National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association

The first documented pharmacy student society at the University of Sydney was formed in the 1920s. Sydney University Pharmacy Association (SUPA) was founded in 1963, with the late Les Cashen AM as founding president. We provide services, advice, representation and organise social events for our 600+ members.

SUPA is a registered club/society with the University of Sydney Union, and is amongst the larger societies on campus. In 2004, we were successful in winning the Club/Society of the Year Award and the Publications Award.SUPA is run by a committee consisting of the Executive, office bearers, and year representatives elected by members.

SUPA at the national and international levels

SUPA, then known as the Sydney University Pharmaceutical Association, was one of the founding organisations of the National Australian Pharmacy Students Association (NAPSA). We are currently the largest constituent organisation within NAPSA.All SUPA members are also members of NAPSA. All members of NAPSA are also members of the International Pharmaceutical Students' Federation (IPSF). This allows our members to gain a national and international perspective, and the associated membership benefits of these larger organisations. Les Cashen was the founding president of NAPSA. The IPSF President for 2003/04, Simon Bell, was a previous SUPA Secretary.

SUPA edeavours to:

  • Support pharmacy students in all aspects of the degree and profession, through unity in social and education involvement.
  • Unite students on branch, national and international levels.
  • Provide educational information beyond that which is taught in university.
  • Provide opportunities for social networking and enhancement through the profession.
  • Connect industry with students bringing forth knowledge about the wider profession.
  • Communicate with national organisations supporting knowledge and understanding about professionalism in pharmacy.
  • Expand opportunities for graduates by supporting key programs enabling professional development in their career.

Member benefits:

  • SUPA organises over 12 social events annually including pub crawls, barbeques, trivia nights, cruises, the annual ski trip, annual ball and more;
  • We are often asked to help out at pharmacy events in Sydney, and SUPA coordinating the student participation at such events;
  • Similarly, we assist the Faculty of Pharmacy at student information days and open days at the University;
  • We sell reference books, textbooks, and dispensing equipment required for the course at substantially reduced prices;
  • We organise annual second-hand book sales, allowing students to easily buy and sell second-hand textbooks from other students;
  • We provide student input at the Faculty of Pharmacy's Teaching and Learning Committee;
  • Our year representatives present student issues and represent students at staff-student liaison meetings;
  • We design and sell merchandise including the 4th-year jersey, and our (in)famous annual t-shirt;
  • We coordinate the Pharmacy teams in the interfaculty sporting competitions;
  • We are the contact point between pharmacy organisations, such as the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, and students - free membership of these organisations is offered at our office;
  • We can provide you with advice and refer you to the right people for any issues or enquiries you might have as a pharmacy student;
  • We publish our newsletter The Mortar on a regular basis;
  • We receive several leading pharmacy publications such as Pharmacy News and offer copies to members for free;
  • All SUPA members are automatically members of NAPSA, receive all NAPSA benefits too.

Contact Us:

You can contact SUPA by several means or drop by the office.

Contact Details
Phone: +61 2 95521299
Fax: +61 2 93514391
E-mail: supa@mail.usyd.edu.au or supa@napsa.org.au

The Office
The SUPA office is located on level 2 of the Pharmacy building, directly beneath the Pharmacy Lecture Theatre.
Enter the building from the main entrance on Science Rd and walk to the end of the main corridor. Walk down one flight of stairs on your right, and then walk straight ahead and you will arrive at the SUPA Office.
SUPA can also be reached from the stairway between the Pharmacy and Bank Buildings.

We are open during university semesters between the following hours:
* Monday 12-2pm
* Tuesday 12-2pm
* Wednesday 12-2pm
* Thursday 12-2pm
* Friday 12-2pm

Our office is closed during university holidays.