It’s clear from one conversation with Bayswater and Maylands Pharmacy 777 owner Greg Da Rui that he’s passionate about two things… being a community pharmacist, and the area he works in.

And it’s a passion that’s been recognised officially by the City of Bayswater who named Greg the Community Citizen of Year in January.
 

It’s an honour that Greg takes in his humble stride, but one he’s immensely proud of… that and how much the City of Bayswater (or Baysie as its affectionately known to the locals) has grown over the years.

“I grew up in Baysie and one of my first jobs was working for JP Inglis & Son, the pharmacy in Bayswater, which is now the Pharmacy 777 Bayswater I own, so things have really come full circle,” Greg said.

“Bayswater really does have a long and rich history and it’s something I’m proud to have been part of. I was nominated for the award by Future Bayswater, and I’ve also been a founding member of community groups such as the Baysie Rollers, and the Bayswater Trader’s Association.

“When we first started the Trader’s Association we ran street festivals, to activate the town centre and bring people in, because no one was doing that back then.

“We were all young business owners who knew how great Bayswater was, but we wanted the rest of Perth to see that too. It’s always had a fantastic vibe, great river access and lots of quirks, so it’s great that it’s now being celebrated for what it’s always been.”

Greg said sharing the award with his patients has also been a special moment to cherish.

“I love that so many of my patients in pharmacy also know my involvement in the community and they seem really pleased for me to have been named the Community Citizen of the Year. We have it up on the wall and so many people comment on it,” he said.

“It’s been a nice moment to celebrate Bayswater and how far things have progressed, even in the past five years. I think we can all be proud of what we’ve achieved as a community for the area. 

Greg believes that having a Pharmacy 777 in Bayswater gives locals a brand name they know and trust.

And he’s passionate about teaching younger pharmacists the importance of being part of a community long term through the Pharmacy 777 model, which aims to constantly upskill both Pharmacists and the rest of the team.

“Pharmacy 777 is a brand that’s known for helping the community,” he said.

“People know it and trust it, it’s very well respected and my patients often tell me that they really value the advice they get from our Pharmacists.

“I think community pharmacies really came of age during the pandemic when people couldn’t get to other health providers and that’s continued.

“In Bayswater we have families who have been patients of ours for generations… just the other day I filled a script for someone whose name I hadn’t seen for 20 years, but you build that bond, and you know the family’s whole history. It’s part of what makes this community so wonderful.

“That kind of relationship with the community really can’t be underestimated, it means a lot to our patients and in turn their loyalty means a lot to us. We’re part of Baysie…and Baysie is part of us too.”