THE Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Rural Pharmacists Australia have launched the Rural Pharmacy Forum Bursary to help eligible rural pharmacists attend APP2026, which takes place from 12-14 Mar on the Gold Coast.
Valued at $5,000, the funding is designed to cover essential expenses such as conference registration, travel, accommodation and locum support, ensuring that the recipient can fully participate without financial barriers.
"We're proud to support rural pharmacists through initiatives like this bursary and an important focus on rural pharmacy during APP," National President Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Professor Trent Twomey said.
"These programs remove barriers and celebrate the incredible work being done in rural and remote communities," he added.
The initiative is open to single-pharmacist owners who work and reside in a rural or remote area (MMM 3--7), and have never attended APP before.
Bursary applications, which are sponsored by Pharmaceutical Defence Limited (PDL), close 5pm AEDT on 09 Feb - to find out more or apply, click here.
Meanwhile, APP2026 will see the return of the Rural Pharmacy Forum, with the theme 'Insight to impact: Advancing rural health through community pharmacy'.
The forum will discuss the unique challenges faced by rural and regional communities in accessing health care, and how addressing these challenges is essential to shaping the health and wellbeing of every Australian, regardless of where they live.
Georgina Twomey (pictured), Chair of the Rural Pharmacist Alliance, said: "Being a pharmacy owner in rural Australia brings unique challenges and perspectives, which will be incredibly valuable at APP's Rural Pharmacy Forum."
"We know rural pharmacists can feel isolated, and this bursary aims to encourage face-to-face engagement between like-minded rural pharmacists."
The 'I Love Rural Pharmacy' video competition also returns in 2026, celebrating the innovation and resilience of rural pharmacies across Australia.
Entry is free, and only open to a community pharmacy employee or community pharmacy owner of a Modified Monash Model (MMM) 2-7 pharmacy.
Participants are invited to submit a short video showcasing how they've turned ideas into action, whether tackling workforce shortages, improving access to health professionals, or overcoming service delivery barriers.
The winner will score a prize package that supports implementation of full scope, and is valued at $4,000, sponsored by Raven's Recruitment.
Videos must be submitted by 5pm AEDT Mon 16 Feb - click here to find out more. JM
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 04 Feb 26
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