Hervey Bay pharmacy assistant to represent Queensland in national award

Pharmacy assistant Colby Diek from Craignish Pharmacy in Hervey Bay has been chosen to represent Queensland at the National Finals of the 2023 Pharmacy Guild of Australia/ Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award (PATY).

Colby was selected from 12 State Finalists at the Queensland workshop held this week, where participants demonstrated their pharmacy knowledge and showcased their skills in customer service and leadership.  

Now in its 17^th year, PATY is the premier award for pharmacy assistants in Australia. 

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Queensland Branch President, Chris Owen congratulated Colby for her valuable contribution to community pharmacy in Australia. 

“This esteemed award was created to recognise pharmacy assistants who go the extra mile to help patients and who are proactive in developing their own careers.

“Colby has demonstrated a strong commitment to her work and to the industry, and that is what this award is all about. I’d like to congratulate Colby for standing out as Queensland’s top pharmacy assistant!” says Mr Owen.

By participating in the National Finals, Colby will be in the running to take home over $10,000 in prizes including a $5,000 cash prize, a training package, educational opportunities and other great rewards.

Award judge, Daniel Shalhoub from AFT Pharmaceuticals, the award’s major sponsor, was also thrilled with Colby’s selection as the Queensland State Winner.  

“Over the years, AFT Pharmaceuticals has demonstrated strong commitment to the support and recognition of excellence amongst our pharmacy assistants, so we are delighted and privileged to support the industry’s premier PATY award again in 2023.

“I congratulate Colby for emerging as the winner and representing Queensland at the National Finals. I will him all the best,” says Mr Shalhoub.

In addition to the main award, PATY features the Glucojel Super Star Award, which recognises outstanding customer service amongst the PATY state finalists. Congratulations to Blake Hyndman-Roberts from Hope Island 7 Day Amcal Chemist on the Gold Coast for taking out this year’s Glucojel Super Star Award for Queensland.