SHPA members Rosemary Burke and Dr Jennifer Gowan receive Australia Day Honours

Congratulations to two of our members who have been awarded with 2024 Australia Day Honours recognising their exceptional contributions to the pharmacy profession!

Image credit: St George and Sutherland Shire Leader

Rosemary Burke AM FANZCAP was awarded with The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) - Public Service Medal Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service in the implementation and running of the COVID-19 vaccination program and Special Health Accommodation pharmacy support for the NSW Department of Health. 

Rosemary, who is also an active member of and contributor to SHPA activities, was instrumental in the successful running of the Sydney Local Health District's (SLHD) COVID-19 vaccination program, which provided over 1.6 million vaccinations to the Australian community. 

Rosemary led NSW in the development and guidance of the preparation, management and storage of the various COVID-19 vaccines from the onset of the Australian Government's COVID-19 vaccination program. 

Image credit: Monash University

Dr Jennifer Gowan AM has also been honoured with a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant service to medicine as a pharmacist, to professional societies, and to community health. In addition to her role as a pharmacist at Thompson’s Pharmacy in Eltham, Victoria, Jennifer is an adjunct senior lecturer at the Faculty of Pharmacy at Monash University.

Dr Gowan is a consultant to a variety of health bodies, especially in aged care. These include the Department of Health, Victoria, where she trains aged care staff in the fields of medication legislation, administration, and the safe use of medicines.

A huge - and well-deserved - congratulations to Rosemary and Jennifer for these incredible honours!