Calannas sell North Queensland’s largest family-owned pharmacy chain

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Almost 46 years after the establishment of the first Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy in the Cairns suburb of Woree, the Calanna family has announced its chain of 10 chemists has been sold.

The pharmacies will soon be re-branded under the TerryWhite Chemmart banner.

Mario Calanna, who established the Calanna Medical Centre at his family’s cane farm in 1976, said regulations around community pharmacy ownership and ill health have been factors in the decision to sell.

Mr Calanna was diagnosed with blood cancer four years ago.

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“We thought we had it under control, but I am now having treatment again,” he said.

“Therefore, we have made the difficult decision to sell our business to a group of four owners who will transition into the TerryWhite Chemmart Network, a move that will ensure the businesses can continue to grow and evolve, while also continuing to have a positive impact on the communities they serve.”

Mario’s son Matthew, who is General Manager, said the family will continue to be heavily involved in day-to-day operations.

“All pharmacies will continue to be operated as is at present for the foreseeable future,” he said.

“All staff will be retained, and my sister Catherine and I will also be staying on to work in the pharmacies on the ground.

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“There are many growth and development opportunities within a larger group."

He said the chain will also continue to support various community and sporting clubs, events and causes.

Alive Pharmacy Warehouse is the region’s largest locally-owned and operated chemist chain, with 11 stores across Cairns, Innisfail, Townsville and Calliope.