The Leaders in Indigenous Pharmacy Profession Education (LIPPE®) Network has a seen a change in leadership, giving space for the next generation of Indigenous pharmacists and allies across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to lead.
The LIPPE® Network is a partnership of the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), and the Council of Pharmacy Schools Australia and New Zealand (CPS). In September 2026, the Network and the Indigenous Health Strategy Group met in Meeanjin (Brisbane) to update the governance structure to ensure an equal balance of representatives from each organisation.
Photography by Farley Ward, Shutterstorm, State Library Talking Circle, Meeanjin (Brisbane)The changes come as LIPPE founder Professor Faye McMillan AM FPS steps back from the Governance Committee, creating space for the next generation of Indigenous pharmacists and allies from across Australia and New Zealand to lead the Network into the future.
As a founding member, Professor McMillan will remain a valued member of the LIPPE community and continue to provide strategic guidance through her roles on the APC Board and as Chair of APC’s Indigenous Health Strategy Group.
Professor McMillan reflected on the growth of Indigenous leadership within the profession.
“Today feels like a full-circle moment. I went from being the first Western-trained Aboriginal pharmacist to now being surrounded by new opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and for Māori people. To go from one to many is incredibly affirming, both on a humanistic level and a cultural level.
“It’s been very humbling to see the willingness and intentionality of people to support each other and create opportunities.
“My hope is that we continue to see this strong allyship, and that we move beyond relying on individuals alone to systems taking responsibility. We need to keep embracing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and perspectives, and keep changing the conversation every day to include Indigenous peoples in every way,” Prof McMillan concluded.
APC Chief Executive Officer Bronwyn Clark said Professor McMillan’s contribution to Indigenous pharmacy education and leadership had been profound.
“Faye has led this journey with incredible grace, tenacity and wisdom. Through her leadership, LIPPE has grown into a powerful network that is helping shape the future of pharmacy education.
“While she is stepping back from the Governance Committee, we are fortunate that her advocacy, guidance and expertise will continue through her ongoing roles with APC and the broader LIPPE community.”
Also stepping back, are Aleena Williams, Yugambeh woman and APC Board Director, Chastina Heck, Nywaigi, Mamu, Bidjara woman and APC Accreditation Committee Member, and Dr Leanne Te Karu, of Ngāti Rangi, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, and Muaūpoko ancestry. They will remain on APC’s Indigenous Health Strategy Group and continue their leadership in supporting the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait pharmacists.
As part of the governance refresh, the Steering Committee welcomed new members including APC Board Chair Professor Sarah Roberts-Thomson (APC), CPS President Associate Professor Ramesh Walpola, Professor Rhiannon Braund and Dr Joanna Hikaka (CPS).
CPS President Associate Professor Ramesh Walpola said the partnership between CPS and APC has been central to LIPPE’s success and long-term sustainability.
“Through our shared stewardship, LIPPE has become a catalyst for collaboration, innovation and leadership in Indigenous pharmacy education.
“As we look to the future, CPS remains committed to working alongside APC, Indigenous leaders and our member schools to progress LIPPE’s strategic priorities, strengthen Indigenous leadership across the profession, and ensure that pharmacy graduates are equipped to contribute to culturally safe care and improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“We see Indigenous leadership not simply as an aspiration, but as essential to shaping the future of pharmacy education and practice,” A/Prof Walpola concluded.
The LIPPE® Network Governance Members:
The APC Indigenous Health Strategy Group:
Pictured: Chastina Heck, Scarlett Magin, Aleena Williams, Dr Leanne Te Karu, Bronwyn Clark, Prof Faye McMillan AM FPS, Shi-Anne WallaceTogether, the governance changes and leadership transition position the LIPPE Network and the APC for its next phase of growth, ensuring Indigenous voices, perspectives and leadership remain at the centre of pharmacy education across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
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