Kieran Ludwick: Preserving Pharmacy History in the Heart of Outback Queensland
The Winton Pharmacy has been part of the Winton community since 1879, with most owners dedicating the better part of their lives to it. My father [Peter Evert] owned the pharmacy for 44 years and was among the last to qualify through the apprenticeship-style training (Pharmaceutical Chemist). He completed his training under Vince Coleman before eventually purchasing the pharmacy from him.
Over the decades, the pharmacy has evolved significantly - from a time when everything was compounded on-site, and ingredients like strychnine and arsenic were part of everyday remedies, to an industry now supported by eScripts and the simple scan of a barcode or QR code to access medications. I still remember the days of handwriting repeats, carefully checking the PBS for price and PBS codes, and doing your best to interpret a doctor’s handwriting - sometimes more art than science. Digital prescriptions have certainly made life easier, but those earlier days hold a certain nostalgia. What hasn’t changed, however, is its [the Winton Pharmacy's] role as a trusted part of the community.
Pictured left to right: Jacque Guy, Penny Elliott, Kieran Ludwick
A moment from your years in pharmacy that you’ll never forget
There have been so many moments, it’s hard to choose just one - they’re all quintessentially outback, “bushy” experiences.
I once had a gentleman come in with a week-long history of ear pain. His solution to water in his ear? Filling it with WD-40. We’ve also had a local goanna who would regularly wander into the pharmacy, take a stroll around, and then head back out again as if it were part of his daily routine.
Then there was my father - an absolute master of gimmicks. Every two years, during the Winton Outback Festival, he would set up what he called the “Berocca Breaky.” It was exactly what it sounds like - a free glass of water with a Berocca tablet for anyone needing a bit of recovery after a big night. It became a bit of a tradition, helping everyone from competitors to cheer squads and even the emcee to get through the day.
The Winton Pharmacy has also proudly entered teams in the Ladies Bracelet event at the Outback Dunny Derby - and we’ve won four festivals in a row. Team names have included Strictly Bathroom, Oui Oui (Wee Wee), and Rocky Horror Shitty Show - very much in keeping with the spirit of the event.
On a more meaningful note, one of the greatest privileges has been caring for families across generations. I’ve had the honour of looking after four generations within the same family, which is something truly special.
How has community pharmacy changed over the years?
Pharmacy in the city has become more commercially driven, with increasing competition and services like vaccination clinics and extended scope of practice shaping the landscape.
In rural pharmacy, it’s still very much about people. In a small town, everyone knows everyone, and the focus isn’t purely on sales or revenue - it’s about connection and keeping the community going.
I’ve always maintained a close working relationship with the local GP, and the community knows that. If I suggest someone should see the doctor, they generally listen - and when they arrive and mention I’ve sent them, they’re usually seen straight away. That level of trust and collaboration is something unique to small-town life.
Another shift is that people are now far more open about discussing their health. Where things were once private and reserved, there’s now a stronger “shared care” approach. People are more comfortable seeking advice from their pharmacist, and we play a more active role in their day-to-day health care.
The biggest benefit of being part of The Guild community during your ownership
The Guild provides invaluable support and advocacy for pharmacy owners across the country. They work tirelessly to represent the needs and concerns of pharmacists at a national level while also offering practical, tailored support.
Even being in a remote location, I’ve never felt disconnected. Members of The Guild support team still make the effort to visit, which is always appreciated. While regular emails and updates are helpful, there’s something special about a face-to-face visit—especially when it’s someone popping in from a city, sometimes even interstate, just to say hello.
Advice for young pharmacists or new owners starting out today
Don’t be afraid to go rural or remote - there are unique and rewarding opportunities out here.
There’s an unwritten understanding in small communities that business owners support each other. We don’t compete directly in the way you might see in larger centres. While there are challenges to remote living, there are also incredible opportunities.
Pharmacy in the bush isn’t driven by commercial pressure in the same way - it’s about relationships and community. Although the real value lies in relationships and community connectedness, there is genuinely good revenue opportunity in the bush.
For anyone considering ownership, I’d strongly recommend seeking out mentorship. Spend time with other pharmacy owners, visit their businesses, and ask the hard questions:
- How do you manage staff?
- How do you navigate finances and income streams?
- What does it really take to run a business?
University teaches you how to be a pharmacist - but being a business owner is a completely different skill set. It’s something you learn through experience, mistakes, resilience, and determination.
Pictured left to right: Jacque Guy, Penny Elliott, Kieran Ludwick