History of UFS DispensariesUFS is an abbreviation for United Friendly Societies. The UFS Dispensaries is a not-for-profit organisation, which exists for the members and functions for their benefit by supplying subsidised prescriptions and other pharmacy requirements.
A Board of Directors [elected by members at the Annual General Meeting] governs the organisation. Historically, Directors were delegates representing various Friendly Societies. Now Directors are elected from our membership base and are representative of the broader community.
On the 5th of December 1880, the Ballarat United Friendly Societies Dispensary was registered after various Friendly Societies united to provide the funds for the original Dispensary in Armstrong Street [the premises now occupied by Doepel Lilley and Taylor]. The Dispensary opened in 1881 and was relocated to Dana Street in 1901, remaining there until 1952. The next move was to the present site at 717 Sturt Street.
In 1959, a branch Dispensary opened in Geelong Road (Ballarat East) and relocated to Bridge Street in 1976. The Dispensary in Howitt Street, Wendouree was opened in July 1973 and a fourth Dispensary opened in Sebastopol in January 1980. Almost eight years later, on December 8th 1987, the Buninyong Dispensary was opened. This was followed by the Victoria Street Dispensary, in July 1991.
Today the organisation consists of twelve pharmacies with additional dispensaries located at Bacchus Marsh (opened 1999), Mt Clear (February 2004), Beaufort plus pharmacy depots in Skipton and Willaura (September 2004), Ballan (October 2004), Melton (March 2005) and Melton South (November 2007). UFS Dispensaries also owns and operates a gift shop, Cherub Cards & Gifts and a well-being centre, Peace & Quiet (October 2004) which are both in Sturt St, Ballarat. |
