Two of Pharmacy 777’s brightest stars have been recognised at the annual PSA WA Pharmacist Awards. Shaylee Mills has been named Early Career Pharmacist of the Year and Emma Engelke has been awarded the Intern Pharmacist of the Year for 2026.
Both Shaylee and Emma work at Pharmacy Help Karratha, part of the Pharmacy 777 Group, and are passionate advocates for remote access to healthcare.
The awards recognise outstanding pharmacists who have demonstrated excellence in their practice and dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for their communities.
Shaylee was also recently named a finalist in the 2025 Rural Health Awards for Young Health Professional of the Year. Based in Karratha, Shaylee works as a pharmacist, student-intern liaison, and clinic pharmacist at Mawarnkarra Aboriginal Medical Service in Roebourne. She is a First-Class Honours graduate from Curtin University, who began her career in Broome and Fitzroy Crossing, earning both the Western Australia and National Intern Pharmacist of the Year Awards in 2022.
“This award is such an honour, and it reflects the support I've received from Pharmacy 777, who rally behind me and give me the confidence to keep doing what I'm doing,” Shaylee says.
“I’m committed to expanding healthcare access and inspiring early-career pharmacists to explore rural careers. And the entire 777 team works together to ensure that students enjoy their placement in the Pilbara.”
Shaylee’s huge following on Instagram @theruralpharmacist - Opens in new tab has also helped boost student placement and recruitment in the Pilbara region.
Emma is highly regarded throughout the Pharmacy 777 network and in the industry for her commitment to First Nations patient care and contributions to workforce development during her internship in remote Western Australia.
A proud Kija woman from East Kimberley, Emma clearly demonstrates outstanding initiative in providing culturally safe care and increasing community engagement. Her leadership, professionalism, and passion embody 777’s values, making her truly deserving of this award.
“I try to lead by example, mentoring pharmacy students, fostering inclusive learning environments, and delivering culturally safe, patient‑centred care,” Emma says.
“It is so important to build trust with patients and ensure safe and practical use of medicines. I’m humbled by this award; our patients need and deserve continuity of care in our remote community.
“I’m deeply passionate about supporting First Nations healthcare and strongly advocate for vaccinations, effective medication management, accessible UTI treatment, and improved sleep apnoea services. I have a strong focus on education and empowerment and aim to highlight the essential role pharmacy plays in rural, regional, and remote communities.”
Emma also works with UWA, to support the future pharmacy workforce and contributes to the development and review of teaching materials to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health content across multiple programs.
Pharmacy 777 & Pharmacy Help Pilbara Coordinator, and Proprietor Laura Stewart said she was incredibly proud of both Emma and Shaylee.
“Shaylee and Emma winning these awards sends a powerful message that some of the most innovative and impactful pharmacy practice in the country is happening outside the metropolitan centres,” Laura says.
“These awards are incredibly important because they shine a spotlight on the outstanding calibre of healthcare professionals choosing to build their careers in regional and remote Western Australia. Rural communities deserve access to passionate, highly skilled pharmacists, and Shaylee and Emma are wonderful examples of that. Both are exceptional young women who are helping to shape the future of rural pharmacy practice.
“Recognition like this is vital because it helps challenge outdated perceptions of rural practice. Careers in regional and remote pharmacy offer incredible professional growth, broader clinical opportunities, and the chance to make a genuine difference in people’s lives every single day.
“We hope this inspires more young pharmacists to consider the opportunities and impact they can have in regional and remote Australia.”
Pharmacy 777 Founder & Director, Kim Brotherson said Emma and Shaylee give him confidence that the future of pharmacy is in safe hands.
“Congratulations to both Shaylee and Emma for showcasing their commitment and professionalism in making a difference to the patients they serve and the wider communities they support. Both are examples of the wider enthusiasm of the next generation of pharmacists who are embracing the wider scope of opportunities becoming available,” Kim says.
“For the profession to evolve the next generation of Pharmacists need to have a voice and help shape how future Pharmacy looks. Innovation is paramount along with an understanding that every Australian should be treated with respect and have access to Pharmacists and an integrated wider health network no matter where they live. The work that Shaylee and Emma highlight in the remote Pilbara region of WA, is a shining example that there is a bright future in pharmacy.”