Author: niamh.foley@ipagroup.com

The Independent Pharmacies Australia (IPA) proudly announces a successful Member Summit conference that brought together the IPA community for an unforgettable experience of networking, insightful discussions, and community-building. This year’s conference was a standout event, marked by a remarkable $44,000 donation to the Fullife Foundation, an ongoing partner of IPA in advancing essential humanitarian projects.

Founded by independent pharmacy owner Ian Shanks, the Fullife Foundation has, with IPA’s support as its largest donor, made transformative contributions across Africa. “The Fullife Foundation was started by one of our members to address urgent healthcare needs in underserved areas,” said Steven, Founder, Pharmacist and Director of IPA. “Through Ian’s vision and our members’ ongoing generosity, the Foundation is truly making a tangible impact on the ground in Africa.”

Over the years, the Fullife Foundation has brought clean water to over 12,000 people and launched life-changing initiatives focused on empowering women with disabilities in southern Africa to start businesses. Addressing fundamental needs such as water, food, shelter, education, and healthcare, these programs are poised to benefit an estimated 50,000 people over the next decade.

One of the Foundation’s latest projects is an immunisation campaign targeting communities with low vaccination rates. Supported by quarterly visits from Australian nurses, the initiative supplies vaccines for diseases like whooping cough and measles, protecting around 1,000 people each trip. Additionally, funds from IPA are being allocated to provide locally made birthing kits, which have reduced maternal mortality rates by up to 80%.

Ian Shanks expressed his appreciation for the unwavering support from IPA and its members. “We are incredibly thankful for IPA’s generosity and commitment. With 100% of funds going directly to our programs, this partnership maximises the impact of every dollar. Our longstanding relationship with IPA has fostered not only financial support but also a strong sense of shared purpose amongst the cohort of members pharmacies who share the same goal of supporting communities.”

The Member Summit was further supported by numerous partners, who generously donated auction prizes to enhance the success of the fundraising. Special thanks go to Allfin Financial for their support as the event’s charity partner, reinforcing the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change.

Independent Pharmacies Australia (IPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new General Manager of Merchandise, Darragh O’Se, effective Monday, 2 September 2024. 

Darragh joins the IPA team bringing a wealth of experience in merchandise management, having held senior roles at Woolworths Group and Blooms the Chemist, with significant expertise from Smyth’s Toys Superstores in the UK, Central Europe, and Amazon Australia. Darragh has a strong track record of using insights to develop impactful category strategies and has consistently delivered exceptional results. Additionally, as an active Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply member, Darragh exemplifies his commitment to professional excellence and industry knowledge.

“I am thrilled to be joining IPA during the exciting growth phase,” said Darragh. “I am dedicated to delivering exceptional value to IPA members and growing supplier brands to create a positive impact in Australian communities. I’m also very excited to work with the IPA team to achieve our collective goals.”  Darragh will lead a team of 32 category, procurement and logistics specialists in a newly structured IPA Merchandise team. 

Lynne Gallucci, who joined IPA as Chief Operating Officer in March 2024 said “The Merchandise restructure responds to member and supplier partner feedback to focus on areas that have been jointly identified for a successful business partnership.  Our focus is to unify independent pharmacies to deliver scale, simplify the way we do business and our pharmacies’ operations, and amplify the great products, services and programs that our pharmacies provide to their communities.”

In addition to this pivotal appointment, IPA is confirming several team changes within the Merchandise team to enhance operational efficiency and support its strategic initiatives:

• Natasha Beck – Head of Buying
• Suzi Ebeyer – Head of Merchandise Services
• Matt Marsh – Head of Merchandise Operations

Steven Kastrinakis, IPA Managing Director, said, “I am excited to welcome to Darragh to the team and am confident that with his leadership of the Merchandise team, IPA will bring continued success and growth for our 1100 members across Australia and our valued supplier partners.” The IPA Merchandise team changes will strengthen support for IPA members by providing strategic category plans including ranging, pricing, and promotions, in a fast-evolving pharmacy industry.