Pharmacy assistant Kane Forbes from Casterton Pharmacy has been chosen to represent Victoria at the National Finals of the 2019 Pharmacy Guild of Australia/ Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award (PATY).
Now in its 13th year, PATY is the premier award for Australian pharmacy assistants, recognising and celebrating the ‘best of the best’ in community pharmacy.
Judges picked Kane from 15 other State Finalists at the Victorian workshop yesterday where each participant demonstrated their pharmacy knowledge, and showcased their skills in customer service and leadership.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s acting National President, John Dowling congratulated Kane for his valuable contribution to community pharmacy in Australia.
“This prestigious award was created to recognise pharmacy assistants who go the extra mile to help their customers and are proactive in developing their own careers,” Mr Dowling said.
“The calibre of PATY nominees is always extremely high, and each candidate displays a strong commitment to their work and the industry which I am extremely impressed with.
“I congratulate Kane for standing out as Victoria’s top pharmacy assistant.
“Kane’s strong commitment to his role encourages other pharmacy assistants to strive for success and actively contribute to the community pharmacy industry.”
Kane was very proud to be announced as the Victorian State Winner.
“I am not usually lost for words but I am on this occasion. I am very proud to be a pharmacy assistant and I feel honoured to represent Victoria,” Kane said.
The Victorian winner of the Glucojel Super Star Award was also announced at the workshop.
“I would like to acknowledge Sarah-Jane Carmichael from Marraboor Pharmacy in Swan Hill for being granted the Glucojel Super Star Award for outstanding customer service skills in community pharmacy,” Mr Dowling said.
PATY major sponsor AFT Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd’s General Manager (Aust), Calvin MacKenzie said they are excited to once again be supporting the successful futures of pharmacy assistants across Australia.
“AFT Pharmaceuticals is very honoured to support PATY once again. Over the past three years, we have had the pleasure of supporting pharmacy assistants in their careers through PATY, and the calibre of nominees is always extremely high,” Mr MacKenzie said.
“This is a great indication of the outstanding contribution that pharmacy assistants make in our communities every day.
“Congratulations to Kane for his achievement as the State Winner. I am certain he will represent Casterton Pharmacy and Victoria with great pride.”
Kane will represent Victoria at the National Finals to be held at the 2019 Pharmacy Assistant National Conference on 12 October in Brisbane. The National Winner will take home over $10,000 in prizes, including cash, a training package, educational conferences and other great rewards.
Victorian Glucojel Super Star Award winner, Sarah-Jane Carmichael will be in the running for the Glucojel Super Star Award National title, also awarded at the 2019 Pharmacy Assistant National Conference.
