PSA congratulates pharmacist recipients of Queen’s Birthday honours

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia today congratulated two prominent Queensland pharmacists who have been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Rhonda White has been made an Officer of the General Division of the Order of Australia ‘for distinguished service to the pharmacy profession, particularly through contributions to education and retail management practices, and as a role model for women in business.’

In addition, Gwynneth Petrie has been made a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia ‘for significant service to medicine as a senior hospital pharmacist, mentor and innovator’.

National President of the PSA, Grant Kardachi, said the honours awarded to Mrs White and Mrs Petrie were a fitting recognition of their many years of commitment and dedication to the profession.

“These two pharmacists are leaders not only as health professionals, but as women and female role models and it is wholly appropriate that their work has now received broad recognition in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List,” Mr Kardachi said.

“Mrs White continues to be an inspiration for community pharmacists and leads by example, having recently undertaken training in the new area of opportunity in pharmacist-delivered immunisations.”

Mr Kardachi said that as a director of the Terry White Chemists Group, Mrs White had helped to develop an organisation which now comprised pharmacies in all states, employing more than 4,500 staff and with a turnover of $1 billion.

“This is a remarkable achievement and Rhonda’s leadership is an inspiration to all pharmacists,” he said.

Mr Kardachi said Mrs Petrie had made a great impact to hospital pharmacy, particularly in the development of clinical pharmacy services in hospitals in Australia.

“Her huge commitment to hospital pharmacy, and the difference she has made to this sector, is reflected in this award,” Mr Kardachi said.

“Mrs Petrie remains very active in the profession and her commitment to the next generation of young pharmacists is reflected in her ongoing work through the PSA intern training program.

“Both these women epitomise the principles, dedication and commitment that is a feature of the profession in Australia.”

Media contact: Peter Waterman
Public Affairs Director
0419 260 827