Pharmacy prescribed for Gordon

By Lachlan Ellis

Plans for a new pharmacy and medical centre in Gordon have been approved by Council, with the applicant expressing his hopes that the facility will attract more medical professionals to the area.

An application to use the existing dwelling at 56 Urquhart Street, Gordon came before Council at the 17 August Development Assessment Committee (DAC), with a reduction in car parking also proposed.

Under the amended plans provided to Council, a reduction of two parking spaces was suggested to provide “adequate vehicle turning area”.

Six parking spaces will be provided, with four to be accessed from Russell Street for public use, and two allocated for staff parking from Urquhart Street itself.

Applicant Daniel Eskander, who also runs a pharmacy in St Arnaud, told Council that the pharmacy would provide a range of benefits for the Gordon community, “especially during these trying times of COVID”.

“Some of the things we introduced in St Arnaud were COVID vaccinations, flu vaccines, Webster packing for the elderly, we do delivery, we sort their medication…even younger families moving into the area, we’ve provided a lot of products and support for them,” Mr Eskander said.

“Just having a pharmacist on hand to provide evidence-based advice, especially nowadays, is super important. Hopefully that also attracts other medical professionals to come into Gordon to provide a wholesome treatment to the community as well.”

The recommendation to approve the pharmacy plans was moved by Cr Tonia Dudzik, seconded by Cr David Edwards, and approved by all Councillors present.

The proposed hours of operation once the pharmacy is completed are 8.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday, and 9 am to 12 pm on Saturday.

Crs Ally Munari and Rod Ward were apologies at the DAC.