Women waiting weeks and months in regional areas to get a doctor's appointment for a prescription for the pill can now head to their local pharmacy.
NSW is the latest state to expand access to contraception beyond the GP's office after Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania enacted similar changes.
Karen Carter has been serving the community in Gunnedah, five hours' drive northwest of Sydney, and knows how important access to health care can be for those who cannot duck out for a doctor's appointment.
Ms Carter, who has almost 35 years' experience, is one of 30 pharmacists who, from Friday, can prescribe and supply the oral contraceptive pill to low-risk women between the ages of 18 and 39.
With coal mines nearby, a lot of the women who come into her pharmacy are shift workers.
"It's going to be great for those women who want to talk about contraception, but sometimes their shifts may not allow all of them to be able to attend a doctor's surgery," she told AAP.
"This just gives women an option."
Ms Carter, 58, said the consultation allowed for a larger discussion about sexual health and family planning to take place.
"The consult is important to have in a private space, so that the women are comfortable to be talking about different things in regard to their contraception," she said.
Ms Carter completed a 12-month course offered through NSW Health to allow for first-time prescriptions.
It is part of a state initiative to expand the treatment services available in pharmacies, including for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and common skin conditions.
"When there's opportunities to help our community, I've always tried to bring services that are offered in cities back to the bush," Ms Carter said.
Health Minister Ryan Park said the program was designed to ensure essential health care was not a luxury.
"These reforms are about bringing down barriers and improving access to care for women right across NSW, saving them time and money and making life just a little bit easier," he said.
"We've got the right balance to make health care affordable, accessible and safe."
The government is also covering the cost of the first 5000 consultations for women with participating pharmacists and will subsidise 100 regional and remote course participants in the next round starting in October.
More pharmacists will come online as they complete training, with about 250 expected by the end of the year.
