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Recipients Announced for NACCHO 2025 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacist Scholarships, Supported by Sanofi

NACCHO is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacist Scholarship, supported by Sanofi Australia.

In partnership with Sanofi Australia, NACCHO has announced the recipients of the 2025 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacist Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to support the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacists, helping reduce financial barriers, increase representation in the workforce, and create culturally safe care pathways for communities.

The scholarship initiative, now in its fourth year, began in 2022 with support for two students and has since grown to fund five students annually. The program will continue through 2025, underscoring Sanofi’s ongoing commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health leadership.

Five students were selected for their commitment to their studies and their strong ambition to improve community health outcomes as future pharmacy leaders.

Dr Dawn Casey, Deputy CEO of NACCHO, congratulated this year’s recipients:

“These inspiring students are not just the future of pharmacy; they are the future of culturally responsive healthcare in this country. At NACCHO, we are committed to fostering the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacists who will play a vital role in improving health equity and strengthening care in our communities. Congratulations to Isaac, Heidi, Zoe, James and Dean.”

Liz Selby, Country Lead at Sanofi, added:

“Representation in healthcare is fundamental to achieving true health equity. By supporting more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacists, NACCHO is not only diversifying the profession but ensuring culturally appropriate care reaches all communities. Sanofi is proud to continue our partnership with NACCHO, building pathways for the next generation of Indigenous healthcare leaders. Bravo Issac, Heidi, Zoe, James and Dean!”

Among the more than 36,000 registered pharmacists in the country, fewer than 140 identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. NACCHO, supported by Sanofi, is committed to developing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander workforce, and these scholarships are an important part of that aspiration.

Quotes from 2025 Scholarship Recipients:

Dean Webber (QUT) declared:

“As an Aboriginal person, I feel incredibly grateful to receive this scholarship. It’s a big step toward my goal of becoming a pharmacist who can return to the community and support rural and remote mob with culturally safe care. Thank you to NACCHO for backing the next generation of Indigenous health professionals.”

James Sowter (Yorta Yorta) shared:

“I am incredibly appreciative of both NACCHO and Sanofi for receiving this scholarship. It is an incredible honour to be recognised and supported in such a generous way. As a Yorta Yorta man, this scholarship means more than just financial assistance, it is an acknowledgement of my identity, community and the path I walk.”

The 2025 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacist Scholarship recipients are:

• Dean Webber
• Isaac Burgoyne
• James Sowter
• Zoe Forest
• Heidi Robinson

Source: NACCHO