Most people don't see behind the desk at a pharmacy, but they're grateful for the work that happens there.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Thousands have walked through the doors of Tenambit Pharmacy over the past three decades and met a smiling, helpful face in David Buckley.
After 31 years in the business, the longtime stepped aside on July 1, with Maitland born and bred Glenn Rose taking over ownership.
In other news: Fire bugs to face longer minimum jail time
Last week Mr Buckley walked through the business, reminiscing about life working in a shop that had opened every day since Easter 1988.
While there have been some technological changes in that time, the Tenambit Pharmacy team's dedication to their community remained the same.
"When people walk in many of them will have a problem and be looking for a solution," Mr Buckley said.
"The unique characteristics of this pharmacy is that it's open every day of the year and it's got the longest hours of any pharmacy in the district.
"For a long time, it's had the reputation that if you need something after hours, you go to Tenambit.
"A modern pharmacy is now doing a lot of services that contribute to home care and probably the dominant one you'll see in most pharmacies is packaging of medication.
In other news: Accommodation, retail, 7-storeys and jobs
"There are probably 150 people we look after in the home. It's a lot of work but it keeps people in their homes."
There have been many highlights over the years for Mr Buckley, but the standout has been interacting with the public.
"Every day you make a difference in people's lives by the dozen and I've never lost sight of that," he said.
"It's a very rewarding thing to me."
Mr Buckley said the pharmacy has had a good package of great systems and staff members with a united vision over the years.
He is grateful he can leave the business with Mr Rose, who he believes will continue in the same way.
"I feel privileged for having been their community pharmacist for a time and I'm happy in the handover to somebody who I know shares the same values," Mr Buckley said.
Mr Rose arrived in pharmacy hoping to own his own business.
The realisation of that dream this year has been the result of "a lot of hard work".
"My family has been in Maitland for six generations so it's nice to not have to move town to still have a rewarding career," he said, adding his son had just started studying pharmacy at university.
"I'd like to thank David for his hard work and building up a really valuable business with great employers and great customers."