General News
13 February, 2023
Guardian Pharmacy owners bid farewell to Maryborough
The National Pharmacies chain has acquired Maryborough’s Guardian Pharmacy as owners Janet and Degen Murphy call it a day on their 20 years with the business. Guardian Pharmacy is the first in regional Victoria to be acquired by the national...
The National Pharmacies chain has acquired Maryborough’s Guardian Pharmacy as owners Janet and Degen Murphy call it a day on their 20 years with the business.
Guardian Pharmacy is the first in regional Victoria to be acquired by the national organisation, which owns more than 60 pharmacies across the country.
It marks the end of a 20-year era for the Murphys, who purchased the pharmacy in 2003 from Peter Millikan, adding it to their existing portfolio of pharmacies in Ballarat and Hamilton.
After 20 years the pair felt it was time to move on to new challenges and Ms Murphy said they will miss their customers.
“We really want to thank the community for their loyalty and support over the years, particularly through the COVID pandemic which was challenging for many people,” she said.
“We will certainly miss all our customers who we’ve shared laughter and tears with over the years.”
While the pharmacy name will change as part of the takeover, in a statement National Pharmacies said little else would change from a customer’s perspective.
“National Pharmacies is committed to minimising any changes to the pharmacy and is excited to see the quality of the service the team currently provides to the local community,” the statement read.
“Whilst the name will become the Maryborough Pharmacy at some point, it is committed to maintaining all other features of the store, including the retention of staff, who they recognise as the pharmacy’s greatest asset.
“National Pharmacies is thrilled to be welcomed to the region and will support the store team to continue providing valuable services that are so important to the community.”
The Murphy’s will remain at the pharmacy until the end of February during the transition to new ownership.