Breaking barriers, building futures: NACCHO and Sanofi fuel Indigenous pharmacy leadership

NACCHO and Sanofi Australia have unveiled the 2025 recipients of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacist Scholarship.

This scholarship goes beyond financial support; it’s a bold step toward reshaping the pharmacy landscape with voices and perspectives too long underrepresented. It’s about breaking barriers, boosting representation, and weaving culturally safe care into the very fabric of healthcare delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

This year’s trailblazers are Dean Webber, Isaac Burgoyne, James Sowter, Zoe Forest, and Heidi Robinson – each selected not just for academic excellence, but for their fierce dedication to transforming health outcomes and leading change from within.

Dr Dawn Casey, NACCHO’s Deputy CEO, captured the spirit of these emerging leaders perfectly, saying “These inspiring students are not just the future of pharmacy; they are the future of culturally responsive healthcare in this country. At NACCHO, we are committed to fostering the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacists who will play a vital role in improving health equity and strengthening care in our communities.”

In a nation with more than 36,000 registered pharmacists, fewer than 140 identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, highlighting the urgent need for change. The scholarship program stands as a powerful catalyst to expand Indigenous presence and leadership in pharmacy, nurturing talent ready to transform healthcare from the ground up.

Liz Selby, Country Lead at Sanofi, stated “Representation in healthcare is fundamental to achieving true health equity. By supporting more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacists, NACCHO is not only diversifying the profession but ensuring culturally appropriate care reaches all communities. Sanofi is proud to continue our partnership with NACCHO, building pathways for the next generation of Indigenous healthcare leaders.”

Echoing the scholarship’s deeper resonance, selection panel member Chastina Heck, a proud Nywaigi Mamu Bidjara woman and clinical pharmacist, shared her heartfelt reflections.

“Congratulations to all recipients and thank you for sharing your personal stories about the value this scholarship brings to both your study and home lives. I’m thrilled to be playing a small part in NACCHO’s Sanofi Student Scholarship again this year and the legacy that is created by supporting our next generation of pharmacists,” she said.

Professor Faye McMillan AM FPS, a proud Wiradjuri Yinaa woman and fellow panelist, emphasised the lasting impact. She said, “I acknowledge the ongoing relationship between NACCHO and Sanofi, which has enabled the continuation of these scholarships. I look forward to seeing this commitment to education and the pharmaceutical industry, and the important role it plays in Indigenous Health and Wellbeing, for generations to come.”

The voices of this year’s recipients say it all. “As an Aboriginal person, I feel incredibly grateful to receive this scholarship. It’s a big step toward my goal of becoming a pharmacist who can return to the community and support rural and remote mob with culturally safe care. Thank you to NACCHO for backing the next generation of Indigenous health professionals,” commented Dean Webber from QUT.

Isaac Burgoyne from the University of Sydney added, “This scholarship made a tremendous impact on my studies in my first year, and I am grateful to be fortunate enough to be a recipient again. It’s allowing me to make the most of my studies so that I can become the best possible pharmacist I can be and positively impact my community.”

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