The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy (Sydney Pharmacy School) proudly hosted the Sydney Pharmacy First Nations Student Camp in January - an initiative designed to inspire and empower the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacists.

Only 0.4% of the pharmacy workforce identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. National targets aim to increase this to 3.43% by 2031 to strengthen culturally safe healthcare across Australia.¹

Sydney Pharmacy School is committed to helping achieve this goal by providing early exposure, community connection, and pathways into the pharmacy profession.

Opening doors for future First Nations pharmacists

Sydney Pharmacy School welcomed six First Nations high school students from across New South Wales for an immersive, week-long experience. Students stayed at St Andrew’s College, supported by the dedicated Not on My Watch team during their time at the camp.

The camp’s program showcased the breadth and impact of a career in pharmacy, with students participating in a diverse range of activities throughout the week, including:

• Visits to external sites including Pfizer Australia, Webstercare, Emerton Pharmacy and Westmead Hospital
• A Redfern walking tour guided by Aunty Donna, exploring deep cultural and community history
• Hands-on sessions at Sydney Pharmacy School, including a practical cream-making workshop
• A scholarships and pathways session led by the University of Sydney’s Future Students team and current First Nations Sydney Pharmacy School student ambassadors, along with a tour of the Gadigal Centre
• A memorable cultural harbour cruise with Tribal Warrior

The camp was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from attending high school students.

“It’s been incredible,” said one student.

“I’d recommend it, especially around our age and not being sure what you want to do in the future. I think it’s a good experience,” said another student.

Our First Nations Sydney Pharmacy School student ambassadors, Amirah, Jazmyn, Isaac and Noah, played an essential role in mentoring students, sharing their experiences, and fostering belonging.

The camp was coordinated by an engaged Sydney Pharmacy School team: Professor Rebekah Moles, Dr Alex Burke (Wiradjuri), Dr Jack Collins, and Dr Susan Welch.

A shared commitment to the future of pharmacy

Professor Andrew McLachlan, Head of School and Dean of Sydney Pharmacy School, acknowledged the significance of the initiative.

“This camp was a transformative opportunity for First Nations school students to get a good understanding of what studying pharmacy at the University of Sydney is like and also a chance to explore the many and varied career options for pharmacists.”

He also expressed gratitude to Pfizer Australia and The Pharmacy Guild of Australia for their generous sponsorship of the camp and continued support of pharmacy education.

Professor Rebekah Moles, Deputy Head of School and Camp Facilitator, said, “The camp was a roaring success for both students and staff involved. I know that we have opened the possibility of studying pharmacy and studying at Sydney for these students, and I can’t wait to see them again and meet next years’ crew.”