After weeks of trials and testing, St Marys may soon be home to Australia’s best pharmacy.
Martin’s Chemist at St Marys Village Centre was named as a top three finalist for the Australian Pharmacy of the Year on Tuesday.
“For us it feels like the Olympics. I was blown away when I was notified, we couldn’t be happier,” said Martin Cominotto, owner of Martin’s Chemist and columnist for The Western Weekender.
The nationwide award is run by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia – the national peak body representing community pharmacies.
Martin’s Chemist took out the ‘Innovation in Professional Services’ category, which means the local business is well on its way to being named the top pharmacy at a national conference in March.
“We were up against over 5,000 other Australian pharmacies, so it is great to be recognised for the work we do in the community, especially our work with diabetes,” Mr Cominotto said.
After a gruelling judging process, Mr Cominotto said he was optimistic about the results after the judges were impressed with the local pharmacy.
“We spent about 48 hours putting together a submission and the Guild picked seven pharmacies to be finalists,” he said.
“Three judges came out and spent three hours in the pharmacy last week and we were incredibly busy that day – I had someone follow me the entire time to see the services we provide and how we interact with customers. It was quite an extensive process.”
Mr Cominotto will attend the awards ceremony on the Gold Coast in March.
