by explaining the rationale behind pharmacological and non-pharmacological forms of therapy.
Queensland Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 – Dr Danielle Stowasser MPS
Dr Stowasser has continuously advanced hospital pharmacy through innovation, leadership and tireless commitment. From pioneering safer transitions of care, to shaping national medicines safety and quality use of medicines initiatives, her impact extends across Australia. Dr Stowasser’s devotion, persistence, and vision exemplify the highest standards of the profession. Over her extensive career, Dr Stowasser has contributed to all six action items for change identified in PSA’s Pharmacists in 2030.
Professor James Dare Pharmacy Graduate of the Year – Tahlia O’Hara
Ms O’Hara, pharmacy student at Griffith University, is a passionate advocate for health equity. As a culturally grounded leader, she demonstrates the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct. Ms O’Hara is a proud Gumbaynggirr woman whose journey through pharmacy is shaped by her connection to community, culture and care. Her commitment to improving health outcomes for rural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is evident in every aspect of her academic, professional and personal life.
