QPSA’s Commitment to Reconciliation
The Queensland Pharmacy Students Association (QPSA) acknowledges the Jagera and Turrbal Peoples, the First Pharmacists of the lands on which we work, study, and live. We recognise their deep, ongoing connection to land, waters, and community and celebrate the richness of their knowledge, cultures, histories, and languages, which have existed since the Dreaming.
Our Commitment
QPSA is dedicated to empowering and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members while ensuring all pharmacy students develop strong cultural competency. Through targeted initiatives, advocacy, and partnerships, we strive to build a stronger, more inclusive profession that respects and uplifts First Nations voices.
Our Initiatives
To strengthen our commitment, QPSA is implementing new initiatives that celebrate and support our First Nations members while positioning the association as a leader in reconciliation within pharmacy. These initiatives are guided by the QPSA First Nations Strategy (2025–2027), which outlines our vision and actions for improving outcomes, representation, and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacy students, and driving reconciliation at a local level.
Read the QPSA First Nations Strategy (2025–2027) below.
We have also collaborated with First Nations artists to embed cultural identity into our visual representation.
These artworks, along with their stories and meanings, can be explored below.
These artworks, along with their stories and meanings, can be explored below.
We would like to thank Aboriginal artist, Carl Simpson, for the creation of the following artwork.
The blue and green colour palette was chosen to represent the primary colours of the Torres Strait Islander flag, symbolising identity, strength, and connection. These colours also reflect Australia’s surrounding waters, which are not only a source of life and sustenance but also hold deep medicinal and cultural significance for First Nations peoples.
The boomerang is a traditional tool used by Aboriginal Australians for hunting, ceremonies, and conflict, with each shape, size, and markings tailored to its specific purpose.
QPSA Reconciliation Artwork
Within the art piece we would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and Elders of the countries that we live and work on. This is represented at the top right of the art piece with people symbols sitting on country. The smaller yarning circle at the bottom left represents the QPSA, the students and staff. Through the middle are connection symbols linking together, and continuing as we move together. The dot art represents acknowledging our history, bloodlines, culture, songlines, our dreamtime stories, connection to country, and walking together to make a better future.
Collaboration & Connection
QPSA is committed to working closely with the NAPSA Indigenous Committee to provide our First Nations members with national networking opportunities, mentorship, and a stronger voice within the pharmacy profession. Together, we are building a future where First Nations knowledge and leadership are valued, respected, and embedded within pharmacy.