Two pharmacists win state Australian of the Year 2025 award

Pharmacists and migrant community leaders, Sobia Hashmi MPS and Irfan Hashmi MPS, are the 2025 Local Heroes for South Australia, receiving their award on Saturday night in a ceremony in Adelaide.

The local heroes category of these Australia Day awards recognise role models who encourage others to be active in their own communities and become agents of positive change for a more diverse and inclusive Australia.

Over 20 years, Sobia and husband Irfan have transformed healthcare in remote and rural communities in South Australia. They’ve established six pharmacies in areas where there were previously none – which forced people to travel long distances for life-saving medicines and primary health care.

Sobia (48) and Irfan (51) are committed to serving their diverse communities. They employ staff who collectively speak 21 languages, allowing them to reach vulnerable populations and provide culturally sensitive healthcare. In 2020, they partnered with government to provide 24 free influenza vaccine clinics in outreach settings, providing 1200 vaccines to vulnerable people in South Australia.

Reflecting on the awards, Irfan and Sobia told Australian Pharmacist that the award was a celebration of the collective efforts of everyone who has been with them along the way, including their family, friends, colleagues, and the broader community.

‘To every individual who believed in us, who encouraged us to reach higher, and who shared in our vision of uplifting others, thank you. Your unwavering support drives us to do more, reach further, and connect deeper with those around us,’ they said.

Sobia and Irfan also reflected on the importance of community.

‘Together, we are stronger. Together, we make a difference. And together, let’s continue to build a healthier, more inclusive South Australia for all. This is just the beginning, and we are excited for the journey ahead,’ they said.

‘We are truly honoured and humbled to be named the 2025 Australian of the Year Award – Local Hero in SA recipients. This recognition strengthens our commitment to making a positive impact as pharmacists and community leaders, and it inspires us to continue serving the vibrant multicultural community that we call home.’

The couple have mentored countless intern pharmacists from overseas, coordinating multilingual education and outreach initiatives to help pharmacists enter the much-needed workforce in regional Australia. They host a free weekly webinar series, which has assisted 4,000 overseas pharmacists in passing their registration exams in the last 12 months alone.

Irfan previously was recognised as PSA’s 2009 South Australian Pharmacist of the Year.