By Amanda Wright The 2025 Federal Budget was never just about dollars and cents—it was about the direction Australia takes in the years ahead. Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ latest budget, delivered on 25 March, makes clear where the Albanese government believes that the future lies: in cost-of-living relief, housing, and a transition to a more sustainable economy. But with an election now set for 3 May, it’s impossible to ignore the political stakes. Is this a responsible economic plan or a budget de
Read the full storyWhen disastrous floods swept through the region in February, the town of Ingham found itself in a crisis unlike any it had seen in recent memory with devastating flood waters surpassing the levels they reached in the historic floods of 1967. Amidst the chaos of the floods the local medical practices Hinchinbrook Healthcare and Ingham Family Medical Practice banded together in times of uncertainty and provided a glimmer of light to Ingham residents, demonstrating remarkable resilience and resour
Read the full storyVictoria grew up in Brisbane and went on to pursue a Cert III in Business Administration while also qualifying as a swimming teacher through AustSwim. Their career path led them to roles as a receptionist and swimming instructor, where they worked hard to fund their Diploma of Arts. Later serving as an editor for a medical journal at Queensland University of Technology, Victoria further sharpened their writing and editorial skills. Victoria's family live in Macknade and moving to the reg
Read the full storyA striking symbol of resilience and awareness now stands along the highway in Ingham—its vivid blue branches reaching out as a reminder that no one has to struggle in silence. The Blue Tree Project, a national initiative aimed at breaking the stigma around mental health, found a home in the town in July 2023, thanks to a collaborative community effort. Councillor Donna Marbelli first saw a Blue Tree while driving between Townsville and Ingham and knew the town needed one of its own. The search
Read the full storyAlmost a decade has passed since Chris Holland and Craig Menegon took ownership of
Terry White Chemmart on July 1, 2015. In that time, the business has undergone significant changes, not only in its physical appearance but also in the services it provides to the community.
One of the biggest shifts in the pharmacy industry has been the expansion of services, particularly in vaccinations. Craig said almost all vaccinations can be done inside Terry White Chemist by the pharmacy team. He added that it has been a catalyst for further growth and increasing more services within the pharmacy.
Since taking over the pharmacy, the owners have also undertaken a rebranding. In September 2021, they transitioned to the current brand, which provided access to a wider range of products while also modernising the store’s appearance.
Both co-owners have long-standing ties to the pharmacy, having worked under the previous owner, which Craig said allowed himself and Chris to maintain the relationships they had built with customers,
Customer service remains at the heart of the business. Before Chris and Craig owned the chemist they worked under the slogan ‘Personal Service, Professional Care’, which is now echoed in Terry White Chemmart’s slogan ‘Dedicated to Care’.
The two of them learned that customers service is the most important part of the business, and they strive to maintain those strong relationships.
Craig said that moving to employee to ownership was a big change, they are still learning everyday, and its challenging but satisfying to be both a business owner and a pharmacist at the same time.
As flu season approaches, the pharmacy is preparing to meet the demand for vaccinations. The vaccines have arrived and they are ready to be distributed, by scanning the QR code on this page you can schedule your spot.
The business has also faced challenges, including operating through a power outage during a major flood event.
"We were fortunate that we didn’t have floodwater enter the store, but we had no power for a week," Craig recalled.
With nearly ten years in business, the pharmacy continues to evolve, ensuring it remains a trusted healthcare provider for the community. Craig said the best part of the job is having relationships with customers, and moving forward, he is looking forward to offering even more care to the people of the region.