About AFSPA

The Australian Friendly Societies Pharmacies Association (AFSPA) is the national peak body representing Friendly Society Pharmacies — Australia’s longest-running, community-owned social enterprises in healthcare.

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Friendly Society Pharmacies are mutual, not-for-profit organisations that reinvest all surpluses back into their communities through expanded healthcare services, improved facilities and member benefits. They have been part of Australia’s healthcare landscape since the 1840s, offering affordable, ethical and patient-centred care.

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AFSPA ensures these values remain recognised, protected and advanced within a sometimes complex health environment.

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Our Mission

 

AFSPA exists to:

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• Champion the mutual model of community pharmacy and social enterprise in healthcare.

• Represent Friendly Society Pharmacies to governments, regulators and industry bodies.

• Promote awareness of the social, economic and clinical value that Friendly Societies bring to communities.

• Support collaboration and innovation, helping Friendly Societies expand their footprint and scope of practice.

 

AFSPA believes that community-owned pharmacies offer a vital and sustainable solution to Australia’s primary healthcare challenges, especially in regional and rural settings where access and affordability remain pressing concerns.

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Our Members

 

AFSPA represents 33 Friendly Societies operating more than 115 not-for-profit pharmacies across the eastern states of Australia. Many have diversified their services to include medical, optical, wellness, aged care and mobility programs — continuing a tradition of community service that spans more than a century.

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Each member organisation operates on the same founding principles of mutuality, community benefit and reinvestment, ensuring that profits are never extracted but always reinvested locally to support health and wellbeing.

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Our Advocacy

 

AFSPA advocates for policy and legislative settings that allow Friendly Society Pharmacies to thrive as trusted social enterprises.

Key priorities include:

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• Promoting the role of Friendly Societies in delivering primary care and integrated health services.

• Engaging with government and professional stakeholders to strengthen the mutual and community pharmacy sectors.

 

AFSPA works collaboratively with other peak bodies and health organisations, including the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, to build a more sustainable, patient-focused future for Australian healthcare.

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Leadership

 

AFSPA is managed by a Board and an Executive Director. The Board is made up of representatives of member Friendly Societies and is elected annually at the AGM.

 

The current Board members were elected at the 2025 AGM:

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CHAIR: Ramy Aziz, Combined Dispensaries Friendly Society (NSW)

DEPUTY CHAIR: Mark Boyd, AFS Health Services (QLD)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Claire Leonard (NSW)

DIRECTOR: James Bannerman, Dalby & District FS Dispensary (QLD)

DIRECTOR: Sally Cairnduff, Wonthaggi Miners Dispensary (VIC)

DIRECTOR: Chiara Farrell, Warwick Friendly Society Association (QLD)

DIRECTOR: John Jackson, Bendigo UFS Pharmacies (VIC)

DIRECTOR: Paul Macartney, Eaglehawk UFS (VIC)

DIRECTOR: Nick Salkeld, UFS Healthcare (VIC)

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Our Vision

 

A future where community-owned, not-for-profit pharmacies are recognised as essential partners in Australia’s health system, delivering accessible, ethical and locally governed healthcare as social enterprises that put people before profit.