INDEPENDENT Pharmacies Australia (IPA) held its 2025 Retail Excellence Awards at Pullman On the Park in Melbourne, with six retail leaders taking out the honours.
The awards recognised exceptional individuals within the IPA network, based on factors such as individual performance, innovation and ongoing commitment to patient good health.
Key selection criteria for those who took home first place included: connecting with consumers in an impactful and creative way, leveraging the power of loyalty programs to generate optimum performance, providing outstanding customer service, making a difference to pharmacy, community and team culture, and being identified as a Rising Star early in their career.
The list of winners includes:
* Consumer Engagement Award - Jessica Brown of Emerald Village Pharmacy (Vic)
* Loyalty Champion Award - Judith Kopp of Life Pharmacy Forbes (NSW)
* Making a Difference Award - Jess Horneman of Old Bar Pharmacy (NSW)
* Rising Star Award - Taylah Driesson of CDC Warragul (Vic)
* Service Excellence Award - Jakki Begley of CDC Patterson Lakes (Vic).
In addition to these five awards, IPA also announced a highly anticipated sixth new award category, Commitment to Community Health, which recognised an individual within the network who exhibits outstanding dedication to their community and delivers services in a culturally appropriate way.
The winner for 2025 was Alyson Munroe Peddell, of Thursday Island Pharmacy and Bamaga Pharmacy, for her tireless leadership and ongoing commitment to understanding the needs of the Torres Strait people.
"We are delighted to recognise and congratulate the exceptional hard work and dedication of all six winners to deliver quality healthcare outcomes at our first Retail Excellence Conference," said IPA MD Steven Kastrinakis.
"Each of their exemplary contributions to their pharmacies, communities and teams illustrate incredible problem solving and a can-do attitude," he said. KB
Pictured: IPA MD Steven Kastrinakis, Alyson Munroe Peddell and IPA COO Lynne Gallucci.
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