Page 4 - Pharmacy History 32 July 2007

The family history of a fascinating
dynasty – the Delahuntys of Queensland
T hree generations of the family have provided over
75 years of service to the communities around them, and
this is a cause for celebration in any business.
It has been a long time since James Delahunty’s father, Jas J Delahunty, decided to go down the pharmacy track. “It was 1932 in the Depression era when prescriptions were delivered on foot and Jas J, pictured right, as he was known by all averaged 40 to 50 prescriptions a day,” said James proudly.
The premises were on the corner of Wharf and Queen Street in Brisbane City and were shared with a barber shop and racquet stringer. “Where the mighty Aurora multi-residential tower now stands.”
The pharmacy was an immediate success and a second shop was opened in 1936 at 144 Queen Street and this shop then moved to the Brisbane Arcade where Jas added perfumes to his repertoire.
The newest venture is a pharmacy in the new QueensPlaza CBD shopping centre. This brings to six pharmacies they have interests in the CBD. Their seventh is located in the Valley and is known as www.chemistaustralia.com. au which is a large online business.
FLASHBACK: The original pharmacy on the corner of Queen and Wharf streets.
(What a sight for those who can remember! Ed.)
Good service no doubt makes a business, but on James Delahunty’s side is his own reputation. Both Carmel and James are well-known not only for their professional services to pharmacy and are involved in many community projects.
He has friends in many places
ranging from real estate proprietors
to the Chief Justice. Leo Williams prominent Solicitor and popular rugby administrator said, “We go back 60 years. His parents used to own the Grosvenor Hotel and two pharmacies in those days.” he said.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia president Kos Sclavos said the Delahuntys helped many pharmacists get a leg up in the industry.
“Many pharmacists do work experience or pre-registration (an internship) at Delahunty pharmacies,” he said.”James and his wife Carmel always support the industry.
“Carmel is also a role model to other women in the pharmacy game.”
It seems it’s a case of like father, like son.
Leaf through the family photo album and you’ll find yellowing pictures of
Jas.J.Delahunty
Jas J Snr, pictured with the likes of Sir Raphael Cilento (President of AMA), Sr Henry Able Smith (Governor
of Queensland), and Vince Gair (Queensland Premier).
A few minutes into conversation with James Delahunty about his family’s 75 year history it becomes glaringly obvious the story is more about where they are going rather than where the have been.
History is interesting but the future is much more exciting.
The very reason they have survived the good times, the bad times and all the in-between times is the “have a go” mentality that this larger than life character embodies.
It is easy to assume this is a family trait. “Being adaptable, that’s what it’s all about,” he says.
I like to believe we are on the cutting edge of retailing rather than focused on the past,” he said. “You’ve got to get the balance right.”
4 ■ Pharmacy History Australia
volume 3 ■ no 33 ■ NOVEMBER 2007