To Chemist Warehouse Management and Relevant Authorities,

We, the undersigned members of the Tamworth and surrounding regional communities, respectfully request that the Chemist Warehouse store in Tamworth, NSW, extend its operating hours to provide 24-hour access.

Tamworth is a large and growing regional hub with a diverse population, including families, shift workers, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions. Like metropolitan areas, we face emergencies and urgent health needs at all hours of the day and night.

Currently, residents must wait until morning or travel significant distances for urgent pharmaceutical needs outside of regular trading hours. This is not only inconvenient — it can also be dangerous. In some cases, it may delay access to life-saving medication or critical health support.

We propose that the Chemist Warehouse on Peel Street near Fitzroy Street be the nominated location for 24-hour operations. This store is central, easily accessible, and located close to police services. If there were ever any safety concerns or criminal issues, law enforcement is nearby and can respond swiftly. This makes it a practical and secure option for extended trading hours.

In addition, a 24-hour Chemist Warehouse would complement the services provided by our local Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. With after-hours pharmacy access available, the clinic would be better supported to extend its own opening hours — potentially until midnight — providing even greater coverage for urgent, non-emergency medical issues in our region. This kind of collaboration between health services would be a major step forward in improving rural healthcare delivery.

A 24-hour pharmacy would also be a huge support for parents — especially new parents — who are still learning how much formula, nappies, or other essential baby supplies they need. Whether it’s running out of formula at midnight, needing fever or pain relief for a sick baby, or urgently needing bottles, dummies, or breastfeeding equipment, parents shouldn’t have to wait until morning or face limited weekend opening hours. Sometimes even on Sundays, pharmacies aren't open at all — and that leaves families without vital support.

Just because we live in the bush doesn't mean we deserve less than what city communities have. We believe rural and regional Australians should have equitable access to essential services, including around-the-clock pharmacy access.

Chemist Warehouse has the infrastructure and community trust to lead the way in addressing this urgent need. By staying open 24/7 in Tamworth, Chemist Warehouse would not only meet a vital community demand but also set a positive precedent for other regional centres across Australia.

We urge Chemist Warehouse to be part of the solution in bridging the city-country health gap.