When you walk into this Narre Warren TerryWhite establishment you know there’s something different.
At the counter, a seemingly familiar customer to the pharmacy chats away as the worker registers the products.
There’s no rush to get him moving, just the stillness of a friendly catchup.
But it’s not just him.
Across the shop floor, it seems as if all the workers and shop assistants know the name of just about anyone who walks in and even amid the 11am rush, it doesn’t deter them from acknowledging each customer.
The chemist first opened its doors in 1977, and just short of 50 years later, it has seen some significant changes; the 2020 pandemic, major technological advances in the medical sphere, and developments around the area are just a few.
And through it all, one constant remained — Richard Edwards.
Edwards has nearly 60 years of pharmaceutical experience, and in early November, in honour of his dedication and service to the field, he was bestowed an Honorary Life Membership from The Pharmacy Guild of Australia in Canberra.
The award is the organisation’s highest honour, granted to those who have contributed outstandingly to the profession.
For Edwards, it was enough to be acknowledged for his services to the field over the years.
The pharmacist’s father, a doctor during The Great Depression, wasn’t too insistent about what career Edwards went into, as long as he could still still have control and full responsibility of his business.
“My father, years ago said, ‘I don’t care what you do, but just try and be your boss’” said Edwards.
And nine years after graduating from Victorian Pharmacy College and working in the field including a two year stint in the United Kingdom, Edwards did just that.
Since then, the ‘Richard Edwards TerryWhite Chemmart’ became a landmark for its unwavering commitment to serving the community.
Over 48 years, the pharmacist has amassed a loyal customer base and has maintained a close connection to many local families for most of his life, having grown up alongside them.
“I knew all their kids and now I know all their grandkids,” said Edwards.
“Personally, we know the people better, we can do a lot more services.”
During the pandemic for example, when hundreds of locals were restricted in movement and those most at risk to the virus weren’t able to venture out of their bubble, the pharmacy executed a delivery service.
It ensured patients who were most vulnerable still had access to critical medication.
It’s a quality that Anthony Tassone, a pharmacist himself and longtime friend of Edwards, says he’s tried to acquire and convey in his own work.
“Everyone in Narre Warren knew Richard, and knew that if they came to his pharmacy we would do the best we could to look after them,” said Tassone.
“Almost 50 years later those simple principles still apply as a small business owner, ‘if you look after your community and your team, they’ll look after you’
“The ‘Australian Pharmacist’ journal once captured it perfectly when Richard said his goal was to “help patients and customers manage their health care and make their lives better by offering solutions, not just products”
“That philosophy has shaped so many of us who’ve been fortunate to work alongside him.”
Tassone, who is now vice president for the Victorian branch of The Pharmacy Guild, first met Edwards in 2002 when he interned at the Narre Warren chemist, which he says played a big part in his successes of today.
“He encouraged and supported me when I first became a co-proprietor in 2006 and we were in business together for three years,” said Tassone.
“From him and his partners and pharmacy team, I learned that pharmacy isn’t just about dispensing medicines, it’s about being present in your community.
“Volunteering, supporting local sporting clubs and groups, and helping people however you can.”
Tassone often remarks on the abundance of lessons and knowledge he gained during his time working at Edward’s Pharmacy.
“Richard’s honour is greatly deserved,” he said.
“He deserves many thanks for everything he’s done for his patients, his community, and the pharmacy profession and like many others I have a lot to be grateful for his influence and mentorship.”
In 2009, Edwards became a co-owner of the chemist, with his daughter who Tassone says has “carried on the tradition” of championing community through customer service and patient care.
Despite him no longer working full time at the establishment, Edwards still comes in a few times a week to help with administration.
And while he says he’s done with filling scripts, save for the odd occasion, Edwards still continues to service his patients and community through his lasting mentorship and experience.
