Ms HOARE —I am extremely proud to extend my sincere congratulations to the owners and staff of the Maryland Soul Pattinson chemist in my electorate of Charlton. It is the first pharmacy in Australia to be accredited under the Quality Care Pharmacy Program. Steve Mihulka and Helen Campbell are the two pharmacists at the Maryland Soul Pattinson chemist. Ann Milhulka is the joint owner with Steve. Their pharmacist's assistants are Julie Knight, Stacey Garnett, Dani Graczyk, Lara-Jane Cash and Kate Mihulka. They can be justifiably proud of their achievement, as I am advised that there are currently 2,700 pharmacies trying to achieve accreditation. It is good to see that pharmacies are becoming more customer focused and are aiming to improve health care in their communities.

The Quality Care Pharmacy Program was launched by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia last March with support from the Minister for Health and Aged Care to enhance the provision of pharmacy services to customers. I will be proud and honoured to attend with my constituents the presentation tomorrow by the minister. Six months of hard work by all has resulted in this award, after a very rigorous assessment. Another accolade for the skills and dedication of workers in the Hunter.