By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
IT’S been raining all morning, but underneath a marquee positioned outside the Emerald Village Pharmacy staff have served a steady stream of customers.
Last Sunday 1 November, a fire caused by an electrical fault gutted the inside of the shop, burning the inside of the building and much of the stock.
Yet just six days after the blaze, the pharmacy is back on its feet in the most remarkable of circumstances.
It hasn’t quite been business as usual for staff, but the temporary solution has allowed the pharmacy to continue its prescription delivery service – crucial to many within the town.
Louisa Lammers has owned the pharmacy since 1999, and says the staff are still providing non-emergency medicines.
“Most importantly we have everyone’s files, so we are able to deliver prescription medication to customers within 24 to 48 hours,” Louisa said.
The pharmacy has also just secured temporary tenancy in two nearby premises.
Aiming to open to the public next Tuesday 10 November, Louisa and her staff operate in neighbouring shops at 13 and 15 Kilvington Drive – opposite the Puffing Billy Train Station.
In a difficult time, Louisa says its the resilience of her staff that has allowed the business to continue operating.
“I’ve got the most amazing staff. In terrible circustances, they’ve done everything that’s been asked of them,” she said.
“I also need to thank the incredible community in Emerald who have been so supportive – the people, other businesses, tradespeople who have made time in their schedule to help us out.”
She also thanked the CFA, whose quick and thorough response meant that files were able to be salvaged, and that only one local business was affected.
Emerald CFA Captain Paul Yandle said crews were called out to the fire, about 6.20pm on Sunday.
“It was fully involved when we got there. Being a chemist it was difficult to access the building, and once we did we found that the fire was going fairly well,” he said.
“This was an unfortuate electrical fire. It’s not something that you know is going to happen until it does happen.”
He praised the 25 volunteer firefighters who attended the fire for their quick and efficient work.
In times of uncertainty, communities rally. Louisa says she has been buoyed throughout the week by the incredible support of the local people.
“We’ve had people come and offer to buy the staff lunch or coffee, or just come with words of support.
“I love living in Emerald. I’ve always loved it, this just confirms it.”
