Throughout the Community Pharmacy Pilot Program community pharmacists have delivered over 45,000 free consultations for a range of common conditions.

On 20 May 2025, the State Government announced the Community Pharmacist Pilot will become an ongoing Community Pharmacist Program from 1 July 2025. This means that patients can continue to access the pilot treatments and services in pharmacies.

This program provides Victorians with more choice about where and how they access basic primary care, especially for people struggling to access an affordable or bulk billing GP close to home.

Services include advice or treatment for women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) or a resupply of their existing contraceptive pill without needing a prescription – with a broader public health vaccination offering, travel health consultations and treatment for mild skin conditions to roll out in coming weeks and months.

Over the next two years, additional common health conditions and well-being services will be introduced to the Community Pharmacist Program, bringing the total to 22 services pharmacists can offer.

This program is all about easing the cost-of-living for Victorian families and making it more accessible for all Victorians to receive the care they need. Unlike other states, there will be no charge for accessing this treatment in Victoria.

There are currently 8 participating pharmacies across Bellarine including:

• Barwon Heads Pharmacy
• Peak Pharmacy Drysdale
• Drysdale Village Pharmacy
• Direct Chemist Outlet Leopold
• Peak Pharmacy Leopold
• Direct Chemist Outlet Ocean Grove
• Direct Chemist Outlet Kingston
• Ocean Grove Terrace Pharmacy.

More information and locations can be found at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/community-pharmacist-pilot