EMERITUS Professor Colin Chapman and Victorian pharmacist Dipak Sanghvi have been appointed Members of the Order of Australia (AM) as part of the 2026 Australia Day Honours (PD breaking news yesterday).
Chapman has been recognised for significant service to pharmacy and pharmaceutical science research, education and practice.
In addition to holding academic roles at Monash University, University of New England, James Cook University and the University of Melbourne, he has carried out many roles with various professional bodies over several decades, including the Victorian branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), for which he was recognised with a lifetime achievement award in 2024.
Meanwhile, Sanghvi has been recognised for significant service to community health through governance and board positions.
Among his roles were president of the Victorian branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, chair of Monash Health, and chair of the Return Unwanted Medicines Project.
Pharmacists awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) were Rhys London of Tasmania and Bruce Townsend of NSW, recognised for service to the community, and Maurice Renshaw of NSW for service to the pharmaceutical industry.
PSA national president, Professor Mark Naunton, acknowledged the high honour of this recognition and thanked the recipients for their previous and ongoing contributions to the profession.
"It is evident that pharmacists play a vital role in their communities and the healthcare system [and] to have multiple pharmacists recognised on the prestigious Australia Day Honours List is a phenomenal outcome," Professor Naunton said.
"On behalf of PSA and the pharmacy profession, I would like to extend my congratulations."
Pharmacy Guild of Australia national president Trent Twomey concurred, pointing out that "these individuals represent the very best of our profession".
"Their work strengthens communities, supports better health outcomes, and showcases the vital role pharmacists play every single day," he said.
"Pharmacists consistently go above and beyond for the people they serve [and] it is fitting to see their commitment acknowledged among such deserving winners." KB
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