For more than 50 years, family-run A1 Discount Chemist has been situated on 44 Georges River Road and a staple within its beautiful, multicultural community of Croydon Park. The pharmacy offers a wide range of services, such as prescriptions, vaccinations (including home vaccinations), health checks, medical consultations, nutritional advice, and more – making customers feel good for less. We speak to Owner, Dina Salib to discover what makes A1 Discount Chemist the best pharmacy in Croydon Park. Dina Salib hails from Egypt, where she grew up and both of her parents are pharmacists, saying, “You can say that pharmacy is in my blood. My dad was a pharmacy owner and a branch committee of the pharmacy council of our town, my mum was a hospital pharmacist and later on she has become a pharmacy inspector. “I have learnt from my dad what customer service can be, how to walk second mile to your patients, I remember so well patients was coming mid night so desperate for medications ringing our door bell asking for dad’s help as they can’t find the medicine in the hospital or even doctors ring dad in the mid of the night for an emergency medications for surgical procedure. “My dad used to go and open the pharmacy midnight so he can supply them what they need, and from a very early age I have learnt all the community work. Therefore, the award I have won is an award for my dad too.” Today, she operates her business, A1 Discount Chemist in Sydney, Australia, and her passion for her work and customers truly shines through. Her personality, her smile, and her outstanding level of service ensure a warm welcome to all, for an enjoyable, knowledgeable service that leaves a lasting impression and keeps them coming back time and again. “Upholding reputation is such a tough job,” she acknowledges. “The only way to keep the reputation is via respect, patience, and empathy, continuing to be visible and approachable. Since I have bought the pharmacy, I have always been approachable and visible, maintained integrity and transparency, while teaching my team to follow the same pathway and creating a positive workplace culture.” She points out that the pharmaceutical industry is a tough one, believing that the only way to succeed is by staying persistent and going above and beyond to increase customer loyalty. She advises, “Always believe there is a light at the end of the dark tunnel, and with every challenge there is an opportunity to learn and grow and increase resilience.” Indeed, managing the pharmacy hasn’t come without its challenges. Despite it having been in the same place for over half a century, Dina reveals that people who have lived in the area for a long time didn’t even know there was a pharmacy there before she owned it, due to its quiet, non-central location in Croydon Park. Those who did attend the Best Community Pharmacy 2026 – Sydney & Business Resilience Excellence Award 2026
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