Orana Mall is not only home to some of the best retail, service, and hospitality providers in the Central West, it is also now home to Australia’s best pharmacist, in local girl made good Lisa Gibson.

Rising through the ranks, Lisa is a partner at Orana Mall Pharmacy where she has been for most of her working life.

She was recognised by her peers for her outstanding commitment to improving community health by being named Pharmacist of the Year at the Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA) annual Pharmacy Excellence Awards.

More than 500 industry representatives attended the annual awards ceremony on the Gold Coast where the long-time partner of Orana Mall Pharmacy (OMP) received the accolade for her leadership and ongoing commitment to community pharmacy.

IPA is the largest network of independently-owned pharmacies, representing more than 1100 pharmacies across Australia.

“It was nice to be recognised for over 20 years of service to the Dubbo community,” Ms Gibson said.

“Pharmacies in regional Australia are regularly the first port of call for assistance — we often play a role beyond healthcare in our communities,” she added.

Having grown up in Dubbo, Lisa started her career at OMP as a student, progressing to cadet, intern, and qualified pharmacist. She is now the managing partner and pharmacist in charge.

“I’m incredibly proud. It was a great night to celebrate with pharmacists from all over the country and take time to recognise leaders within our industry, a large percentage who live and work in regional Australia,” she said.

Lisa trained under the supervision of OMP co-owner Simon Blacker, who congratulated Gibson on achieving one of the country’s most prestigious and highly-regarded pharmacy accolades.

“Lisa is one of the most capable, hardworking pharmacists I’ve worked alongside; she has an amazing ability to upskill and then successfully implement changes in her practice, which ultimately benefits her local community,” Blacker enthused. “We’re incredibly proud of Lisa for this accomplishment,” he added.

Not only are the IPA awards recognition of individuals, and their achievements, but the wider team who support our pharmacists in their vital work.

Through Gibson’s leadership, OMP has expanded its scope to deliver essential services such as vaccinations and treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, directly reducing pressure on overstretched local GPs.

She further champions innovative care by spearheading a primary care pilot program with in-store cholesterol and diabetes testing, ensuring earlier detection and better management of chronic conditions.

Gibson’s commitment to patient education and prevention is also reflected in her accreditation as a diabetes educator, enabling her to provide tailored support for patients in Dubbo and surrounding rural areas.

She also established the in-store sleep apnoea clinic at OMP to address a critical gap in access to specialised sleep.

“Lisa epitomises the qualities of an outstanding rural health professional through her unwavering commitment to the Dubbo community, her innovative approach to healthcare delivery, and her dedication to mentoring the next generation of pharmacists,” Blacker concluded.