‘A phenomenal outcome’: Pharmacy shines in the 2026 Australia Day Honours

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) have proudly recognised the outstanding pharmacists who received awards in this year’s Australia Day Honours.

‘Highest standards of dedication and leadership’

National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Professor Trent Twomey, says each award recipient reflects the highest standards of pharmacy patient care, community service, leadership, and the advancement of the profession.

Award recipients include:

• Emeritus Professor Colin Chapman AM (VIC). For significant service to pharmacy and pharmaceutical science research, education and practice.
• Dipak Sanghvi AM (Vic). For significant service to community health through governance and board roles.

“These individuals represent the very best of our profession. Their work strengthens communities, supports better health outcomes, and showcases the vital role pharmacists play every single day,” says Professor Twomey.

“Pharmacists consistently go above and beyond for the people they serve. It is fitting to see their commitment acknowledged among such deserving winners.”

The Guild extends its congratulations to all recipients and thanks them for their service, leadership and dedication.

‘A phenomenal outcome’

In a recently released statement, the PSA also congratulates Emeritus Professor Colin Burton Chapman and Dipak Sanghvi of Victoria on being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) as part of the 2026 Australia Day Honours.

• Emeritus Professor Colin Burton Chapman has been recognised with the AM for significant service to pharmacy and pharmaceutical science research, education and practice.
• Dipak Sanghvi has been recognised with the AM for significant service to community health through governance and board roles.

The PSA also extend its congratulations to Rhys Hollington London, Bruce Vincent Townsend, and Maurice Alan Renshaw on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

• Rhys Hollington London has been recognised with the OAM for service to the community of Wynyard, Tasmania.
• Bruce Vincent Townsend has been recognised with the OAM for service to the Raymond Terrace community, NSW.
• Maurice Alan Renshaw from NSW has been recognised with the OAM for service to the pharmaceutical industry. 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, acknowledges the high honour of this recognition and thanks the recipients for their previous and ongoing contributions to the pharmacy profession.

“It is evident that pharmacists play a vital role in their communities and the healthcare system. To have multiple pharmacists recognised on the prestigious Australia Day Honours List is a phenomenal outcome,” says Professor Naunton.

“On behalf of PSA and the pharmacy profession, I would like to extend my congratulations to Emeritus Professor Colin Burton Chapman, Dipak Sanghvi, Rhys Hollington London, Bruce Vincent, and Maurice Alan Renshaw on their well-deserved recognition.”