Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha) is celebrating the recipients of its three MM2026 scholarships and the 2026 ANZCAP Student of the Year, with all four recipients set to attend the milestone 50th Medicines Management event in Brisbane from 22–24 October.
The winners are:
• AdPha MM2026 Rural and Remote Scholarship – Linda Krogh FANZCAP (GeriMed, PrimCare)
• AdPha MM2026 Sustainability Scholarship – Kate Bennett
• ANZCAP MM2026 Early Career Pharmacist Scholarship – Natalie Cheung ANZCAP-Reg. (Edu., Generalist)
• ANZCAP 2026 Student of the Year – Gilbert Punyawan
The three MM2026 scholarship winners each demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing pharmacy practice. Rural and Remote Scholarship recipient Linda Krogh FANZCAP has led virtual transitions of care across 19 rural hospitals in Western NSW, supporting safer care for rural patients.
Accepting the scholarship Ms Krogh explains,
“Being named the AdPha MM2026 Rural and Remote Scholarship winner is a great honour. I’m excited to bring the voice and experience of rural pharmacy in Western NSW to the national stage, while bringing new ideas and connections back to strengthen pharmacist-led care, medication safety and continuity of care for our rural communities.”
Sustainability Scholarship recipient Kate Bennett has led innovative initiatives to reduce healthcare waste and carbon emissions.
“I’m thrilled to be the recipient of the AdPha MM2026 Sustainability Scholarship. Sustainability is something I’m deeply passionate about – attending MM2026 means I can connect and collaborate with colleagues across the profession, share ideas and learn from others who are driving change. I hope to bring those insights back to my own practice and continue championing innovative, environmentally sustainable approaches at my health service.” Ms Bennett Comments.
Early Career Pharmacist Scholarship recipient Natalie Cheung ANZCAP-Reg. (Edu., Generalist) is developing her specialist practice in nephrology while contributing to education, research and quality improvement. She stated,
“Receiving the AdPha MM2026 Early Career Pharmacists Scholarship is an exciting milestone for me. I’m looking forward to exploring new approaches to renal care, learning from leaders in the field and discovering what’s possible as I continue my ANZCAP journey and shape my future as a pharmacist.”
2026 ANZCAP Pharmacy Student of the Year Gilbert Punyawan has demonstrated outstanding breadth across clinical practice, leadership, advocacy, research and community service. His achievements include mentoring fellow students, advocating for pharmacist prescribing reform, developing an AI tool to support after-hours pharmacists and undertaking research into pharmacy workplaces.
“Being recognised for this award is a celebration of the individuals that have consistently supported me, and is a wonderful foundation for my career into pharmacy.” Mr Punyawan adds.
AdPha Vice President Brenda Shum FANZCAP (Lead&Mgmt) said each of the recipients provide a unique contribution to the advancement of pharmacy practice.
“Congratulations to all four outstanding recipients. What stands out is the diversity of their contributions, from strengthening rural healthcare and advancing sustainability to developing specialist practice, education, advocacy and innovation. These emerging and established leaders embody the limitless possibilities of pharmacy practice, and we’re delighted to support them to connect, learn and share their expertise at MM2026.”
