Small is beautiful – pharmacy now open

Now you can get your prescription filled at the Ballandean Post Office. This month Andrew Barker and his wife Jo, pictured, opened a pharmacy in the Post Office building. Their shopfront is only small but they have a full sized dispensary with all pharmacy lines available.
For Andrew, throwing open the door of this new chemist shop fulfills a long held dream to own a pharmacy in the Granite Belt. He is no stranger to the business, having worked in Stanthorpe in 2006 before moving interstate to set up his own business.
But this place is close to his heart and, with a young family in tow, he and Jo have made the area home. He is proud to say that local workers from the region were employed for the shop fit and setup.
The country chemist shop provides a handy service for rural dwellers who now don’t need to drive all the way to town for medical supplies. The Barkers Pharmacy also allows for more competition in the communities of Ballandean, Stanthorpe and Tenterfield. The couple aims to provide regular deliveries to these areas.
Mr Barker said, “Our policy is to give choice back to the customer.” If it’s not on the shelf, they can order in scheduled products from their wholesalers. Australian and European brands will be offered where possible and they aim to offer  customers a choice when they can.
Customers will also have the choice of walk in or website service once they become more established. “This makes it easy for distance ordering; and pricing will stay competitive,” he said.
Along with pharmacy items, customers will find first aid, baby, general toiletry and gifts. Iniki makeup and Sanctum skin care ranges are available, along with quality brand vitamins.