23/08/2026
This article appeared in The Inverell Times on Tuesday July 17, 1984
PHARMACIES CARE FOR MANY GENERATIONS
The chemists now known as Mitchell, O’Brien and O’Meara are one of the oldest established pharmacies in the district, having served and cared for the people in the North West and Border River areas for many generations.
Lance Mitchell arrived at Inverell from Sydney in 1947 to manage the pharmacy which was then situated on the opposite side of Otho Street in the St Elmo Building.
In 1958 Patrick O’Brien, having completed his studies at De La Salle College in Armidale and graduated from Sydney University, returned to his home town of Inverell and the two chemists became partners.
In 1965 having purchased their own premises, Lance Mitchell and Patrick O’Brien moved their pharmacy across the street to its present day location at 66 Otho Street.
In 1958, having completed his studies at St John’s College, Woodlawn, and having graduated from Sydney University, D’Arcy O’Meara arrived in Ashford to manage the Ashford Pharmacy, caring for the people in the then Ashford Shire and Border River area of Southern Queensland.
In 1973 the three chemists amalgamated and became known as Mitchell, O’Brien and O’Meara of Inverell and Ashford, situated at 66 Otho Street, Inverell, and 38 Albury Street, Ashford, from where they continue to carry on their health care service to the people in the Greater Inverell District, the Ashford District and the Border River area of Southern Queensland.
Over the years the chemists and staff at Mitchell, O’Brien and O’Meara’s Pharmacy have built up a tradition of a personalised caring service to the community, specialising in health care, the supply of surgical and invalid equipment, vitamins and health foods, specialised skin care and most importantly, specialising in the dispensing and manufacture of prescriptions and pharmaceutical preparations.
PHOTOS
1 - In 1953 the staff of the chemist were (l-r) Kevin Johnson, Nev Batri, Fay Hoscher, Dot and Helen Marchant, Rae Miller and Lance Mitchell.
2 - Kathryn Kerps is one of the friendly staff of Mitchell, O’Brien and O’Meara only too happy to assist with your health and beauty needs.
3 - The present staff of Mitchell, O’Brien and O’Meara are (l-r) D’Arcy O’Meara, Kathryn Herps, Pat O’Brien, Martha Hanna, Vicki Wilson, Lyn Buck, Cathy Kerr, Daph Mitchell, Heather McLean and Lance Mitchell
4 - The original site of the chemist started by Mr Lance Mitchell was on the opposite side of Otho Street to its present site.
