Family in focus at CAMstart

Family is at the core of CAMstart Pharmacy, located in the heart of Maitland Street.

Pharmacist and proprietor Catherine McDonald made the big step of starting her own business at the young age of 23.

She had worked for several months with pharmacist Justin Flannery before buying the business and making her own mark caring for her Narrabri customers.

The growth of the business has followed her own evolving life – marrying Martin Browne and the addition of their two children Carrington and Quade.

Reflecting on starting her business almost 20 years ago, Catherine said it is a decision she is glad she made.

“I’ve always invested back into the town,” Catherine said.

“The community has always felt like an extension of family.”

For Catherine, business has always been part of family life.

Born into the iconic McDonald family, Maitland Street was Catherine’s second home growing up, spending her younger years and early working life in the family’s well-known fashion business.

Now, at her pharmacy, it is not uncommon to see her own young children in store as she and her husband tend to customers’ needs.

Across her almost two decades in business, Catherine has treated different generations of Narrabri locals and she enjoys the familiarity that comes with caring for customers in a country town.

Being accommodating is something Catherine prides herself on, catering for doctors’ and customers’ requirements.

As the concept of a pharmacy has evolved, so has Catherine and her business.

Operating a pharmacy has shifted away from purely a dispensary role to being proactive in caring for people’s needs and conditions.

The role of a pharmacist has also changed, adopting a more preventive approach and resolving issues.

“This is something that interests me,” Catherine said.

“We’re offering more and more.”

CAMstart offers a range of services, in addition to pharmaceutical and retail lines. Visit the pharmacy at 118-120 Maitland Street or phone 6792 2178.