Pharmacists recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates three pharmacists recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours announcement – William (Bill) Scott and Melvyn Blachford from VIC and Michael Dillon from WA.

Michael Dillon along with Bill Scott have been honoured as Members of the Order of Australia (AM) with Mr Dillon recognised for significant services to the pharmacy profession, and to the community and Mr Scott recognised for significant service to the pharmacy profession at the state and territory level.

PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman said it was great to see pharmacists being recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours particularly after the great work the profession has displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic and bushfires.

“Bill is a respected member of the profession and a staunch advocate for community pharmacy, recently including his role as a pivotal panel member for the Review of Pharmacy Remuneration and Regulation,” he said.

“Michael has also served the pharmacy profession over a number of years having been a partner of Pharmacy 777 since 1968.

“It is pleasing to see both Bill, a PSA Life Member and Michael, a PSA Fellow recognised for their dedication and commitment to the pharmacy profession and the health of their communities.”

PSA Life Fellow Melvyn Blachford has also been recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to the pharmacy profession, and to jazz music.

“Melvyn is a former Victorian state facilitator for the Home Medicines Review Program and a former president of the Pharmacy Board of Victoria,” said Associate Professor Freeman.

“Not only has Melvyn been recognised for his devoted years of service to pharmacy but also for his passion as a volunteer for the Australian Jazz Museum as collections manager.

“I sincerely congratulate all of Queen’s Birthday Honours recipients and thank them for their ongoing service to the pharmacy profession and their local communities.”