THE Wonthaggi Miners Friendly Society’s Dispensary or “the Dispensary” as it is fondly known, turns 100 in November.
And to celebrate the centenary milestone, members and non-members are offered the chance to win one of three major prizes in store.
The Dispensary officially opened in 1922.
The catalyst for the establishment of the Dispensary was the lack of affordable and adequate supplies of medication for coal miners and their families.
With the backing of the six mining unions, it was agreed to buy an old building in Graham Street, demolish it and build the Dispensary.
Original mine employee and Miners’ Dispensary board member Reg Wilson, said he has been on the board for 28 years, seeing immense growth in both the town and the Dispensary.
“The Dispensary has grown with the town; in 1950 it was compulsory to have a weekly medical levy which involved both the local doctors and the dispensary, this was in place to ensure the miners could take care of their health,” said Reg.
Funds for the building and operation of the Dispensary were raised with the levy from miners’ wages.
This was the way that the co-operative nature of the early years of Wonthaggi operated, with the Union and its miners’ providing facilities and services in Wonthaggi.
The Co-operatives Store, Union Theatre and the new Dispensary were all funded by the miners.
This same co-operative nature still exists today, with members of the Dispensary receiving benefits in reduced costs of pharmacy, dental and other services.
As part of the centenary celebrations, the dispensary has a raffle running from Wednesday, November 2, until Wednesday, November 16, available to both members and non-members. Simply purchase an over-the-counter item (members will receive 15 per cent off) and go in the draw to win one of three prizes; a Shogun E-Bike from local business Wheel Heat, a $1000 Hello World travel voucher or a Health prize pack valued at $1328 - inclusive of a 12-month membership to Voyage Fitness Wonthaggi.
General Manager and Senior Pharmacist Sally Cairnduff said Reg is the only mine employee on the board of the dispensary, and the board wanted to make sure that this important occasion would be properly commemorated within the community.
“It is a pleasure being on the board of the Dispensary; the biggest change immensely lies within the growth of Wonthaggi and the shift in proprietary products – this is a big difference from the 1950s.”
Due to the growth of the town, the board and staff saw the need to refurbish their Dispensary to improve the workflow.
There is now increased refrigeration space and storage for processed prescriptions and Webster packs. The space has been redesigned to assist pharmacists when checking prescriptions and counselling patients. Products have also been rearranged to ensure health related products are located near the trained pharmacists.
“Our NDSS department is now located adjacent to our Dispensary to ensure patients receive adequate care from our pharmacists. Our Webster service area has improved to cater for more patients. Webster packs can improve patient compliance and peace of mind. They help those taking medication to take the right dose at the right time and assist with the management of complex medication regimes,” said Sally.
“The Dispensary refurbishment is near completion, and we look forward to servicing the community with a new and improved space; a space that will better serve our staff and our patients.”
As part of the November celebrations, the Dispensary board also commissioned local historian and author, Sam Gatto, to write the history of the Dispensary.
The book ‘One of a Kind’ will be launched in early November, as will a plaque to commemorate the 100th celebration.
Copies will be available for purchase at the Dispensary after November 3.
