The Alternative program continues to open doors for emerging professionals, with participants gaining hands‑on experience, national exposure, and meaningful career development opportunities. One standout example is program participant Luella Salt, who recently travelled to Canberra with her host employer, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, for a two‑day professional development trip she describes as “inspiring and rewarding.”
Hosted at the historic Old Parliament House, the workshops brought together Guild staff from across the country to collaborate on membership marketing and strategies that support pharmacies in delivering full scope of practice. For Luella, the experience offered an invaluable chance to deepen her understanding of the Guild’s national work while contributing to discussions shaping the future of community pharmacy.
As the sole Communications Officer for the Guild’s South Australian branch, Luella particularly valued the opportunity to meet the broader national communications team—colleagues she had previously only interacted with online. A visit to the National Secretariat further expanded her insight into the organisation’s national operations and the collaborative efforts driving improvements across the healthcare system.
A highlight of the trip was the team business dinner, where Luella connected with staff from a wide range of roles and backgrounds. The evening reinforced the strong culture of support and shared purpose that defines the Guild’s work.
Luella credits both the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and The Alternative program for enabling her to take part in such a formative experience.
Her Canberra trip is just one example of how The Alternative program empowers participants to build confidence, expand their networks, and gain real‑world experience that accelerates their careers.
With stories like Luella’s, it’s clear that the program is not only shaping skilled professionals but also strengthening the organisations that host them—creating lasting impact across industries and communities.