Welcome to the AFSPA!
AFSPA is the voice of community owned pharmacy in Australia.
Friendly Society Pharmacies are social enterprises, owned and operated by not-for-profit Friendly Societies rather than owner pharmacists.
Since the 1830s, a time well before universal healthcare, Friendly Societies have provided access to good quality and affordable healthcare for their members and the pharmacies have supported local communities since the first one was established in Australia in 1847.
With a long history of operating as social enterprises, Friendly Societies are proud to be the longest, continuous operators of community pharmacy in Australia.
What are Friendly Society Pharmacies?
Friendly Society Pharmacies are a form of social enterprise. They are owned and operated by mutual Friendly Societies rather than pharmacists. These entities exist for the benefit of their members and all financial surpluses are reinvested into the business to improve services or provide discounted products for those members.
Since the 1830s, well before universal healthcare, Friendly Societies have provided members with access to good quality and affordable healthcare and the pharmacies (originally known as dispensaries) have supported their communities since the first one was established in Sydney in 1847.