Australian Enterprise Awards 2026 | 13 our community. They always greet me with a smile, remember me by name, and take the time to check in on how I’m going. No question is ever too small, and they explain things in a way that makes me feel reassured and support. Their attention to detail and genuine kindness have made such a difference for me and my family. It’s not just about filling prescriptions – it’s the comfort of knowing you’re being looked after by someone who truly cares. I couldn’t ask for a better local pharmacist. Dina and her staff are amazing.” Ultimately, it’s easy to see how A1 Discount Chemist has seen such success in this year’s Australian Enterprise Awards. From its astonishing resilience and transformation to the world-class level of service it tirelessly delivers, it is truly in a league of its own. Thus, we are keen to find out what’s next for the pharmacy. Dina shares, “The pharmacy will be relocated to a bigger premises, where it’s going to be like a community hub or health hub, where we might be able to get a doctor, or have a little café inside the pharmacy. There is another project I am working on with a specific health organisation, but that’s to be kept confidential for now!” This all sounds very exciting, and we can’t wait to witness the unfolding of these plans and the continued success of A1 Discount Chemist into the future. Company name: A1 Discount Chemist Website: www.a1discountchemist.com.au pharmacy experienced extremely poor levels of customer service, and this came with equally poor business management. Thus, when Dina took over the pharmacy, she set about completely transforming the place for the better, breathing new life into it and establishing its presence so it couldn’t be missed by locals, while forging a solid reputation for exceptional service – making A1 Discount Chemist the local pharmacy of choice for many. “With all the challenges of our industry, the only winners are not the pharmacists who are standing like robots behind the dispensary, but the ones who are the heart of their community,” Dina says. “The only winners are those who are obsessed with their customers and I am one of those.” When asked to tell us more about the pharmacy’s internal culture, she reveals, “I truly believe that when you hire staff, you hire them for their personality not their skills. Personality and culture value comes first, then you can teach them the skills. I look for humble, mature, responsible, committed, and hard-working people.” She continues, “My internal culture is that we are one family. It’s not a boss and employee; it’s a leader and a team. I hate being called ‘boss’ and I always tell my staff I am not a boss. I lead the place as I am the owner, but I am not better than anyone or higher than anyone, and maybe my team will have a talent in something I don’t, so I will learn it from them.” As a result of this supportive, non-hierarchal approach, Dina continues to nurture a team that feels appreciated, respected, valued, and like the workplace is their second home. “They will definitely work from their hearts and that will contribute to the business growth,” she comments. Furthermore, Dina is focused on training the next generation of pharmacy students, inviting them to take on work placements to gain valuable real-world skills and experience. Dina and the team at A1 Discount Chemist are committed to delivering a range of highquality services that help enhance quality of life for each customer. This includes general health services, with customers able to take advantage of the pharmacy’s partnerships with health providers – a podiatrist, naturopath, gout specialist, and diabetic foot clinic specialist – to complement their daily health regimes. Then, there are health services specifically tailored to women – covering areas such as the emergency contraceptive pill and urinary tract infections (UTIs) – and men – covering areas such as erectile disfunction – where individuals can gain expert advice on any concerns they have. The pharmacy goes further still, offering not only medicines, but also a variety of handpicked beauty and cosmetic products for purchase, although with limited floor size, From make-up to natural skincare, A1 Discount Chemist stocks beauty products designed for those who have skin sensitivities or are looking for a more natural way to take care of their skin. It is also in the process of upgrading its online shop, so customers can browse and buy their favourite products online, with convenient next-day delivery or click and collect. But it doesn’t end there; the pharmacy will be introducing more services for sleep apnoea, a diabetes clinic and ear piercing. As a result of its gold standard product and service offering, A1 Discount Chemist enjoys a glowing five-star rating on Google. One delighted customer comments, “I feel so lucky to have such a caring pharmacist in
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