CUSTOMERS have shown their support for the embattled Millicent Chemist and Giftware by turning up in their droves for a free morning tea provided by the business on Friday.
Up to four jobs may be lost at the pharmacy as it has lost a contract to supply medicines to residents at Boneham Aged Care Services.
There has also been strong support for a petition opposing the Boneham Aged Care Services decision.
The petition is being circulated by an unknown local resident and has no association with Millicent Chemist and Giftware.
According to the wording of the document, petitioners are respectfully requesting a reversal of the decision to allocate pharmaceutical medications away from the George Street store.
“This decision not only will result in the loss of three or four jobs, but place health facilities in the Millicent and district in jeopardy,” the petition says.
Since the dispute became public knowledge a fortnight ago, the George Street pharmacy has received many messages of support including best wishes of the 60 customers who attended Friday’s morning tea.
One of the practical measures was a batch of scones baked by 90-year-old Millicent resident Mavis Skeer whose granddaughter Nicolle Skeer is a pharmacy employee.
Among the strongest backers of the local shop is retired farmer Barry Buhlmann who said he wanted to oppose the supply contract going to a Mount Gambier pharmacy.
“It is bloody disgraceful,” Mr Buhlmann said.
“I have no confidence in the management of Boneham Aged Care Services.
“The contract decision is taking local jobs away.”
Customer Kym Duckworth said he also feared the loss of jobs and lamented the decision to choose a Mount Gambier supplier.
Another customer Alan Correll said his attendance at the morning tea was his way of showing support for Millicent Chemist and Giftware.
“I am not impressed by the decision and this will not be the only Millicent business affected by it,” Mr Correll said.
Millicent resident Liz Sutcliffe said she had supported such past local pharmacists as Peter McDonough and Rob Hannah over many years.
Ms Sutcliffe said she was pleased at the turnout at the morning tea.
“I always buy local and I am furious at this decision,” Ms Sutcliffe said.
“In the country areas, everyone rallies around at such times as death and illness”.
Millicent resident Kaylene Leopold said she appreciated the regular support provided by the pharmacy to her late mother Doll Thompson in the closing years of her life.
“My mum lived in a unit in Spehr Street and died at the age of 95,” Ms Leopold said.
“She would love the weekly visits by Liz Wallis who would bring her the medications.”
Speaking on behalf of his staff, pharmacist Usman Hameed said the backing from the public had been overwhelming and they had been heartened by the support.
“It has given us more enthusiasm to work for the welfare of the community,” Mr Hameed said.
“We are looking to extend our service as a way of thanking the community.”
Retail manager Tina Smith said the success of Friday’s tea may prompt the pharmacy to have a similar function on a quarterly basis.
The South Eastern Times has repeatedly sought a response from key personnel of Boneham Aged Care Services, but has received not feedback by press time yesterday.
