The husband and wife team have sold Eric Sim Pharmacy, and will work in the Heathcote pharmacy they already share with another business partner.
It will allow them to spend more time with their young children, Amelia and Hector.
Eric said it would also allow his business partner to spend more time with his new family.
Saying they have been “very happy here”, Eric said deciding to leave Deniliquin was not an easy decision to make.
“We have been glad to have been in Deniliquin — the Deni society has been very caring and welcoming.
“We have made a lot of friends with our staff and customers, and we’re grateful to have been part of such a great town.
“We’d like to thank all our customers, and show our appreciation for all the wonderful staff and pharmacy teams.
“It has been very enjoyable to work with all of them.
“We’d also like to thank Soul Pattinson Pharmacy, the local doctor surgeries and the two nursing homes — Navorina and Orana — for working hand-in-hand with us to serve the community.
“We are proud to have been a part of that.”
Eric’s final day in the pharmacy at Deni will be August 1.
But he said Deniliquin would always hold a special place in their hearts, especially because it was where their two children were born.
The town also afforded Eric and Fern the rare professional opportunity to work together.
Before purchasing the former Barlow & Weller Pharmacy in 2011, Eric was part-owner of a pharmacy in the small South Australian town of Riverton. When Fern joined Eric in Australia, she worked in a pharmacy about 40 minutes away.
Both Eric and Fern grew up in Malaysia, and met after they had completed their pharmacy degrees.
Eric finished his studies at the University of South Australia in 2003, and after they were married in 2005 Fern joined him in Australia in 2007.
Fern completed her pharmacy degree at the University of Malaya in 2004, after originally contemplating other professions in the health care industry.
Since coming to Deniliquin, Eric and Fern have expanded the pharmacy — not only in size, but in services.
The move from the original pharmacy opposite their current store is among the biggest highlights of their time in Deniliquin.
“We have tried our best to give our customers what they need, including trying trading seven days a week,” Eric said.
“We’ve offered more services and products, and of course during COVID we made sure to provide vaccines.
“We’ve happily sponsored many local sporting groups and events, because we feel it is important to put back into Deniliquin and support its progress.
“We’re also very proud to have won a few Deniliquin Business Chamber Excellence Awards.
“Our hope is that the new owners will continue what we have started.”
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