SIGMA Healthcare has appointed Tamworth Discount Drug Store pharmacist and business owner Lia Mahony (pictured) as its new Chief Pharmacist.
Mahony has worked in pharmacies in remote NSW communities for many years, and was recognised by the Tamworth community for her local contribution by winning the Noel Park Award in 2024.
As an accredited clinical pharmacist with extensive experience in the aged care sector, Mahony has provided educational, advisory and governance support to the sector for over 20 years.
The role will allow her to draw upon her personal experience to represent pharmacists across the Amcal and DDS brands as part of the newly merged Sigma and Chemist Warehouse entity.
She will also help represent Sigma Healthcare to the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, pharmaceutical manufacturers and governmental bodies.
"I'm delighted to accept this prestigious role," Mahony said.
"It's important for pharmacists to have input and share their experiences with other community pharmacists in the Sigma network.
"I'm also excited about the opportunity the role presents to engage and learn from Sigma pharmacists as I travel across the country to help create better pharmacy policies and practices on the ground to help our customers.
"There are such innovative and passionate pharmacists making a difference to the community and I look forward to picking their brains, showcasing their work and helping other pharmacists achieve great things," she said.
Mahony grew up in Manilla, NSW, where her father was the local pharmacist, and after gaining her pharmacy qualifications, she worked with him in many different pharmacies across NSW before settling in Tamworth.
When her father retired in 2023, Mahony ran the Tamworth DDS pharmacy as a sole business owner.
Her new full-time role as Sigma Chief Pharmacist will be based in Sydney, but she plans to continue to drop into her Tamworth DDS pharmacy when she can on weekends to help staff and continue to engage with the local community.
"As a long-term community pharmacist and pharmacy owner, I really understand the lived work of making healthcare accessible to the community," Mahony said.
"I'm especially excited about mentoring and encouraging new pharmacists, something that will be both beneficial to Sigma and our banner brands, but also will help me develop the role of Chief Pharmacist." KB
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 10 Mar 25
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 10 Mar 25
