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Reflections by Dr. Aunty Jane Havelka, Director Indigenous Policy and Programs, Australian Pharmacy Council
As a representative of the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), I had the privilege of attending the 2025 Lowitja Conference in Adelaide – an inspiring and deeply meaningful event that brought together Indigenous health leaders, researchers, and community advocates from across Australia and beyond.
We are back with LIPPE NewsBites!
Meet Dr Aunty Jane Havelka, Wiradjuri yinaa (woman), hear her heartfelt NAIDOC message, and read her reflections on the Deadly Future Pharmacists Leadership Summit.
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Dr Aunty Jane Havelka
As a representative of the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), I had the privilege of presenting at the Deadly Future Pharmacists Leadership Summit, organised by the National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association (NAPSA). Held on May 12, 2025, at the Rydges Hotel in Melbourne. This event was a remarkable gathering aimed at empowering Indigenous pharmacy students. Sharing my experiences and the council’s commitment to strengthening a supportive environment for Indigenous students was a deeply rewarding experience.
Professor Faye McMillan AM, Australia’s first Indigenous pharmacist, delivered a heartfelt video message, sharing her journey and insights into leadership within the pharmacy profession. Her words resonated deeply with the Indigenous student attendees, inspiring them to pursue their dreams with determination and resilience.
Reflecting on the summit, I couldn’t help but think about my long-standing relationship with Professor Faye McMillan. Faye and I go way back to the days when I worked with her mother in the cotton fields of Trangie at the age of 14. Those early experiences shaped our understanding of hard work and resilience.
Years later, Faye and I graduated on the same day with our first degrees—Faye in Pharmacy and myself in Health Science. It was a moment of immense pride and joy for both of us, as we embarked on our professional journeys. Many years after that, we completed our Doctor of Health Science degrees together, further solidifying our commitment to advancing Indigenous health.
Seeing Faye deliver her address at the summit, even via video message, was incredibly moving. Her journey and achievements are a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of supporting the next generation of Indigenous leaders in pharmacy.
The summit brought together nearly the entire cohort of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacy students from across Australia. It was a significant step towards raising a new generation of Indigenous leaders in pharmacy, equipped with the skills and confidence to make a meaningful impact in their communities and the healthcare sector.
As I reflect on the summit and the incredible speakers who shared their wisdom, I am filled with hope and optimism for the future. Each speaker, from Alex Burke’s empowering keynote to Keona’s insightful workshop, Sebastian Harper’s enthusiastic address, Mike’s invaluable insights, and Georgia’s impactful presentation, contributed to a rich tapestry of knowledge and inspiration. Their diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to Indigenous health and leadership have left an indelible mark on all of us.
To any deadly future pharmacists, remember that you are the future of pharmacy. Your dedication, resilience, and passion will drive positive change in your communities. Embrace the lessons learned, cherish the connections made, and continue to strive for excellence. Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable future for all.
Written by Dr Aunty Jane Havelka, APC’s Director Indigenous Policy and Programs
We would like to congratulate Dr Jared Miles, proud Yuwi man and a member of the APC Accreditation Committee, for winning the Award for Teaching Excellence in Indigenous Education at The University of Queensland.
The Head of the School of Pharmacy, Prof. Peter J. Cabot congratulated Dr Jaren Miles saying “Jared’s contributions to the school have been amazing and his approach to student learning and engagement have been an inspiration to others. An award so well deserved please join me in congratulating a great leader in learning in our School”.
Jared was a co-leader of our interactive LIPPE workshop held in Meanjin (Brisbane) in May 2024. We are very grateful to have the opportunity to have Jared collaborating with us and greatly value his contribution to the work we do here at APC.
Our very first edition of the LIPPE® NewsBite! Read about our face-to-face workshop and see our latest resources.
Dr Leanne Te Karu a member of the LIPPE® Network and APC’s Indigenous Health Strategy Group, was acknowledged on the 100 Māori Leaders website. It recognises the current and emerging Māori Leaders who are actively influencing and creating change across our health system.
In October 2023, Lloyd Dolan, Academic Lead (First Nations) at Charles Sturt University and a member of the LIPPE® Network and APC’s Indigenous Health Strategy Group, was highlighted in an ABC news article discussing the positive impact of circle sentencing in Wagga Wagga.
Lloyd talks about the cycle of Indigenous disadvantage, crime and incarceration and how he is using his lived experience to help change the narrative in his community.
He is a community representative in circle sentencing, which has been operating in Wagga Wagga for the past nine months.
We would like to advise Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples that this website contains images, voices or names of a person who has died.