Kids’ chance to step behind counter for Little Pharmacist Experience

CHILDREN will have a rare opportunity to learn about health and medicine by stepping behind the counter at Ballina’s Direct Chemist outlet as part of the Little Pharmacist Experience.

More than 30 children have already registered to take part in the hands-on event, which gives participants a guided tour of how local pharmacists operate and encourages learning through play.

It will be held at the Ballina Central store on Saturday, January 17 and is part of a wider national event with Direct Chemist.

It is designed to be interactive and engaging which allows children to explore basic health concepts while wearing white coats and trying their hand at simple pharmacy tasks.

“One of our stores ran it as part of their grand opening and it was a big success,” Ballina event organiser Candice Brown said.

“The kids get to come in, wear one of the white coats and see what it’s like to be a pharmacist. Our team will be here to guide them through some of the things we do.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to ask questions, build confidence and enjoy something a little different.”

A highlight of the day will be close-up look at the chemist’s automated dispensing robot.

The medications are stored compactly and vertically, and the machine uses robotic arms to select the correct package when a prescription is entered into the system.

“We were the first chemist in Ballina to install a dispensing robot, and the kids will love seeing that,” Brown said.

“The event also coincides with the store’s one-year anniversary, with dress-ups and activities planned throughout the day.”

Children will have the chance to “dispense” a prescription for their parents using jellybeans.

They will also label and pack the medication with face painting, fairy floss and popcorn for them as part of the celebrations.

Participants will receive a certificate at the end of the experience.

The Little Pharmacist Experience will run from 10am to 4pm, with limited places available for walk-ins. Registrations can be made via trybooking.com/events/1500850/sessions.