A lifetime of service to PSA and the profession was honoured at this year’s national conference.
At the age of 17, Judy Sinclair started her career working at the PSA Victorian Branch. Half a century later, we are fortunate that she still calls PSA her home.
At the PSA26 Saturday Plenary (1 August), the profession got the chance to honour her.
While her official role is ‘Executive Assistant’, Ms Sinclair’s contribution to PSA is so much more. Her years of service are an extraordinary testament to dedication, loyalty and commitment to the pharmacy profession, said PSA Victorian State Manager Jarrod McMaugh FPS.
‘For many [PSA] members, particularly in Victoria, Judy has been the voice at the end of the phone, the person who can solve any of the problems we have, can make all the connections and simply brighten everyone’s day.’
Nurturing generations of pharmacists
For the many pharmacy pharmacy students who’ve come through PSA’s Monash University’s Parkville campus office, Ms Sinclair was often the very first face of the organisation. According to PSA National President Mark Naunton MPS, she ‘epitomises a home’ for pharmacists.
‘Whenever I’ve gone down to the PSA office in Victoria, Judy’s always asking, “You want a cup of tea? Can I get you this?” It’s just like coming home to your mum,’ he said. ‘I think I can safely say that, given that Judy’s been working at PSA longer than I’ve been alive.’
While not a pharmacist herself, Ms Sinclair said she has watched the profession transform from the sidelines.
‘I always thought [pharmacists] could do so much more, and [you] are doing that,’ she said. ‘I’m proud of all pharmacists, all the [PSA] staff and members, and all the people I come across every day. You’re all very special to me, and that’s why I’m here,’ she said.
A lifelong home
It’s quite fitting that the theme of this year’s PSA national conference was ‘Welcome Home’. After 50 years, PSA has become more than a career or a workplace for Ms Sinclair. ‘It is my home,’ she said.
‘This is not just the home of pharmacists, it’s the home of all staff. I’ve loved every moment. I’ve met so many people, lifelong friendships – and those people are what it’s all about.’
After spending 50 years making other people feel looked after, Ms Sinclair was on the receiving end – with a room full of pharmacists, on their feet, applauding the woman who has spent half a century making sure they always had somewhere to call home.
‘Judy, thank you for making PSA a home for generations of pharmacists and for supporting the PSA for 50 years,’ Mr McMaugh added.
