More Than Medicine: 10 Years Of Dedication

In 2015, Andrew Giliberto found himself at the helm of Hinchinbrook Community Pharmacy, an ambitious leap straight from intern to owner. Having completed his internship under the pharmacy’s former owner and also at Cantatore Pharmacy, Andrew embraced the challenge head-on, determined to continue serving the Lower Herbert community with commitment and care.

What began as a modest single-room pharmacy has transformed over the last 10 years into a modern, full-service facility. In 2017, Andrew undertook major renovations, expanding the front shop to offer a broader range of products, modernising the dispensary, and adding a dedicated consultation room to launch a new vaccination service.

In the early days, Andrew ran the business solo. Today, Hinchinbrook Community Pharmacy employs two additional pharmacists and several local high school students as junior staff, offering not just healthcare but valuable employment opportunities for the region’s youth.

Throughout the ups and downs, Andrew’s dedication never wavered. He got married in 2020 and is now a proud father of three. That same year, the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the world and the pharmacy remained open, weathering stock shortages to continue serving the community.

Natural disasters have tested the resilience of the pharmacy and its team time and again. From flooding events in 2018, 2019, and most recently in 2025, the pharmacy has remained an open, constant, reliable presence. During the 2025 floods, Andrew went beyond by camping out at the pharmacy for nearly two weeks. With only a generator-powered fridge, a single computer, Starlink internet, and a Milwaukee battery-powered work light, he continued to dispense essential medications while also performing his duties with the SES.

When the region’s communication systems failed, emergency services set up a forward operating centre behind the pharmacy, relying on its lone working internet connection to coordinate response efforts.

Also in 2024, Andrew commissioned a historical streetscape mural by artist Art By Lavinia. The striking artwork now adorns the side of the pharmacy building, serving as both a tribute to Halifax’s heritage and a visual landmark for the town.

"I am very thankful to the Lower Herbert community for their support over the last 10 years," says Andrew, "and look forward to serving our region for many years to come."