More than 1,300 pharmacy owners, pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, students and industry representatives gathered at the Pharmacy Connect conference in Sydney last week, to discuss the future of pharmacy and to embrace the conference theme ‘Make every connection matter’. The Pharmacy Connect conference was officially opened by NSW Premier Chris Minns at Thu evening’s Welcome Reception. Minns used the opportunity to formally announce the NSW Government’s commitment to implementing a Full Scope of Practice Pilot, mirroring the Queensland Government’s North Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot. This was followed by Fri morning’s announcement by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s National President, Trent Twomey, that the 8CPA negotiations will commence on 01 Mar 2024 (PD 05 Sep). Twomey also discussed the current and future challenges and opportunities for community pharmacy, including full scope of practice and 60-Day Dispensing. He also provided a strategic overview of the profession’s need to plan for the future and make adjustments to ensure the viability of pharmacy jobs. Hosted by the Pharmacy Guild’s NSW Branch, this year’s Pharmacy Connect combined with the Pharmacy Assistant National Conference provided timely updates and education for pharmacists and pharmacy assistants. The combined events shared a 55-plus stand trade exhibition with hundreds of delegates making their way through the exhibition to speak with suppliers and exhibitors. One of the highlights of the event was the announcement of the national winner of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year (PATY) award at the cocktail function on Fri evening. With eight state and territory finalists all vying for the prestigious award, it was Colby Diek from Craignish Pharmacy, Qld, who took out the PATY award. Diek was warded $5,000 cash prize plus flights, travel and accommodation packages to attend Guild conferences to support her professional development. Next year’s Pharmacy Connect conference will be held between 05-07 Sep 2024 in Sydney. JG