The Pharmacists’ Support Service (PSS) and Pharmaceutical Defence Limited (PDL) are pleased
to announce the 2026 winner of the John Coppock Pharmacist Wellbeing Award. Announcing the
winner of the Award, PSS President Curtis Ruhnau said “I was particularly pleased to see the work
done by both individuals and organisations in support of their peers. It is difficult to choose one out
of such a strong field, but the judges were all impressed by the work of Briohny Roberts at North
Canberra Hospital Pharmacy.” Curtis noted “I’d like to thank everyone who has participated this
year and encourage everybody to keep looking after yourselves and each other. This award is a
reminder that we are never alone and together we thrive. We look forward to seeing the work of
those nominated for the John Coppock Award next year.”
Briohny Roberts is a Lead Pharmacist at North Canberra Hospital in the ACT. The team at North
Canberra navigated a range of challenges including COVID-19, workforce shortages,
implementation of the digital health record, as well as the changes associated with the integration
of the former Calvary Hospital into Canberra Health Services. Emily Diprose, Director of Pharmacy,
who nominated Briohny, says “Briohny has embedded wellbeing into everyday practice with
ongoing activities including a Shout Out Box to recognise acts of kindness, teamwork and support.
These messages are then shared at meetings to celebrate the contributions of the team members
and to strengthen a sense of belonging.” The nomination also described activities such as
fundraising days with the theme of Healthcare Heroes and the implementation of a psychological
safety and wellbeing program through The Resilience Project. Briohny works with a committed
wellbeing committee and regularly seeks feedback and ensures her colleagues feel heard,
respected and supported. In addition, Briohny ensures staff going through difficult personal
circumstances are supported in practical ways such as a departmental gift of home cooked meals.
Emily concludes her nomination by saying “Briohny’s impact extends far beyond individual
initiatives. She has led a sustained culture change where wellbeing is embedded in everyday
practice. Colleagues support one another, achievements are celebrated, people feel safe seeking
help and personal challenges are met with genuine compassion.”
The judging panel comprised representatives from PSS and PDL and John Coppock. They all
noted the high calibre of the nominations received. Other nominations highly commended by the
judges are:
- Pooja Sharma – for her work as an intern preceptor who develops capable and
independent pharmacists and her Wellbeing Reflex: See the Human before the Crisis –
Notice, Listen, Act, Connect, Follow Through. - Aspa Dukas – Team Dukasa and the Wellness Division which created a series of regular
events to boost wellbeing in the pharmacy team. These include Meditation Monday,
Walking Lunch Club, Dance Dukasa Dance every day at 3pm, monthly dress up days and
barbecues and annual participation in the Push-Up Challenge. - Ahmed Essa – for his initiative in Supporting Overseas Trained Pharmacists into Australian
Pharmacy Practice including ongoing support through WhatsApp and Telegram
Communities as well as practical training and opportunities to gain Australian community
pharmacy experience. - The Children’s Hospital Queensland Wellbeing Group have been established for only 18
months but are already embedding wellbeing into the culture of the pharmacy team. Their
approach includes surveying the needs of the team and implementing and monitoring a
detailed action plan which includes a range of celebratory events, a buddy system and
team-building activities.
The John Coppock Pharmacist Wellbeing Award aims to honour the significant contribution of John
Coppock to the wellbeing of pharmacists and will be awarded annually, during October which is
Mental Health Month in Australia, to a pharmacist or a pharmacy team who contribute significantly
to the wellbeing of members of the pharmacy profession. The Award is made possible through
generous sponsorship by PDL.
