As Friendlies marks 100 years, we look back at where it all started in Maryborough

As a populr chain trusted by families across Queensland and NSW marks 100 years since opening, we look back at where it all began.

This year, Friendlies Discount Pharmacies will celebrate its 100th anniversary after first opening its doors in October, Â 1921.

It’s a chain that is trusted by families across Queensland – and it has its roots in Maryborough.

This year, Friendlies Discount Pharmacies will celebrate its 100th anniversary after first opening its doors in October, 1921.

It has been trading in the same location in Adelaide Street since.

The chain also now has businesses across Queensland and New South Wales, including Hervey Bay, Tinana, Nambour, Gympie, Childers, Grafton and Kempsey.

The Friendlies Pharmacy business model means it operates as a co-operative, no shareholder, community-owned organisation.

“It’s not about the products that we sell. As we are a non-profit organisation, it’s all about providing service back to the communities through cheaper prices, donations and sponsorships,” Maryborough store manager Shae Hastie told the Australian Journal of Pharmacy.

“People matter. If you have a look at the people here today, a lot of them have been here for a very long time. The longest employee has been here for 35 years,” managing director Deon List said.

“We value our staff and invest in our staff.”

To celebrate their 100th anniversary, Friendlies Pharmacy is offering residents of the Hervey Bay and Maryborough regions the chance to enter into the draw to win a brand new 2021 MG MG3 core car.

Friendlies Pharmacy will also be giving out over $5000 in store credit through scratch-and-win cards.

While their store is celebrating its 100th birthday, Friendlies’ overall goals have remained the same.

“We are here to provide advice, we are here to provide discounted health solutions, we are here for our members’ wellbeing and we are here to improve their quality of life,” Mr List said.