Today, on World Pharmacists Day, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to officially launch the PSA Foundation, supporting excellence in pharmacy practice by providing funding to support pharmacists’ practice, research, education, and professional development.
The PSA Foundation is an Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission-registered charity and is deductible gift recipient (DGR) endorsed.
The launch closely aligns with the 2025 World Pharmacists Day theme, Pharmacists: Meeting global health needs, reflecting the critical role of pharmacists in improving healthcare access and outcomes worldwide.
The PSA Foundation’s Vision and Mission
The PSA Foundation’s vision is to optimise pharmacists’ roles in the Australian healthcare system through excellence in pharmacy practice and research.
Its mission is to enhance, foster, and promote excellence in pharmacy practice by providing opportunities for research, study, and postgraduate education across all areas of pharmacy practice. Through these efforts, we aim to elevate practice standards and improve public health outcomes for all Australians.
Contribution from Pharmaceutical Society of Queensland
PSA acknowledges the generous contribution of the Pharmaceutical Society of Queensland (historical society) and the Queensland Pharmacy Research Trust. This donation helps kickstart several initiatives that support the Foundation’s mission to improve public health through innovative pharmacy practice.
Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, Chair of the PSA Foundation Board, emphasised the importance of this donation.
“This generous contribution from the Pharmaceutical Society of Queensland and Queensland Pharmacy Research Trust marks an exciting beginning for the PSA Foundation. Thanks to their donation, we are supporting more pharmacists to expand their practice and ultimately deliver better health outcomes for all Australians.
“As the Chair of the Foundation, I would like to acknowledge the inaugural Board directors Rhonda White AO FPS, Cathie Reid AM, A/Prof Shane Jackson FPS and Nick Foster, and their significant work in establishing the PSA Foundation.
“The establishment of the Foundation unlocks funds from historical trusts and expand them further. This ensures ongoing support for members of the profession, especially during critical periods of practice change as we see now.
“Through the PSA Foundation we are able to grow support for the future of pharmacy, starting today.”
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training Grants – Applications now open
Thanks to the generous donation of the Pharmaceutical Society of Queensland, the PSA Foundation is pleased to announce grant opportunities for Queensland pharmacists to undertake Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, supported by the Foundation.
Mental Health First Aid training strengthens pharmacists’ capacity to provide critical first aid to members of our communities facing mental health challenges.
Queensland pharmacists are invited to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) to take part. Applications will be assessed, and grants awarded based on the personal and professional experience of applicants, as well as the communities they serve.
“This MHFA training will empower pharmacists to play an even greater role in supporting mental health across Queensland, ensuring that patients can access help when and where they need it,” said Associate Professor Sim.
“It is also an opportunity to upskill our profession to support our friends and colleagues as our practice is getting more complex and face growing pressures as pharmacists.
“This is an exciting first step for the PSA Foundation to support the growing roles of pharmacists. The Foundation Board is already progressing initiatives across other states and territories, and welcomes contact from stakeholders interested in supporting the Foundation’s mission to ensure a strong future for pharmacy and healthcare innovation.”
For more information on the PSA Foundation and its upcoming initiatives, and to apply for MFHA grants, visit the PSA Foundation website at www.psa.org.au/psa-foundation.
