Pharmacy Daily | Tambassis a true leader

OUTGOING Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, George Tambassis, is being hailed as a "true leader and innovator" following confirmation that he is not standing in the organisation's 2020 elections (PD 29 Sep).

Tambassis' predecessors, as Guild National President, John Bronger (1994-2005) and Kos Sclavos (2005-2013) praised the incumbent's "outstanding contributions to the profession" in a joint statement with Queensland Branch President and National Vice President, Trent Twomey.

"George is a true leader and innovator with the ability to visualise the future for our industry, shown through his signing of both the Sixth and Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreements," Sclavos said.

Twomey noted Tambassis "has worked tirelessly to serve and support" pharmacy owners through the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing for pharmacists to be empowered "to work to their full scope to better serve the community".

"He has strived toward achieving the Guild's vision of embedding community pharmacy as a trusted and key element in Australia's primary healthcare infrastructure," Twomey said.

Guild Victorian Branch President and National Vice President, Anthony Tassone, told Pharmacy Daily that Tambassis "has been an inspirational, unconditionally committed and accomplished leader of the Guild and community pharmacy more broadly".

"Despite the many responsibilities, challenges and pressures that have come with the role -- he has always maintained his own personable, down-to-earth and approachable nature that has helped make him not only a strong advocate and respected leader but also first and foremost an extremely passionate pharmacist," Tassone said.

"It has been an absolute honour and privilege to work with George over the years at close quarters whom I have learned a lot from and I know others would have also.

"Throughout his presidency, he has always found a way to bring a strong sense of unity and togetherness in the leadership and management of the Guild which has helped us all as a team best represent and advocate for our members.

"He has stared down significant risks and threats to our industry and our patients having successfully overseen the negotiation of two community pharmacy agreements that have helped progress and transform community pharmacy as a true primary health care provider."