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19 Aug 2025
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency’s (Ahpra) Pharmacy Clinical Advisor Richard Smirk has been awarded the prestigious Kevin McAnuff Award for Excellence in Community Pharmacy by the Western Australian Branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
The award recognises pharmacists who embody excellence, commitment and a deep sense of responsibility to the profession of pharmacy and services to the public.
The award is only presented by the Western Australian Branch of the Guild when an exceptional West Australian pharmacist meets its high standards.
Richard has had a long and decorated career as a pharmacist, regulator and governance leader.
As a student he was president of the WA Pharmacy Students’ Association and served as communications officer on the National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association committee.
Richard owned and operated three pharmacies in WA for around 20 years.
He contributed significantly to the development and regulation of the profession serving as an examiner for a combined 25 years, 15 of those for the Pharmacy Board of Australia. He currently serves as chair of the Pharmaceutical Society of Western Australia where he has been a dedicated Board member for more than 11 years.
Richard joined Ahpra in early 2012 and today plays a vital role as clinical advisor for pharmacy.
‘I’ve devoted more than 43 years of my life to pharmacy, and I am deeply honoured by this award,’ Mr Smirk said.
‘Pharmacists are devoted front-line health care workers who provide vital services to their communities. I am proud to work in this profession and play my part in helping to make it a well-regulated, progressive and important part of Australian health care.’
The award honours the legacy of the late Kevin McAnuff, a visionary West Australian pharmacist whose leadership and tireless advocacy transformed the role of community pharmacy in Australia.
Ahpra’s Richard Smirk making his acceptance speech for the Kevin McAnuff Award for Excellence in Community Pharmacy. Pictures courtesy of the Western Australian Branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia
Richard Smirk (centre) with, from left, Michelle McAnuff pharmacy owner and daughter of Kevin McAnuff, Pharmacy Guild of Australia WA Branch President Andrew Ngeow, Pat McAnuff widow of Kevin McAnuff, and Anthony McAnuff Pharmacy Guild of Australia WA Branch Director and son of Kevin McAnuff
