Tell us a bit about yourself?
I have spent a lot of my life living with one foot in Darwin and one in Adelaide and I am really excited to call Darwin home permanently now. I am passionate about health and wellness with a background in Naturopathic Medicine and from working in Pharmacy over the last few years. I am someone who enjoys the simple things: the sun shining, good food, family and community.
What initially interested you about Community Pharmacy?
I began working in community pharmacy as I thought it would be a great opportunity to further my knowledge in medications, nutraceuticals and herbal medicines while I completed my Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy). However, I quickly realised how fundamental Community Pharmacy is for healthcare in Australia and my experience in various community pharmacy roles has inspired me to continue to want to work in this industry. Over the last few years, my dad was unfortunately very unwell and passed away late 2022. Community Pharmacy was the most consistent healthcare he received, and the role Community Pharmacy played in maintaining his quality of life was unquantifiable. I will forever be grateful for the role Community Pharmacy played in his healthcare and it is something that continues to inspire my work in this role.
What is your biggest achievement to date – personal or professional?
My biggest achievement has been completing my Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) and getting accepted to complete a Master’s in Advanced Naturopathic Medicine later this year. I am passionate about health and creating a system of healthcare where professions can work to their full scope of practice to deliver the best patient outcomes. Community Pharmacy is the perfect place for preventative medicine and treatment to come together and it is one of the many reasons I love working in this field.
Why did you join the Guild team?
I have joined the guild team to further my experience in Community Pharmacy. This role is the perfect opportunity to contribute to positive change in our health system by supporting what I believe is the majority of Australian’s first point of call for healthcare – Community Pharmacy. I am passionate about supporting our members to create the best experience for patients and to contribute to better health outcomes.
What words do people use to describe you?
I am often described as bright, bubbly and passionate. Once you get me talking on a topic I am passionate about, you will have me chewing your ear off all day.
What do you think are the three biggest challenges or opportunities in the NT?
I am really excited about the opportunities the NT has with developing full scope of practice for Community Pharmacy and how the development of this can help improve health outcomes for Territorians. There are currently lots of challenges in the NT regarding access to healthcare and I believe that community pharmacy has a wonderful opportunity to fill a gap in the system that is so desperately required.
What’s your ideal way to spend your weekends?
My ideal weekend would be spent nurturing my mind and body. I love going to the markets, filling my fridge with beautiful NT produce for the week ahead, cooking up a storm, nature walks, snuggling up on the couch with a good book, spending time with my partner - when he’s at home (my fellow military spouses will understand) and moving my body in some way, shape or form. I love a Sunday sleep-in and in the wet season you will always find me on the balcony with a book, a chai latte and watching the storms roll in.