COMMUNITY pharmacist Maria Cooper (pictured) from South Australia has been announced the 2025 winner of the John Coppock Pharmacist Wellbeing Award.

Cooper was recognised for her work on a peer support program for early career pharmacists and developing a network in partnership with the registered charity Hand-N-Hand Peer Support.

The initiative enables pharmacists from different workplaces to engage in regular, confidential group sessions beyond the boundaries of their daily practice, providing a safe and structured space to debrief, share experiences, and develop practical coping strategies.

The sessions are designed to foster a sense of camaraderie and belonging in a profession where high-stress and isolation are common, with the program already having supported three active groups of early career pharmacists.

In addition to working as a community pharmacist, Cooper is a PhD candidate at the University of South Australia.

In announcing the award, the Pharmacists’ Support Service (PSS) and Pharmaceutical Defence Limited (PDL) noted that the standard was very high again this year, but judges were unanimous in their decision.

“At a time when some pharmacists are feeling lonely and isolated, Maria is seeking to provide connection and support to the future of our profession,” PSS President Curtis Ruhnau said.

Ruhnau highlighted three further projects deserving of an honourable mention:

* How to make a Specialist in Poisons Information pharmacist happy? – Genevieve Adamo and team, NSW Poisons Information Centre.

* Rx: A Dose of Togetherness – Fatima Small and team, Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital Pharmacy Department.

* Embedding Leader Rounding to Enhance Staff Engagement and Wellbeing – Kelly Beswick and team, Statewide Hospital Pharmacy Tasmania. KB

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