The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has extended its congratulations to the pharmacy professionals recognised in the 2025 Australia Day Honours for their exceptional contributions to pharmacy and community service.
This year, two pharmacists, Anna Barwick of Walcha, NSW, and Dr Craig Rayner of Aireys Inlet, Victoria, were honoured.
South Australia’s Sobia and Irfan Hashmi were named finalists in the Australian Local Heroes Award.
- Dr Craig Rayner, Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)
Dr Craig Rayner was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in recognition of his significant service to pharmacology across a range of roles and organisations. His contributions include Craig aiding in the development of the antiparasitic drug moxidectin, critical for treating river blindness in Africa, and leading efforts to develop the breakthrough antiviral medicine Tamiflu. Dr Rayner’s ongoing work on mRNA-derived vaccines has further cemented his legacy in global healthcare.
- Anna Barwick, Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Anna Barwick, a Walcha-based pharmacist, academic, and founder of PharmOnline, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to the pharmacy profession. A resident of Walcha for more than a decade, Ms Barwick has also worked as a pharmacist at Tamworth and Armidale hospitals and as an academic at the University of New England. She recently completed a PhD focussed on telepharmacy.
- Sobia and Irfan Hashmi, South Australia’s Local Heroes
Over 20 years, Sobia and Irfan have transformed healthcare in remote and rural communities in South Australia, by establishing six pharmacies in areas where there were previously none. Mr and Mrs Hashmi are committed to serving their diverse communities. They employ staff who collectively speak 21 languages, allowing them to reach vulnerable populations and provide culturally sensitive healthcare.
‘Wide-ranging commitment to the community’
Together with Pharmacy Guild National President Professor Trent Twomey, the Guild applauds the honorees and celebrates all pharmacists for their dedication and service.
“This year’s award winners demonstrate a wide-ranging commitment not only to our profession but most importantly, to their patients and community,” says Professor Twomey.
“I’d like to extend that acknowledgement to all our community pharmacists, their assistants and employees, many of whom are working on this Australia Day.
“Community pharmacy is the most accessible frontline health service, serving Australians each and every day.”
