Parmia Insurance, home of NIBA’s 2013 Australian Insurance Broker of the Year and QLD Young Professional of the Year, have taken on the tattoo and body piercing sector, developing two exclusive policies that aim to provide the difficult to cover industry with greater protection than ever before.
Tackling the challenging profession after seeing many businesses struggle to find insurance, Parmia’s policies, which are underwritten by world leading insurer Lloyd’s of London, uniquely provide tattoo practitioners with comprehensive coverage.
The firm’s tailored Industrial Special Risks (ISR) Policy provides property cover for tattoo studios, as well as property owners with tattoo studio occupancies. Property owners may also take advantage of Parmia’s additional Public and Products Liability Policy.
Founder and director of Parmia, Danny Gumm states that together with its existing combined Medical Malpractice, Public and Products Liability Policy, they ensure professionals working in all areas of the tattoo industry gain the maximum protection available.
“It was about finding a solution for those working in the industry, who were being affected by the many negative stereotypes associated with tattoo and body piercing,” he said. “In order for their business to survive, they needed someone who was willing to take a chance on them and that is what we’re aiming to do.”
Mr Gumm continues stating the firm was more than up for the challenge, with Parmia preferring to work with industries where it can develop solutions that will make a real, positive difference to businesses.
“We like to find an industry facing challenges, that we can immerse ourselves in”, he said. “Together with the client we develop a risk analysis, which identifies their concerns and enables us to better address their insurance requirements”.
However while Parmia’s policies are a significant breakthrough for the tattoo industry, cover is subject to strict criteria with unacceptable risks including criminal conviction and businesses that have been established less than 18 months.
“We have entered into this market knowing full well the risks and negative connotations,” explained Mr Gumm. “Obviously while we want to help businesses in the tattoo and body piercing industry gain cover, we also need to ensure that each applicant meets the criteria prior to evaluating their application for insurance.”
Established in Queensland in 2002, Parmia Insurance continues to work with Australian associations and industries and is currently in partnership with over 15 associations across Australia ranging from beauty and health to technology and the creative industries.
Parmia prides itself on delivering personal, award winning service and on developing industry specific insurance policies that address the needs of its clients.
“Every industry we assist has its own unique risks that have to be addressed so we treat it as a priority to always meet personally with our clients to resolve any issues they face and to minimise the exposures of their industry,” Mr Gumm said.
For more information on Parmia Insurance and its work with the tattoo and body piercing industry, please visit www.parmiainsurance.com.au.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Discount Drug Stores enters men’s skincare market with the launch of Olympic swimmer Michael Klim’s Milk & Co range
Australian pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores is tapping into the rapidly growing and highly lucrative men’s skincare category by launching Olympic gold medallist Michael Klim’s Milk & Co range in all 116 of its stores.
One of the strongest categories in 2012, with a current value growth of 3%, according to Euromonitor International, Discount Drug Stores is looking to cater to the rising number of Aussie men whose skincare routines no longer rely on just water and soap.
It’s why the pharmacy brand has specifically selected Milk & Co with Merchandise Manager at Discount Drug Stores Adam Goss stating its native roots and high profile founder will make the range more appealing to the local market.
“Michael Klim is an Australian icon who many men look up to, which is one of the key reasons we believe Milk & Co will be a strong seller for Discount Drug Stores” Mr Goss explained. “I think men will prefer to purchase a product that is not only used by, but that is made by a fellow Aussie, over the big international brands.”
Together with his wife Lindy, Michael launched Milk & Co in 2008 with the aim of providing Australian men with an affordable, natural and Australian made skincare range that would help protect their skin against the nation’s tough climate.
Since its launch the range has gone from strength to strength and has now expanded from the original men’s range to now offer baby skincare products, with Discount Drug Stores also looking at stocking the brand’s new women’s skincare line and protein-rich food range, Active.
The freestyle and butterfly champion, who will launch the range personally in six Brisbane Discount Drug Stores, says Milk & Co is an ideal fit for the pharmacy brand that shares the same community minded, family friendly focus.
“Milk & Co has come a long way since I first developed the men’s range to combat sun and chlorine exposure,” he said. “I’m really proud of what Lindy and I have achieved and look forward to seeing it hopefully continue to grow and experience success in the Australian marketplace through quality retailers like Discount Drug Stores.”
“Milk & Co is affordable, natural and suitable for all of our customers,” agreed Mr Goss. “We think it has huge potential and will be well received in all of our pharmacies.”
The brand’s men’s and baby skincare product lines will launch in all of Discount Drug Stores’ 116 pharmacies with the group to look at releasing more of the range in the future.
On November 19, Michael Klim will visit Springwood Discount Drug Store from 9am to 11am, followed by Greenslopes Discount Drug Store from 12 noon to 2pm and Sunny Park Discount Drug Store from 3pm to 5pm.
On November 20, he will visit Whites Hill Discount Drug Store from 9am to 11am, followed by Aspley Discount Drug Store from 12 noon to 2pm and Beenleigh Discount Drug Store from 3pm to 5pm.
Mr Klim will meet and greet customers, sign autographs, talk about his new range as well as give demonstrations and taste testings on his new Milk & Co Active range. For more information, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
One of the strongest categories in 2012, with a current value growth of 3%, according to Euromonitor International, Discount Drug Stores is looking to cater to the rising number of Aussie men whose skincare routines no longer rely on just water and soap.
It’s why the pharmacy brand has specifically selected Milk & Co with Merchandise Manager at Discount Drug Stores Adam Goss stating its native roots and high profile founder will make the range more appealing to the local market.
“Michael Klim is an Australian icon who many men look up to, which is one of the key reasons we believe Milk & Co will be a strong seller for Discount Drug Stores” Mr Goss explained. “I think men will prefer to purchase a product that is not only used by, but that is made by a fellow Aussie, over the big international brands.”
Together with his wife Lindy, Michael launched Milk & Co in 2008 with the aim of providing Australian men with an affordable, natural and Australian made skincare range that would help protect their skin against the nation’s tough climate.
Since its launch the range has gone from strength to strength and has now expanded from the original men’s range to now offer baby skincare products, with Discount Drug Stores also looking at stocking the brand’s new women’s skincare line and protein-rich food range, Active.
The freestyle and butterfly champion, who will launch the range personally in six Brisbane Discount Drug Stores, says Milk & Co is an ideal fit for the pharmacy brand that shares the same community minded, family friendly focus.
“Milk & Co has come a long way since I first developed the men’s range to combat sun and chlorine exposure,” he said. “I’m really proud of what Lindy and I have achieved and look forward to seeing it hopefully continue to grow and experience success in the Australian marketplace through quality retailers like Discount Drug Stores.”
“Milk & Co is affordable, natural and suitable for all of our customers,” agreed Mr Goss. “We think it has huge potential and will be well received in all of our pharmacies.”
The brand’s men’s and baby skincare product lines will launch in all of Discount Drug Stores’ 116 pharmacies with the group to look at releasing more of the range in the future.
On November 19, Michael Klim will visit Springwood Discount Drug Store from 9am to 11am, followed by Greenslopes Discount Drug Store from 12 noon to 2pm and Sunny Park Discount Drug Store from 3pm to 5pm.
On November 20, he will visit Whites Hill Discount Drug Store from 9am to 11am, followed by Aspley Discount Drug Store from 12 noon to 2pm and Beenleigh Discount Drug Store from 3pm to 5pm.
Mr Klim will meet and greet customers, sign autographs, talk about his new range as well as give demonstrations and taste testings on his new Milk & Co Active range. For more information, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Customers to reap major benefits from new automated dispensing technology
Looking to improve customer service, Discount Drug Stores has adopted the very latest innovation in robotic dispensing systems which it says will cut waiting times and allow pharmacists to spend more time consulting with customers and offering health advice.
The state of the art Robotic Automatic Dispensing Systems (Rowa), are being trialled in two of Discount Drug Stores’ Queensland outlets from this month and are set to save pharmacists time.
They will enable the community minded brand to focus on what it does best; improving its customers’ health, with Discount Drug Stores partner and director Rosa Chen stating customers will reap the most benefits.
“The automatic dispensers will mean pharmacists will have more time to spend advising customers or providing additional healthcare services they can’t get elsewhere,” she said. “In addition customers will also benefit from decreased waiting times for their scripts to be filled. They will ensure customers can get the most out of their pharmacy visit.”
The move towards automated dispensing will also mean Discount Drug Stores can focus more on providing customers with the wide range of professional health care services such as bone density testing and vaccination clinics, that it has become known for.
“It will enable pharmacists to redirect their time to being more readily available to help their customers with their health care needs,” Ms Chen explained. “They’ll be able to provide customers with on-going health services such as naturopathy or with a consulting room where they can go to speak privately about their health.”
The Rowa machines store medicines by expiry date, size and rate of sales, with pharmacists now simply needing to key the name of the medication they require into the computer to receive it, rather than having to manually look through shelves and draws.
The machines also store 97% of a pharmacy’s dispensary and are designed to replace low-level tasks with high payback activities that better help to improve business for pharmacy with Ms Chen stating they will make a big difference to its level of care.
“The Rowa will not result in a reduction of staff in store,” she said. “In fact, it will mean there will be more staff free to talk to customers one on one about their healthcare concerns. The machine simply allows pharmacists to focus on the most important aspect of their job, which is being there for customers when they need them.”
Sunny Park Discount Drug Store in Brisbane and Richardson Road Discount Drug Store in Rockhampton will be the first stores in the brand to test the new German engineered robots that look to be the way of the future for all pharmacies.
“Whilst it’s a significant investment that may take up to seven years to pay off, automated dispensing will play a key role in growing our business,” said Ms Chen. “The overall benefits are expected to be significant so we believe it will be very worthwhile.”
Discount Drug Stores will trial the robots for up to six months before evaluating whether they will be rolled out in more of the brand’s stores.
For more information on Discount Drug Stores, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.
Media Enquiries: please contact Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au
The state of the art Robotic Automatic Dispensing Systems (Rowa), are being trialled in two of Discount Drug Stores’ Queensland outlets from this month and are set to save pharmacists time.
They will enable the community minded brand to focus on what it does best; improving its customers’ health, with Discount Drug Stores partner and director Rosa Chen stating customers will reap the most benefits.
“The automatic dispensers will mean pharmacists will have more time to spend advising customers or providing additional healthcare services they can’t get elsewhere,” she said. “In addition customers will also benefit from decreased waiting times for their scripts to be filled. They will ensure customers can get the most out of their pharmacy visit.”
The move towards automated dispensing will also mean Discount Drug Stores can focus more on providing customers with the wide range of professional health care services such as bone density testing and vaccination clinics, that it has become known for.
“It will enable pharmacists to redirect their time to being more readily available to help their customers with their health care needs,” Ms Chen explained. “They’ll be able to provide customers with on-going health services such as naturopathy or with a consulting room where they can go to speak privately about their health.”
The Rowa machines store medicines by expiry date, size and rate of sales, with pharmacists now simply needing to key the name of the medication they require into the computer to receive it, rather than having to manually look through shelves and draws.
The machines also store 97% of a pharmacy’s dispensary and are designed to replace low-level tasks with high payback activities that better help to improve business for pharmacy with Ms Chen stating they will make a big difference to its level of care.
“The Rowa will not result in a reduction of staff in store,” she said. “In fact, it will mean there will be more staff free to talk to customers one on one about their healthcare concerns. The machine simply allows pharmacists to focus on the most important aspect of their job, which is being there for customers when they need them.”
Sunny Park Discount Drug Store in Brisbane and Richardson Road Discount Drug Store in Rockhampton will be the first stores in the brand to test the new German engineered robots that look to be the way of the future for all pharmacies.
“Whilst it’s a significant investment that may take up to seven years to pay off, automated dispensing will play a key role in growing our business,” said Ms Chen. “The overall benefits are expected to be significant so we believe it will be very worthwhile.”
Discount Drug Stores will trial the robots for up to six months before evaluating whether they will be rolled out in more of the brand’s stores.
For more information on Discount Drug Stores, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.
Media Enquiries: please contact Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Award winning insurance broker takes leading Australian web association from strength to strength
The National Insurance Broker Association’s 2013 Broker of the Year Parmia Insurance is proving its worth as Australia’s leading broker for membership groups with its recent work for the Australian Web Industry Association (AWIA).
While only signing a partnership with AWIA 12 months ago, Parmia has already helped to insure many of the association’s members with its tailored policy that uniquely accounts for all risks specific to web designers and developers.
Founder and Director of Parmia, which was established in Queensland in 2002, Danny Gumm states that the partnership between the two organisations was a result of Parmia’s comprehensive understanding of the industry.
“Upon analysis of the sector, we found that many web professionals were either not strongly protected against the unique exposures that their industry faced, or they were paying for cover that they didn’t need,” Mr Gumm explained. “We pride ourselves on working in their best interests, which we feel makes for a better partnership.”
Parmia worked extensively with world-leading insurer Lloyd’s of London to secure a policy for AWIA members that provided protection against some of the biggest risks facing the sector including infringement of intellectual property rights, breach of contract, invasion of privacy and misuse of information.
“Due to our incredibly strong connections with world leading insurers, we’ve been able to develop a tailored insurance policy for AWIA members that provides complete cover at an extremely affordable price,” said Mr Gumm. “I think that, in combination with the fact that we provide each member with personal, round the clock service, is what set us apart from our competitors.”
Chairman of AWIA Bret Treasure agrees, stating Parmia offers its members a level of security and protection that is unrivalled in the market place.
“Finding an insurance policy that suits the work that we do has always been difficult,” he said. “Parmia has provided a real solution to this that helps us to ensure that all of our members can operate efficiently and effectively, without having to constantly worry or wonder if they’re sufficiently protected for the services they’re providing.”
Currently working together with over 15 associations and membership based groups across Australia within a number of different industries from beauty and health to market research and graphic design, Parmia prides itself on delivering personal service.
“Every industry we assist has its own unique risks that have to be addressed so we treat it as a priority to always meet personally with our clients on a pre-agreed basis to resolve any issues they face and to minimise the exposures of their industry,” said Mr Gumm.
The company also goes above just providing insurance and risk management services for its clients, making it a point to support its associations’ key events such as AWIA’s recent Australian Web Awards.
Held in Sydney on October 25, Parmia was a principal sponsor of the awards which recognised and rewarded excellence within all areas of the web industry from website development to search engine marketing and social media.
“We like to really get to know our clients and to work with them in all facets of their business so that we know them inside and out,” explained Mr Gumm. “It’s the only way to really understand the risks they face and the level of cover they need.”
For more information on Parmia Insurance and its work with AWIA, please visit www.parmiainsurance.com.au.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
While only signing a partnership with AWIA 12 months ago, Parmia has already helped to insure many of the association’s members with its tailored policy that uniquely accounts for all risks specific to web designers and developers.
Founder and Director of Parmia, which was established in Queensland in 2002, Danny Gumm states that the partnership between the two organisations was a result of Parmia’s comprehensive understanding of the industry.
“Upon analysis of the sector, we found that many web professionals were either not strongly protected against the unique exposures that their industry faced, or they were paying for cover that they didn’t need,” Mr Gumm explained. “We pride ourselves on working in their best interests, which we feel makes for a better partnership.”
Parmia worked extensively with world-leading insurer Lloyd’s of London to secure a policy for AWIA members that provided protection against some of the biggest risks facing the sector including infringement of intellectual property rights, breach of contract, invasion of privacy and misuse of information.
“Due to our incredibly strong connections with world leading insurers, we’ve been able to develop a tailored insurance policy for AWIA members that provides complete cover at an extremely affordable price,” said Mr Gumm. “I think that, in combination with the fact that we provide each member with personal, round the clock service, is what set us apart from our competitors.”
Chairman of AWIA Bret Treasure agrees, stating Parmia offers its members a level of security and protection that is unrivalled in the market place.
“Finding an insurance policy that suits the work that we do has always been difficult,” he said. “Parmia has provided a real solution to this that helps us to ensure that all of our members can operate efficiently and effectively, without having to constantly worry or wonder if they’re sufficiently protected for the services they’re providing.”
Currently working together with over 15 associations and membership based groups across Australia within a number of different industries from beauty and health to market research and graphic design, Parmia prides itself on delivering personal service.
“Every industry we assist has its own unique risks that have to be addressed so we treat it as a priority to always meet personally with our clients on a pre-agreed basis to resolve any issues they face and to minimise the exposures of their industry,” said Mr Gumm.
The company also goes above just providing insurance and risk management services for its clients, making it a point to support its associations’ key events such as AWIA’s recent Australian Web Awards.
Held in Sydney on October 25, Parmia was a principal sponsor of the awards which recognised and rewarded excellence within all areas of the web industry from website development to search engine marketing and social media.
“We like to really get to know our clients and to work with them in all facets of their business so that we know them inside and out,” explained Mr Gumm. “It’s the only way to really understand the risks they face and the level of cover they need.”
For more information on Parmia Insurance and its work with AWIA, please visit www.parmiainsurance.com.au.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Australian woman undergoes first single incision robotic hysterectomy to reduce her chances of ovarian cancer
Shocked to learn that she was at high risk of getting ovarian cancer, breast cancer survivor Dr Theresa Truong recently made the brave decision to undergo Australia’s first single incision robotic hysterectomy procedure.
Tired from a two year battle with breast cancer, Dr Truong was willing to do whatever it took to avoid ovarian cancer which, whilst not as common as breast cancer, is the sixth most common cancer that Australian women typically die from.
She didn’t think twice before agreeing to undergo what looks to be the way of the future for hysterectomies in Australia, stating her sole focus was on ensuring she had little to no chance of getting the deadly disease.
“I didn't hesitate to have the hysterectomy,” she said. “I would have all of my organs that are at risk of cancer removed if I could to avoid going through cancer treatment again.”
Performed by leading gynaecologist Dr Felix Chan at Sydney’s Westmead Private Hospital, the surgery, conducted using the da Vinci Surgical System, saw Dr Truong’s reproductive organs removed via a single two centimetre incision to the naval.
The procedure went so well that Dr Truong was discharged from hospital just 24 hours after undergoing surgery, with the Camden dentist saying she was blown away by how little pain and scarring there was.
“My friends had all told me to expect to stay in hospital a week and to expect some pain but when I woke from the operation I remember turning to the nurse and asking ‘where’s the pain?’ I’m still waiting for it now, but there’s been none.”
Approximately 50,000 hysterectomies are performed in Australia each year, with a rising number of women, like Dr Truong, undergoing the procedure to lessen their chances of gynaecological cancers.
The majority are performed using either an open abdominal or laparoscopic approach which involves patients spending on average three to seven days in hospital and taking six to eight weeks to recover. The new single site incision not only appears to aid recovery but is cosmetically more appealing when compared to a conventional hysterectomy approach.
“The first procedure went very smoothly,” said Dr Felix Chan. “The team worked really well together and the patient was stable throughout. We lost only 20 millilitres of blood in comparison to a normal open hysterectomy which usually results in a loss of 300 to 400 millilitres. I most definitely think this technology will be the way of the future both for robotic surgery but also for performing hysterectomies in Australia.”
Dr Chan continued stating the procedure is a far more advanced and efficient form of laparoscopic surgery that significantly reduces operating time for surgeons and recovery time for patients.
“The da Vinci Surgical System involves using an articulated instrument that can go around the corners of the pelvis and underneath tissues and sutures more efficiently and precisely than conventional laparoscopic instruments,” he said. “It takes less time, and causes minimal pain, meaning the patient’s recovery time is significantly shortened. Also, because there’s only a small cut to the abdomen, there’s less chance of infection and minimal bleeding.”
Whilst still relatively new, Westmead Private Hospital has fast made a name for itself as a facility of world leading doctors and advanced surgical procedures.
“Robotic assisted surgery, which is also used extensively in urology and colorectal surgery, is the next phase in the evolution of minimally invasive surgery and healthcare in Australia,” said Tim Daniel, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer. “We believe this positions our facility at the forefront of robotic surgery in Australia.”
As for Dr Truong, she says she would recommend the surgery to any woman considering a hysterectomy and that it’s given her invaluable peace of mind.
“I cannot speak enough about it, it’s fantastic,” she said. “Surgeries are so terrible; you have to endure so much pain and discomfort. But with this surgery, you go straight home. It’s amazing.”
For more information on Westmead Private Hospital or the da Vinci Surgical System, please visit http://www.westmeadprivate.com.au/.
Media Enquiries: please contact Suzanne Ross on 07 3250 9406 or 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Note to Editors:
Dr Theresa Truong is a dentist from Camden in New South Wales. Dr Truong underwent Australia’s first single site robotic hysterectomy on August 30, 2013. She was discharged the following day and has experienced minimal pain and discomfort. Dr Truong only required basic painkillers such as paracetamol and is up and moving at almost normal capacity.
Dr Felix Chan is a leading laparoscopic surgeon, colposcopist, and a gynaecological oncologist based in New South Wales. He is Director of Gynaecological Oncology and Endoscopic Surgery at Liverpool Hospital and is appointed at Westmead Private Hospital. Dr Chan has pioneered many laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques in Australia and is the first proctor in robotic gynaecological surgery in New South Wales.
The da Vinci Surgical System is a robotic surgical system made by the American company Intuitive Surgical. It is designed to facilitate complex surgery using a minimally invasive approach, and is controlled by a surgeon from a console.
Westmead Private Hospital is a leading healthcare facility in Sydney, New South Wales that was established by Ramsay Health Care in 2000. Westmead Private Hospital specialises in a diverse range of surgical fields but is highly regarded for obstetrics, gynaecology, neurology, cardiology and urology. It was among the first five hospitals in Australia to purchase the da Vinci Surgical System and single site instrumentation.
Interview and picture opportunities are available with all parties quoted in the release.
For more information, please contact Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on the contact details provided above.
Tired from a two year battle with breast cancer, Dr Truong was willing to do whatever it took to avoid ovarian cancer which, whilst not as common as breast cancer, is the sixth most common cancer that Australian women typically die from.
She didn’t think twice before agreeing to undergo what looks to be the way of the future for hysterectomies in Australia, stating her sole focus was on ensuring she had little to no chance of getting the deadly disease.
“I didn't hesitate to have the hysterectomy,” she said. “I would have all of my organs that are at risk of cancer removed if I could to avoid going through cancer treatment again.”
Performed by leading gynaecologist Dr Felix Chan at Sydney’s Westmead Private Hospital, the surgery, conducted using the da Vinci Surgical System, saw Dr Truong’s reproductive organs removed via a single two centimetre incision to the naval.
The procedure went so well that Dr Truong was discharged from hospital just 24 hours after undergoing surgery, with the Camden dentist saying she was blown away by how little pain and scarring there was.
“My friends had all told me to expect to stay in hospital a week and to expect some pain but when I woke from the operation I remember turning to the nurse and asking ‘where’s the pain?’ I’m still waiting for it now, but there’s been none.”
Approximately 50,000 hysterectomies are performed in Australia each year, with a rising number of women, like Dr Truong, undergoing the procedure to lessen their chances of gynaecological cancers.
The majority are performed using either an open abdominal or laparoscopic approach which involves patients spending on average three to seven days in hospital and taking six to eight weeks to recover. The new single site incision not only appears to aid recovery but is cosmetically more appealing when compared to a conventional hysterectomy approach.
“The first procedure went very smoothly,” said Dr Felix Chan. “The team worked really well together and the patient was stable throughout. We lost only 20 millilitres of blood in comparison to a normal open hysterectomy which usually results in a loss of 300 to 400 millilitres. I most definitely think this technology will be the way of the future both for robotic surgery but also for performing hysterectomies in Australia.”
Dr Chan continued stating the procedure is a far more advanced and efficient form of laparoscopic surgery that significantly reduces operating time for surgeons and recovery time for patients.
“The da Vinci Surgical System involves using an articulated instrument that can go around the corners of the pelvis and underneath tissues and sutures more efficiently and precisely than conventional laparoscopic instruments,” he said. “It takes less time, and causes minimal pain, meaning the patient’s recovery time is significantly shortened. Also, because there’s only a small cut to the abdomen, there’s less chance of infection and minimal bleeding.”
Whilst still relatively new, Westmead Private Hospital has fast made a name for itself as a facility of world leading doctors and advanced surgical procedures.
“Robotic assisted surgery, which is also used extensively in urology and colorectal surgery, is the next phase in the evolution of minimally invasive surgery and healthcare in Australia,” said Tim Daniel, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer. “We believe this positions our facility at the forefront of robotic surgery in Australia.”
As for Dr Truong, she says she would recommend the surgery to any woman considering a hysterectomy and that it’s given her invaluable peace of mind.
“I cannot speak enough about it, it’s fantastic,” she said. “Surgeries are so terrible; you have to endure so much pain and discomfort. But with this surgery, you go straight home. It’s amazing.”
For more information on Westmead Private Hospital or the da Vinci Surgical System, please visit http://www.westmeadprivate.com.au/.
Media Enquiries: please contact Suzanne Ross on 07 3250 9406 or 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Note to Editors:
Dr Theresa Truong is a dentist from Camden in New South Wales. Dr Truong underwent Australia’s first single site robotic hysterectomy on August 30, 2013. She was discharged the following day and has experienced minimal pain and discomfort. Dr Truong only required basic painkillers such as paracetamol and is up and moving at almost normal capacity.
Dr Felix Chan is a leading laparoscopic surgeon, colposcopist, and a gynaecological oncologist based in New South Wales. He is Director of Gynaecological Oncology and Endoscopic Surgery at Liverpool Hospital and is appointed at Westmead Private Hospital. Dr Chan has pioneered many laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques in Australia and is the first proctor in robotic gynaecological surgery in New South Wales.
The da Vinci Surgical System is a robotic surgical system made by the American company Intuitive Surgical. It is designed to facilitate complex surgery using a minimally invasive approach, and is controlled by a surgeon from a console.
Westmead Private Hospital is a leading healthcare facility in Sydney, New South Wales that was established by Ramsay Health Care in 2000. Westmead Private Hospital specialises in a diverse range of surgical fields but is highly regarded for obstetrics, gynaecology, neurology, cardiology and urology. It was among the first five hospitals in Australia to purchase the da Vinci Surgical System and single site instrumentation.
Interview and picture opportunities are available with all parties quoted in the release.
For more information, please contact Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on the contact details provided above.
Pharmacy bone density tests find 50% of patients at risk of osteoporosis
Nearly 50% of patients who took part in pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores’ bone density clinics, which ran in over 100 of its pharmacies during August, have been found to be at risk of osteoporosis.
Over 2,000 Australians took part in the clinics, which aimed to better educate customers about osteoporosis, a serious condition that can increase incidences of fractures, potentially resulting in chronic pain, hospitalisations and even premature death.
Discount Drug Stores’ Professional Services Manager, Casey Clark says the brand is proud that its clinics have helped so many people to identify their risk and to take preventative action against bone disease, before it’s too late.
“Bone disease is often referred to as the ‘silent disease’ because it shows no symptoms,” she said. “That’s why regular testing is so important and I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to get through to so many people and to really raise awareness of this debilitating condition that has no cure.”
Discount Drug Stores’ clinics enabled customers to take a simple and quick ultrasonic bone density test and consult with a clinician about their results, personal risk factors and the preventative measures and treatments they should be taking.
In addition, customers were also advised on lifestyle measures they could take to reduce their chance of bone disease with Ms Clark stating this was just as important as physically testing a person’s bone density.
“It wasn’t just about testing a customer’s bone density to see if they had or were at high risk of developing osteoporosis,” she said. “It was also about evaluating lifestyle and diet factors such as if they had low vitamin D levels, low calcium intake, were smokers or were on any medications that may increase risk of osteoporosis.
“This assessment was just as important as the bone density testing itself because it’s here where people can take real preventative action against the disease and where we can help them to make positive lifestyle changes before it’s too late.”
A debilitating condition that can result in a loss of functionality and independence, osteoporosis predominantly affects Australians over the age of 50 and is caused by bones losing their density, thereby increasing risks of fractures.
Currently more than one million Australians are affected by the condition but Ms Clark says she hopes the community focused pharmacy brand’s clinics have helped to raise awareness of the disease and of the importance of regular bone density testing.
“Many of our stores clinics were fully booked and some even had to hold additional clinics in order to meet customer demand,” she said. “It’s an incredibly positive result and I hope that they’ve prompted widespread discussion and awareness of a disease that is not often spoken about or promoted.”
For more information on Discount Drug Stores and its bone density clinics, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.
Media enquiries: please contact Suzanne Ross on 0488 441 589 or 07 3250 9406 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Over 2,000 Australians took part in the clinics, which aimed to better educate customers about osteoporosis, a serious condition that can increase incidences of fractures, potentially resulting in chronic pain, hospitalisations and even premature death.
Discount Drug Stores’ Professional Services Manager, Casey Clark says the brand is proud that its clinics have helped so many people to identify their risk and to take preventative action against bone disease, before it’s too late.
“Bone disease is often referred to as the ‘silent disease’ because it shows no symptoms,” she said. “That’s why regular testing is so important and I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to get through to so many people and to really raise awareness of this debilitating condition that has no cure.”
Discount Drug Stores’ clinics enabled customers to take a simple and quick ultrasonic bone density test and consult with a clinician about their results, personal risk factors and the preventative measures and treatments they should be taking.
In addition, customers were also advised on lifestyle measures they could take to reduce their chance of bone disease with Ms Clark stating this was just as important as physically testing a person’s bone density.
“It wasn’t just about testing a customer’s bone density to see if they had or were at high risk of developing osteoporosis,” she said. “It was also about evaluating lifestyle and diet factors such as if they had low vitamin D levels, low calcium intake, were smokers or were on any medications that may increase risk of osteoporosis.
“This assessment was just as important as the bone density testing itself because it’s here where people can take real preventative action against the disease and where we can help them to make positive lifestyle changes before it’s too late.”
A debilitating condition that can result in a loss of functionality and independence, osteoporosis predominantly affects Australians over the age of 50 and is caused by bones losing their density, thereby increasing risks of fractures.
Currently more than one million Australians are affected by the condition but Ms Clark says she hopes the community focused pharmacy brand’s clinics have helped to raise awareness of the disease and of the importance of regular bone density testing.
“Many of our stores clinics were fully booked and some even had to hold additional clinics in order to meet customer demand,” she said. “It’s an incredibly positive result and I hope that they’ve prompted widespread discussion and awareness of a disease that is not often spoken about or promoted.”
For more information on Discount Drug Stores and its bone density clinics, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.
Media enquiries: please contact Suzanne Ross on 0488 441 589 or 07 3250 9406 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Queensland insurance broker set for rapid national expansion
Specialising in providing Australian associations and membership based groups with tailored insurance and risk management services is well and truly paying off for niche Queensland insurance broker Parmia Insurance.
In addition to being an Australian Insurance Award Finalist for the past two years, the firm recently won Queensland Young Professional Broker of the Year and Queensland Broker of the Year at the National Insurance Broker Association’s (NIBA) state awards.
The firm is now poised for rapid expansion across Australia, with Founder and Director Danny Gumm attributing Parmia’s success to taking a left of field approach to insurance broking by selecting a relatively untapped market to target.
“I established Parmia Insurance because I was concerned about seeing professional associations and their members left unprotected or at significant risk from inadequate ‘off-the-shelf’ insurance policies,” explained Mr Gumm. “There wasn’t really anyone looking at each professional industry’s unique exposures and needs.”
Established in 2002, currently, Parmia looks after 15 associations and their members across Australia, covering a wide range of industries including beauty, health, graphic design, IT and learning and business development.
Working with the world’s best insurers including Lloyd’s of London, Mr Gumm states the company’s core point of difference is that it works together with its clients to get a comprehensive understanding of their industry and members’ needs.
“Every industry we assist has its own unique risks that have to be addressed so taking a blanket approach to every client is just not feasible,” he said. “We treat it as a priority to always meet face to face with each association on a pre-agreed basis to maintain and implement an ever evolving detailed and tailored risk management and insurance policy.
“We pride ourselves on working with professional associations to minimise the exposures of their industry with positive risk management,” Mr Gumm continued. “We resolve any issues they face by sourcing cover on their behalf, or providing a viable cost solution for both the insurer and insured alike.”
Parmia’s tailored service offering has resulted in the firm being able to develop solutions for industries where cover has been particularly difficult.
Prime examples include its solution afforded to the beauty industry for high end procedures when no cover was available and the firm currently providing one of the only risk management and insurance options available to the tattoo industry.
It’s this personal approach that’s also resulting in Parmia’s rapid expansion and the firm is showing no signs of slowing down, already pinpointing the allied medical and alternative health industries as key areas of growth.
Mr Gumm states that the company’s combined 30 years of experience working in the beauty industry places Parmia in a uniquely qualified position to cater to these two target markets.
“There is a real synergy between the alternative health and allied medical industries and the ever expanding beauty industry that we can really take advantage of,” he said. “By tailoring our award winning beauty insurance products to suit these two closely related industries, I believe we’ll be able to establish Parmia as the leader in this sector.”
Mr Gumm says the insurance broking firm has come a long way since it was first established and that the next phase of business will be about taking Parmia Insurance to the next level by wholesaling many of its unique products.
“This first decade of business for Parmia has been focused on creating our own niche in what is an incredibly competitive marketplace,” said Mr Gumm. “We’ve built a very strong platform and reputation that I believe puts us in good stead to now drive forward and really position ourselves as one of Australia’s leading firms.”
For more information on Parmia Insurance, please visit www.parmiainsurance.com.au.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
In addition to being an Australian Insurance Award Finalist for the past two years, the firm recently won Queensland Young Professional Broker of the Year and Queensland Broker of the Year at the National Insurance Broker Association’s (NIBA) state awards.
The firm is now poised for rapid expansion across Australia, with Founder and Director Danny Gumm attributing Parmia’s success to taking a left of field approach to insurance broking by selecting a relatively untapped market to target.
“I established Parmia Insurance because I was concerned about seeing professional associations and their members left unprotected or at significant risk from inadequate ‘off-the-shelf’ insurance policies,” explained Mr Gumm. “There wasn’t really anyone looking at each professional industry’s unique exposures and needs.”
Established in 2002, currently, Parmia looks after 15 associations and their members across Australia, covering a wide range of industries including beauty, health, graphic design, IT and learning and business development.
Working with the world’s best insurers including Lloyd’s of London, Mr Gumm states the company’s core point of difference is that it works together with its clients to get a comprehensive understanding of their industry and members’ needs.
“Every industry we assist has its own unique risks that have to be addressed so taking a blanket approach to every client is just not feasible,” he said. “We treat it as a priority to always meet face to face with each association on a pre-agreed basis to maintain and implement an ever evolving detailed and tailored risk management and insurance policy.
“We pride ourselves on working with professional associations to minimise the exposures of their industry with positive risk management,” Mr Gumm continued. “We resolve any issues they face by sourcing cover on their behalf, or providing a viable cost solution for both the insurer and insured alike.”
Parmia’s tailored service offering has resulted in the firm being able to develop solutions for industries where cover has been particularly difficult.
Prime examples include its solution afforded to the beauty industry for high end procedures when no cover was available and the firm currently providing one of the only risk management and insurance options available to the tattoo industry.
It’s this personal approach that’s also resulting in Parmia’s rapid expansion and the firm is showing no signs of slowing down, already pinpointing the allied medical and alternative health industries as key areas of growth.
Mr Gumm states that the company’s combined 30 years of experience working in the beauty industry places Parmia in a uniquely qualified position to cater to these two target markets.
“There is a real synergy between the alternative health and allied medical industries and the ever expanding beauty industry that we can really take advantage of,” he said. “By tailoring our award winning beauty insurance products to suit these two closely related industries, I believe we’ll be able to establish Parmia as the leader in this sector.”
Mr Gumm says the insurance broking firm has come a long way since it was first established and that the next phase of business will be about taking Parmia Insurance to the next level by wholesaling many of its unique products.
“This first decade of business for Parmia has been focused on creating our own niche in what is an incredibly competitive marketplace,” said Mr Gumm. “We’ve built a very strong platform and reputation that I believe puts us in good stead to now drive forward and really position ourselves as one of Australia’s leading firms.”
For more information on Parmia Insurance, please visit www.parmiainsurance.com.au.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Virgin Mobile Australia Partners with CSG to Improve the Customer Experience with CSG Singleview®
Leading Australian Operator Expands Use of the Market-Leading Singleview Platform to Manage Credit Limits and Provide Account Notifications
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (September 24, 2013) — Virgin Mobile Australia, one of the country’s most popular mobile operators, and CSG Systems International, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSGS), a global provider of interactive transaction-driven solutions and services, today announced that Virgin Mobile has expanded its use of CSG Singleview to improve the customer experience and meet changing regulatory standards.
CSG’s partnership with Virgin Mobile spans more than 12 years. During that time, Singleview has scaled seamlessly in line with Virgin Mobile’s growth in the Australian market.
“CSG Singleview is the core of our billing operations,” said Graham Milne, Director of Technology and Delivery at Virgin Mobile Australia. “Singleview delivers exceptional flexibility and allows us to develop new services quickly in a highly competitive market.”
New capabilities supported by CSG Singleview allow Virgin Mobile customers to view and manage account balances accurately. This empowers customers to control their credit limits and provides them with usage notifications that help avoid bill shock caused by higher-than-expected voice and data usage.
“Virgin Mobile’s enhancement of Singleview is focused on improving their already impressive customer experience,” said Ian Watterson, vice president and managing director of Asia-Pacific for CSG. “Virgin Mobile’s customers are now in full control of their spend, allowing them to avoid exceeding their voice and data limits through market-leading anti-bill-shock features.”
The solution also enables Virgin Mobile to remain in full compliance with Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) standards. Today, more than 60 of the world’s leading wireline, wireless, mobile and IP network operators rely on CSG’s next-generation Singleview platform for their fully converged real-time prepaid and postpaid charging and billing services.
About Virgin Mobile Australia
Here at Virgin Mobile, we've been putting our customers first for over 12 years. Ever since Richard Branson saw an opportunity to stir up the Aussie telco market in the early noughties, we've been making a splash with our innovative products, cheeky ad campaigns and world-class customer service. We've certainly come a long way from the early days when each new connection meant a little bell rang in the call centre, to proudly having more than 1 million customers in Australia. And they're happy customers too: we've been rated the No 1 telco for Customer Satisfaction for some time now. We think a telco relationship should be rewarding so our customers also receive a host of benefits including Virgin Family perks, exclusive discounts and VIP access to gigs and music festivals. And because we use the Optus network it means that up to 98% of the population in Oz can get a clear Virgin Mobile signal. So come and join us! Get personal with us @ www.facebook.com/VirginMobileAus or www.twitter.com/virginmobileaus,
About CSG International
CSG Systems International, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSGS) is a market-leading business support solutions and services company serving the majority of the top 100 global communications service providers, including leaders in fixed, mobile, and next-generation networks such as AT&T, Comcast, DISH, France Telecom, Orange, Reliance, SingTel Optus, Telecom New Zealand, Telefonica, Time Warner Cable, T-Mobile, Verizon, Vivo, and Vodafone. With more than 30 years of experience and expertise in voice, video, data, and content services, CSG International offers a broad portfolio of licensed and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)-based products and solutions that help clients compete more effectively, improve business operations and deliver a more impactful customer experience across a variety of touch points. For more information, visit our website at www.csgi.com.
Contact:
Melissa Gompes
Public Relations Manager
Virgin Mobile Australia
(02) 8085 1970
Melissa.gompes@virginmobile.com.au
KC Higgins
Public Relations
CSG International
+1 (303) 434-8163
kc.higgins@csgi.com
Liz Bauer
Investor Relations
CSG International
+1 (303) 804-4065
Liz.bauer@csgi.com
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (September 24, 2013) — Virgin Mobile Australia, one of the country’s most popular mobile operators, and CSG Systems International, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSGS), a global provider of interactive transaction-driven solutions and services, today announced that Virgin Mobile has expanded its use of CSG Singleview to improve the customer experience and meet changing regulatory standards.
CSG’s partnership with Virgin Mobile spans more than 12 years. During that time, Singleview has scaled seamlessly in line with Virgin Mobile’s growth in the Australian market.
“CSG Singleview is the core of our billing operations,” said Graham Milne, Director of Technology and Delivery at Virgin Mobile Australia. “Singleview delivers exceptional flexibility and allows us to develop new services quickly in a highly competitive market.”
New capabilities supported by CSG Singleview allow Virgin Mobile customers to view and manage account balances accurately. This empowers customers to control their credit limits and provides them with usage notifications that help avoid bill shock caused by higher-than-expected voice and data usage.
“Virgin Mobile’s enhancement of Singleview is focused on improving their already impressive customer experience,” said Ian Watterson, vice president and managing director of Asia-Pacific for CSG. “Virgin Mobile’s customers are now in full control of their spend, allowing them to avoid exceeding their voice and data limits through market-leading anti-bill-shock features.”
The solution also enables Virgin Mobile to remain in full compliance with Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) standards. Today, more than 60 of the world’s leading wireline, wireless, mobile and IP network operators rely on CSG’s next-generation Singleview platform for their fully converged real-time prepaid and postpaid charging and billing services.
About Virgin Mobile Australia
Here at Virgin Mobile, we've been putting our customers first for over 12 years. Ever since Richard Branson saw an opportunity to stir up the Aussie telco market in the early noughties, we've been making a splash with our innovative products, cheeky ad campaigns and world-class customer service. We've certainly come a long way from the early days when each new connection meant a little bell rang in the call centre, to proudly having more than 1 million customers in Australia. And they're happy customers too: we've been rated the No 1 telco for Customer Satisfaction for some time now. We think a telco relationship should be rewarding so our customers also receive a host of benefits including Virgin Family perks, exclusive discounts and VIP access to gigs and music festivals. And because we use the Optus network it means that up to 98% of the population in Oz can get a clear Virgin Mobile signal. So come and join us! Get personal with us @ www.facebook.com/VirginMobileAus or www.twitter.com/virginmobileaus,
About CSG International
CSG Systems International, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSGS) is a market-leading business support solutions and services company serving the majority of the top 100 global communications service providers, including leaders in fixed, mobile, and next-generation networks such as AT&T, Comcast, DISH, France Telecom, Orange, Reliance, SingTel Optus, Telecom New Zealand, Telefonica, Time Warner Cable, T-Mobile, Verizon, Vivo, and Vodafone. With more than 30 years of experience and expertise in voice, video, data, and content services, CSG International offers a broad portfolio of licensed and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)-based products and solutions that help clients compete more effectively, improve business operations and deliver a more impactful customer experience across a variety of touch points. For more information, visit our website at www.csgi.com.
Contact:
Melissa Gompes
Public Relations Manager
Virgin Mobile Australia
(02) 8085 1970
Melissa.gompes@virginmobile.com.au
KC Higgins
Public Relations
CSG International
+1 (303) 434-8163
kc.higgins@csgi.com
Liz Bauer
Investor Relations
CSG International
+1 (303) 804-4065
Liz.bauer@csgi.com
Friday, July 26, 2013
The Lady Musgrave Trust seeks community support for goal to raise $500,000 for homeless shelter
The Lady Musgrave Trust's efforts to raise $500,000 to fund a new shelter for young homeless women have not gone unnoticed by Queensland journalists and our supportive Brisbane community.
Here is a snapshot of some of the media coverage we’ve attained:
96FIVE FM - with Pete Hill
97.3FM - with Paul 'Campo' Campion
4BC Drive
4ZZZ
http://www.4zzzfm.org.au/news/audio/2013/jul/20/shelter-needed-homelessness-rise
City North News (available Monday 29 July at
http://quest.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx).
Here is a snapshot of some of the media coverage we’ve attained:
96FIVE FM - with Pete Hill
97.3FM - with Paul 'Campo' Campion
4BC Drive
4ZZZ
http://www.4zzzfm.org.au/news/audio/2013/jul/20/shelter-needed-homelessness-rise
City North News (available Monday 29 July at
http://quest.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx).
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Discount Drug Stores joins the Cerebral Palsy League’s Picnic in the Park
Looking to provide additional support to thousands of Queenslanders with cerebral palsy, community pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores is joining the Cerebral Palsy League’s Picnic in the Park on Sunday July 28.
Coinciding with Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week (July 28 to August 3), the pharmacy brand will give people with, or who have loved ones with cerebral palsy, health care advice at the Cerebral Palsy League’s first ever Wellness Centre.
Pharmacist at Discount Drug Stores Casey Clark says the brand felt compelled to help at the Cerebral Palsy League’s biggest annual fundraising event which aims to celebrate the achievements of Queenslanders with physical disabilities.
“At Discount Drug Stores we have customers either with cerebral palsy or who are caring for someone with the condition,” she said, “so we felt it was important to support those who help people with cerebral palsy, so they can lead fulfilling lives regardless of their condition.
“By supporting the Cerebral Palsy League, we feel like we are achieving this,” Ms Clark continued. “The Cerebral Palsy League offers fundamental support to people with cerebral palsy by providing therapies that help them to communicate, to move and to do many of the day to day activities that we take for granted.”
It is estimated that 34,000 Australians have cerebral palsy, 7,000 of which are Queenslanders, with the condition the most common childhood physical disability in Australia.
Affecting the way the brain controls the body’s muscles, resulting in speech, movement and posture difficulties, the severity of cerebral palsy varies from case to case depending on the area of the body affected and the type of impairment.
Four pharmacists including Ms Clark will be on hand at Discount Drug Stores’ booth at the Picnic in the Park to advise people on managing their medication and to ensure they’re taking it correctly and getting the most benefit from it.
In addition to having one on one consultation with pharmacists, picnickers will also be able to search through 3,500 different health topics on Discount Drug Stores’ Health Point touch screen computer.
“The Health Point is an incredibly useful free device for guests,” said Ms Clark. “It will allow people to not just learn more about a range of conditions but to conduct risk assessments as well. They can then print off their results or information and take it with them to use as a continual reference point.”
The Wellness Centre will also include massage booths where guests can go for relief or relaxation, information sessions on the Cerebral Palsy League’s Healthy Habits program and a special section where people with dietary requirements can prepare and enjoy their own food.
A community focused pharmacy brand that supports a number of charities including Assistance Dogs Australia and FreeToBeKids, Discount Drug Stores hopes that this year’s Picnic in the Park will be the biggest ever for the Cerebral Palsy League.
“It looks like the event is already going to exceed the 8,000 picnickers that turned up last year, which is fantastic,” said Ms Clark. “We hope that we can help to raise more money than ever before for the Cerebral Palsy League so that it can continue to provide its invaluable support and services.”
The Cerebral Palsy League’s Picnic in the Park will take place at Roma Street Parkland’s Celebration Lawn on Sunday July 28 from 10am to 3pm and will include gourmet food, live entertainment from Nick Jr’s Dora the Explorer and Pop Opera group Belladiva, wildlife displays and a kids’ sideshow alley.
Discount Drug Stores will also be giving away sample bags and running competitions throughout the day. For more information on Discount Drug Stores’ charity work please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au/charity or to learn more about the Cerebral Palsy League’s Picnic in the Park visit www.picnicinthepark.org.au.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Coinciding with Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week (July 28 to August 3), the pharmacy brand will give people with, or who have loved ones with cerebral palsy, health care advice at the Cerebral Palsy League’s first ever Wellness Centre.
Pharmacist at Discount Drug Stores Casey Clark says the brand felt compelled to help at the Cerebral Palsy League’s biggest annual fundraising event which aims to celebrate the achievements of Queenslanders with physical disabilities.
“At Discount Drug Stores we have customers either with cerebral palsy or who are caring for someone with the condition,” she said, “so we felt it was important to support those who help people with cerebral palsy, so they can lead fulfilling lives regardless of their condition.
“By supporting the Cerebral Palsy League, we feel like we are achieving this,” Ms Clark continued. “The Cerebral Palsy League offers fundamental support to people with cerebral palsy by providing therapies that help them to communicate, to move and to do many of the day to day activities that we take for granted.”
It is estimated that 34,000 Australians have cerebral palsy, 7,000 of which are Queenslanders, with the condition the most common childhood physical disability in Australia.
Affecting the way the brain controls the body’s muscles, resulting in speech, movement and posture difficulties, the severity of cerebral palsy varies from case to case depending on the area of the body affected and the type of impairment.
Four pharmacists including Ms Clark will be on hand at Discount Drug Stores’ booth at the Picnic in the Park to advise people on managing their medication and to ensure they’re taking it correctly and getting the most benefit from it.
In addition to having one on one consultation with pharmacists, picnickers will also be able to search through 3,500 different health topics on Discount Drug Stores’ Health Point touch screen computer.
“The Health Point is an incredibly useful free device for guests,” said Ms Clark. “It will allow people to not just learn more about a range of conditions but to conduct risk assessments as well. They can then print off their results or information and take it with them to use as a continual reference point.”
The Wellness Centre will also include massage booths where guests can go for relief or relaxation, information sessions on the Cerebral Palsy League’s Healthy Habits program and a special section where people with dietary requirements can prepare and enjoy their own food.
A community focused pharmacy brand that supports a number of charities including Assistance Dogs Australia and FreeToBeKids, Discount Drug Stores hopes that this year’s Picnic in the Park will be the biggest ever for the Cerebral Palsy League.
“It looks like the event is already going to exceed the 8,000 picnickers that turned up last year, which is fantastic,” said Ms Clark. “We hope that we can help to raise more money than ever before for the Cerebral Palsy League so that it can continue to provide its invaluable support and services.”
The Cerebral Palsy League’s Picnic in the Park will take place at Roma Street Parkland’s Celebration Lawn on Sunday July 28 from 10am to 3pm and will include gourmet food, live entertainment from Nick Jr’s Dora the Explorer and Pop Opera group Belladiva, wildlife displays and a kids’ sideshow alley.
Discount Drug Stores will also be giving away sample bags and running competitions throughout the day. For more information on Discount Drug Stores’ charity work please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au/charity or to learn more about the Cerebral Palsy League’s Picnic in the Park visit www.picnicinthepark.org.au.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
New use for beauty wonder oil has Australians buzzing
Known as a ‘wonder’ beauty product for its ability to rejuvenate, nourish and heal dry and damaged hair, Australians will now be able to reap even more benefits from argan oil thanks to the launch of ECO. Modern Essential’s Argan Face Oil.
Developed by the leading Australian natural skincare company to provide Australians suffering from skin conditions with a safe, organic treatment option, ECO.’s Argan Face Oil has helped to reduce skin inflammation, rashes, eczema and acne.
“Argan face oil is particularly effective because it packs a real ‘one-two’ punch,” said Chief Executive Officer of ECO. Modern Essentials Claire Mitchell. “Firstly, it is high in essential fatty acids Omega 6 and 9 which work to naturally heal damaged skin cells. Secondly, it has a high absorption rate so often users will experience immediate affects.”
In addition to its rejuvenation qualities, Ms Mitchell continues stating that argan oil has also proven to be a powerful anti-ageing product due to it containing several antioxidants.
“Our face oil contains carotene, squalene and phenol which all work to brighten and smooth out the skin,” she said. “This results in our customers’ skin being more vibrant and youthful, without them needing to resort to harsh chemical based products or treatments.”
Originating from the south-western Morocco argan nut, ECO. Argan Face Oil is 100% certified organic, with the brand ensuring that the oil is derived from pesticide free argan trees in order to give Australians maximum benefits.
“There are brands that will say their product is organic when in fact the oil has come from an argan tree that has been treated with harsh chemicals which could cause some people to have an adverse reaction to the product,” warns Ms Mitchell. “That’s why Australians need to be careful when selecting an argan oil to make sure that it is 100% organic.”
At just $18.00 for a 15ml bottle, ECO’s argan face oil is a cost effective beauty buy that has already been a huge seller in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom for its simplicity and versatility.
“Our international distributor TJX sold out of our Argan Face Oil just weeks after it hit their shelves,” said Ms Mitchell. “I think this is because it is very economical. Just a few drops every morning and night after cleansing and toning can significantly improve skin hydration and quality so a 15ml bottle can last quite a long time.”
Ms Mitchell began developing the ECO. Argan Face Oil eight months ago and believes that, like its hair counterpart, it will be the next big thing in natural skincare.
“We are always on the lookout for powerful natural ingredients,” she said, “and after testing the product and hearing feedback from our customers that have already tried it; we believe that our Argan Face Oil is going to be incredibly popular.”
In fact, Ms Mitchell is so sure of the ECO. Argan Face Oil that she’s already developed an argan body oil, which will be launched later this year. Containing camellia oil, pomegranate kernel oil, vitamin E and fresh ginger, the body oil has been specially developed to rejuvenate dry skin, reduce stretch marks and to soften and heal tired and ageing skin.
ECO. Argan Face Oil retails for $18 and is available for purchase online at www.ecoaroma.com.au or through selected stockists.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or s.ross@graymedia.com.au
Developed by the leading Australian natural skincare company to provide Australians suffering from skin conditions with a safe, organic treatment option, ECO.’s Argan Face Oil has helped to reduce skin inflammation, rashes, eczema and acne.
“Argan face oil is particularly effective because it packs a real ‘one-two’ punch,” said Chief Executive Officer of ECO. Modern Essentials Claire Mitchell. “Firstly, it is high in essential fatty acids Omega 6 and 9 which work to naturally heal damaged skin cells. Secondly, it has a high absorption rate so often users will experience immediate affects.”
In addition to its rejuvenation qualities, Ms Mitchell continues stating that argan oil has also proven to be a powerful anti-ageing product due to it containing several antioxidants.
“Our face oil contains carotene, squalene and phenol which all work to brighten and smooth out the skin,” she said. “This results in our customers’ skin being more vibrant and youthful, without them needing to resort to harsh chemical based products or treatments.”
Originating from the south-western Morocco argan nut, ECO. Argan Face Oil is 100% certified organic, with the brand ensuring that the oil is derived from pesticide free argan trees in order to give Australians maximum benefits.
“There are brands that will say their product is organic when in fact the oil has come from an argan tree that has been treated with harsh chemicals which could cause some people to have an adverse reaction to the product,” warns Ms Mitchell. “That’s why Australians need to be careful when selecting an argan oil to make sure that it is 100% organic.”
At just $18.00 for a 15ml bottle, ECO’s argan face oil is a cost effective beauty buy that has already been a huge seller in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom for its simplicity and versatility.
“Our international distributor TJX sold out of our Argan Face Oil just weeks after it hit their shelves,” said Ms Mitchell. “I think this is because it is very economical. Just a few drops every morning and night after cleansing and toning can significantly improve skin hydration and quality so a 15ml bottle can last quite a long time.”
Ms Mitchell began developing the ECO. Argan Face Oil eight months ago and believes that, like its hair counterpart, it will be the next big thing in natural skincare.
“We are always on the lookout for powerful natural ingredients,” she said, “and after testing the product and hearing feedback from our customers that have already tried it; we believe that our Argan Face Oil is going to be incredibly popular.”
In fact, Ms Mitchell is so sure of the ECO. Argan Face Oil that she’s already developed an argan body oil, which will be launched later this year. Containing camellia oil, pomegranate kernel oil, vitamin E and fresh ginger, the body oil has been specially developed to rejuvenate dry skin, reduce stretch marks and to soften and heal tired and ageing skin.
ECO. Argan Face Oil retails for $18 and is available for purchase online at www.ecoaroma.com.au or through selected stockists.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or s.ross@graymedia.com.au
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Health experts advise on how to beat influenza as Australia’s flu season hits hard and fast
Despite flu season officially beginning last month, there have already been thousands of cases of influenza recorded nationally. Leading health experts are now strongly urging Australians to take extra precautionary measures to avoid being hit with the dangerous virus.
Pharmacist and Professional Services Manager at Australian pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores, Casey Clark, states that this year’s influenza strain is particularly aggressive and has struck down many young and healthy Australians.
“It seems that the strain that wreaked havoc in the United States earlier in the year has travelled to Australia and as a result we’re seeing people of all ages being bed ridden with the virus,” she said.
It’s why Ms Clark implemented over 100 flu vaccination clinics within Discount Drug Stores pharmacies earlier this year, helping to ensure that thousands of Australians were immunised against the virus.
The service focused pharmacy brand more than doubled the number of flu vaccinations from 2012 during the highly successful clinics and this year immunised thousands of their customers.
More businesses also took advantage of the service to ensure their employees weren’t affected by influenza with organisations such as C&K Childcare, Ikea, Lottery West and Holden booking into the clinics.
Ms Clark states the increase in the number of Australians getting the flu vaccine is positive to see and hopes that it’s a sign that people are starting to take the virus more seriously.
“I think the results of this year’s clinics have shown that there’s been a change in the way people perceive the flu,” she said. “There’s not so much of that attitude that, like a cold, you’ll just get over it after a few days. People are thankfully listening to their doctors and pharmacists and are realising just how dangerous and debilitating the flu really is.”
However, whilst Ms Clark states that more Australians getting vaccinated against the flu is a step in the right direction, she adds that people need to also better understand the other smaller, but still fundamental, preventative measures they must take as well.
“Getting the influenza vaccine is absolutely important but what people need to realise is that it’s only the first step to avoiding the flu,” she said. “They need to also be proactive during flu season about keeping their immune system strong.
“So this means making sure you’re drinking lots of fluids, are washing your hands frequently and are avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth as germs spread this way,” Ms Clark continued. “These small things can make all the difference.”
In addition to these small steps, Ms Clark also advises that Australians avoid visiting or being around people who have the flu, use alcohol-based rubs when they can’t wash their hands and clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
Through heeding this advice, Australians will be giving themselves and their loved ones, the best chance of beating influenza this flu season. However, should people still come down with the virus, Ms Clark states there are a number of ways to tackle it before it becomes dangerous.
“Simple recovery tactics such as getting more sleep and drinking plenty of water will help lessen the intensity of the flu, while taking zinc supplements or garlic can help boost your immune system, as well as many other vitamins,” Ms Clark says.
“Many people may not realise that their toothbrush can be a breeding ground for germs, so sterilizing it or replacing it is another way to help fight the flu.”
For more information on how to avoid or beat the flu, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au or speak to your local Discount Drug Store pharmacist.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au
Pharmacist and Professional Services Manager at Australian pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores, Casey Clark, states that this year’s influenza strain is particularly aggressive and has struck down many young and healthy Australians.
“It seems that the strain that wreaked havoc in the United States earlier in the year has travelled to Australia and as a result we’re seeing people of all ages being bed ridden with the virus,” she said.
It’s why Ms Clark implemented over 100 flu vaccination clinics within Discount Drug Stores pharmacies earlier this year, helping to ensure that thousands of Australians were immunised against the virus.
The service focused pharmacy brand more than doubled the number of flu vaccinations from 2012 during the highly successful clinics and this year immunised thousands of their customers.
More businesses also took advantage of the service to ensure their employees weren’t affected by influenza with organisations such as C&K Childcare, Ikea, Lottery West and Holden booking into the clinics.
Ms Clark states the increase in the number of Australians getting the flu vaccine is positive to see and hopes that it’s a sign that people are starting to take the virus more seriously.
“I think the results of this year’s clinics have shown that there’s been a change in the way people perceive the flu,” she said. “There’s not so much of that attitude that, like a cold, you’ll just get over it after a few days. People are thankfully listening to their doctors and pharmacists and are realising just how dangerous and debilitating the flu really is.”
However, whilst Ms Clark states that more Australians getting vaccinated against the flu is a step in the right direction, she adds that people need to also better understand the other smaller, but still fundamental, preventative measures they must take as well.
“Getting the influenza vaccine is absolutely important but what people need to realise is that it’s only the first step to avoiding the flu,” she said. “They need to also be proactive during flu season about keeping their immune system strong.
“So this means making sure you’re drinking lots of fluids, are washing your hands frequently and are avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth as germs spread this way,” Ms Clark continued. “These small things can make all the difference.”
In addition to these small steps, Ms Clark also advises that Australians avoid visiting or being around people who have the flu, use alcohol-based rubs when they can’t wash their hands and clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
Through heeding this advice, Australians will be giving themselves and their loved ones, the best chance of beating influenza this flu season. However, should people still come down with the virus, Ms Clark states there are a number of ways to tackle it before it becomes dangerous.
“Simple recovery tactics such as getting more sleep and drinking plenty of water will help lessen the intensity of the flu, while taking zinc supplements or garlic can help boost your immune system, as well as many other vitamins,” Ms Clark says.
“Many people may not realise that their toothbrush can be a breeding ground for germs, so sterilizing it or replacing it is another way to help fight the flu.”
For more information on how to avoid or beat the flu, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au or speak to your local Discount Drug Store pharmacist.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Local pharmacist launches Orange’s first major diabetes expo to mark National Diabetes Week
A group of local health experts will come together next week at a major diabetes expo in North Orange that looks to give residents who have, or know someone who has, diabetes invaluable guidance and a greater understanding of the prevalent condition.
Organised by pharmacist at North Orange Discount Drug Store Tim Denham, the expo will for the first time, bring dieticians, exercise physiologists, optometrists, pharmacists and diabetes educators together in one place to discuss and give advice about diabetes.
Mr Denham said he felt compelled to host the event to raise awareness of Australia’s fastest growing chronic disease and to ensure local people diagnosed with diabetes had a comprehensive understanding of their condition and its potentially deadly risks if not managed properly.
“It is estimated that the total number of Australians with diabetes and pre-diabetes is 3.2 million, meaning that even if a person isn’t affected by the condition, they most likely know someone who is,” he said. “It’s therefore absolutely vital that everyone is educated about diabetes and understands the symptoms, risks and how to manage the disease.”
Causing severe health complications when not managed properly including vision impairment, heart disease and kidney disease, Mr Denham continues stating that the event will show diabetics how to take a more holistic approach to their treatment.
“Diabetes management is not just about blood sugar control,” he said. “It’s also about living a healthy lifestyle so exercising regularly and eating properly. That’s why I’ve invited health practitioners from many different fields to present at the expo.”
Running in conjunction with National Diabetes Week (July 14-20), the event will include exercise demonstrations with exercise physiologist Kate Butler, meal planning with dietician Emma Gardiner and one on one consultations with diabetes educator Wayne Burgess, optometrist Jake Hansen and with Mr Denham himself.
“I want people to walk away at the end of the day not just with a greater understanding about diabetes and the tools and treatments needed to manage the condition but with a new perspective on the disease,” said Mr Denham, “because I think once people see how easy the treatments and lifestyle changes are and how beneficial they are to not only their condition but to their overall wellbeing, they’ll have a brighter outlook of having diabetes.”
A pro-active young pharmacist who is deeply invested in his local community, Mr Denham has been the manager and pharmacist at North Orange Discount Drug Store since it opened in late 2011.
It is through his initiative that the major diabetes expo, which is set to be the largest event of its kind in Orange, came to fruition.
“I did a call around to see what or if other health providers in the community were doing anything to mark National Diabetes Week,” Mr Denham explained. “When I realised nothing was happening I decided to put something together but I never imagined it would be a big as this. I was overwhelmed with the positive response I had from everyone I asked to be involved. I hope it’s going to be a really beneficial event.”
The diabetes expo will be held at North Orange Shopping Centre on Wednesday July 17 from 10am to 4pm and will be free for all residents. There will be diabetic friendly giveaways, as well as a live yoga session from Integra and taste tests of Medical Vita Diet’s latest shakes.
Mr Denham will also be taking bookings for attendees to come back to North Orange Discount Drug Store for free, personalised Meds Check appointments.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au
Organised by pharmacist at North Orange Discount Drug Store Tim Denham, the expo will for the first time, bring dieticians, exercise physiologists, optometrists, pharmacists and diabetes educators together in one place to discuss and give advice about diabetes.
Mr Denham said he felt compelled to host the event to raise awareness of Australia’s fastest growing chronic disease and to ensure local people diagnosed with diabetes had a comprehensive understanding of their condition and its potentially deadly risks if not managed properly.
“It is estimated that the total number of Australians with diabetes and pre-diabetes is 3.2 million, meaning that even if a person isn’t affected by the condition, they most likely know someone who is,” he said. “It’s therefore absolutely vital that everyone is educated about diabetes and understands the symptoms, risks and how to manage the disease.”
Causing severe health complications when not managed properly including vision impairment, heart disease and kidney disease, Mr Denham continues stating that the event will show diabetics how to take a more holistic approach to their treatment.
“Diabetes management is not just about blood sugar control,” he said. “It’s also about living a healthy lifestyle so exercising regularly and eating properly. That’s why I’ve invited health practitioners from many different fields to present at the expo.”
Running in conjunction with National Diabetes Week (July 14-20), the event will include exercise demonstrations with exercise physiologist Kate Butler, meal planning with dietician Emma Gardiner and one on one consultations with diabetes educator Wayne Burgess, optometrist Jake Hansen and with Mr Denham himself.
“I want people to walk away at the end of the day not just with a greater understanding about diabetes and the tools and treatments needed to manage the condition but with a new perspective on the disease,” said Mr Denham, “because I think once people see how easy the treatments and lifestyle changes are and how beneficial they are to not only their condition but to their overall wellbeing, they’ll have a brighter outlook of having diabetes.”
A pro-active young pharmacist who is deeply invested in his local community, Mr Denham has been the manager and pharmacist at North Orange Discount Drug Store since it opened in late 2011.
It is through his initiative that the major diabetes expo, which is set to be the largest event of its kind in Orange, came to fruition.
“I did a call around to see what or if other health providers in the community were doing anything to mark National Diabetes Week,” Mr Denham explained. “When I realised nothing was happening I decided to put something together but I never imagined it would be a big as this. I was overwhelmed with the positive response I had from everyone I asked to be involved. I hope it’s going to be a really beneficial event.”
The diabetes expo will be held at North Orange Shopping Centre on Wednesday July 17 from 10am to 4pm and will be free for all residents. There will be diabetic friendly giveaways, as well as a live yoga session from Integra and taste tests of Medical Vita Diet’s latest shakes.
Mr Denham will also be taking bookings for attendees to come back to North Orange Discount Drug Store for free, personalised Meds Check appointments.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au
The Lady Musgrave Trust investigates land for new shelter amid escalating demand for services
Queensland not-for-profit The Lady Musgrave Trust is on the hunt for land in inner north Brisbane to build a homeless shelter for young women as it strives to meet escalating demand for services.
Findings from the Australian Community Sector Survey released last week paint a grim picture for Brisbane’s homeless services, as expensive housing forces more young Australians into poverty and funding for homeless services shrinks.
This recent spike in demand for homeless services has only galvanised The Lady Musgrave Trust’s resolve to raise one million dollars to provide accommodation, care and long-term support to young homeless women and mothers.
The Lady Musgrave Trust, currently in negotiations to procure land, needs to raise $500,000 by this year to be on target to decrease the number of young women collecting on Brisbane’s streets, a goal that President Ms Isobel Annat says has never been more important.
“We’ve had an unprecedented number of young women seeking our services,” said Ms Annat. “We fill an important niche in Brisbane’s homeless sector because we not only provide long-term shelter; we offer counselling services and instil these young women with the courage and opportunities to find education and employment to turn their lives around.”
The new shelter, to be built in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, will gift young women with education and employment opportunities, and give mothers in TLMT’s care privacy with their families.
“Studies show that it’s important to break the cycle early on,” Ms Annat continued. “Young people thrust into homelessness are more likely to become homeless later in life and raise families who in turn become homeless. We equip young women with the resources to escape the poverty trap and thus save future generations of families from suffering the same fate.”
With sixteen per cent of homeless services currently struggling to fill demand, Ms Annat is realistic but firmly positive that TLMT can reduce homelessness in Brisbane if the local community bands together to keep its homeless services afloat.
“The Trust has been helping young women in need to build a better life for themselves for over 125 years,” Ms Annat said. “We are not going to stop now.”
To donate to The Lady Musgrave Trust’s new shelter, please visit The Lady Musgrave Trust website at http://www.ladymusgravetrust.org.au/ or support them on Facebook and Twitter.
For further information on The Lady Musgrave Trust please contact Graymedia.
Media Enquiries: Please contact Melissa Payne at Graymedia on 07 3250 9404, email gms.admin1@graymedia.com.au.
About The Lady Musgrave Trust
The Lady Musgrave Trust continues to change the lives of many young women in need in Queensland every year through the provision of essential and often life changing accommodation. The young women who use these services, aged between 14 and 25, often come from violent or abusive backgrounds, and are in desperate need of shelter. As these women also often have young children, TLMT provides them and their young families with a fresh start in life that would otherwise not be available. It is through the provision of accommodation and other vital support services, such as pastoral care and counseling, that the primary mission of TLMT is achieved.
The History
TLMT has a long Queensland history having been established in 1885 by a group of community-minded women under the leadership of Lady Jeanie Lucinda Musgrave, wife of the then Governor of Queensland. Established by women, to help women, TLMT has supported the Queensland community for over 125 years, keeping alive the vision of the Trust and keeping many young girls and families from sleeping on the streets.
The Board
The Lady Musgrave Trust is governed by a carefully selected board of directors who donate their time to giving women at risk of homelessness and their children a chance in life. They have a passionate commitment to the work of TLMT and are dedicated to saving and enhancing the lives of young women in Brisbane. The Trust is proud to have Her Excellency, Ms Penelope Wensley, AC, Governor of Queensland as its patron.
Findings from the Australian Community Sector Survey released last week paint a grim picture for Brisbane’s homeless services, as expensive housing forces more young Australians into poverty and funding for homeless services shrinks.
This recent spike in demand for homeless services has only galvanised The Lady Musgrave Trust’s resolve to raise one million dollars to provide accommodation, care and long-term support to young homeless women and mothers.
The Lady Musgrave Trust, currently in negotiations to procure land, needs to raise $500,000 by this year to be on target to decrease the number of young women collecting on Brisbane’s streets, a goal that President Ms Isobel Annat says has never been more important.
“We’ve had an unprecedented number of young women seeking our services,” said Ms Annat. “We fill an important niche in Brisbane’s homeless sector because we not only provide long-term shelter; we offer counselling services and instil these young women with the courage and opportunities to find education and employment to turn their lives around.”
The new shelter, to be built in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, will gift young women with education and employment opportunities, and give mothers in TLMT’s care privacy with their families.
“Studies show that it’s important to break the cycle early on,” Ms Annat continued. “Young people thrust into homelessness are more likely to become homeless later in life and raise families who in turn become homeless. We equip young women with the resources to escape the poverty trap and thus save future generations of families from suffering the same fate.”
With sixteen per cent of homeless services currently struggling to fill demand, Ms Annat is realistic but firmly positive that TLMT can reduce homelessness in Brisbane if the local community bands together to keep its homeless services afloat.
“The Trust has been helping young women in need to build a better life for themselves for over 125 years,” Ms Annat said. “We are not going to stop now.”
To donate to The Lady Musgrave Trust’s new shelter, please visit The Lady Musgrave Trust website at http://www.ladymusgravetrust.org.au/ or support them on Facebook and Twitter.
For further information on The Lady Musgrave Trust please contact Graymedia.
Media Enquiries: Please contact Melissa Payne at Graymedia on 07 3250 9404, email gms.admin1@graymedia.com.au.
About The Lady Musgrave Trust
The Lady Musgrave Trust continues to change the lives of many young women in need in Queensland every year through the provision of essential and often life changing accommodation. The young women who use these services, aged between 14 and 25, often come from violent or abusive backgrounds, and are in desperate need of shelter. As these women also often have young children, TLMT provides them and their young families with a fresh start in life that would otherwise not be available. It is through the provision of accommodation and other vital support services, such as pastoral care and counseling, that the primary mission of TLMT is achieved.
The History
TLMT has a long Queensland history having been established in 1885 by a group of community-minded women under the leadership of Lady Jeanie Lucinda Musgrave, wife of the then Governor of Queensland. Established by women, to help women, TLMT has supported the Queensland community for over 125 years, keeping alive the vision of the Trust and keeping many young girls and families from sleeping on the streets.
The Board
The Lady Musgrave Trust is governed by a carefully selected board of directors who donate their time to giving women at risk of homelessness and their children a chance in life. They have a passionate commitment to the work of TLMT and are dedicated to saving and enhancing the lives of young women in Brisbane. The Trust is proud to have Her Excellency, Ms Penelope Wensley, AC, Governor of Queensland as its patron.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Australian pharmacy industry gets behind Discount Drug Stores' bowel health awareness campaign
National pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores has received extensive coverage in industry media lately for its bowel health awareness campaign which aimed to reduce the high number of Australians who are losing their lives to bowel cancer every year.
Professional Pharmacy, Post Script, Retail Pharmacy and Pharmacy Daily all covered the story. Take a look at just some of the highlights below.
Professional Pharmacy:
http://www.professionalpharmacy.com.au/bowel-health-screening-offered-by-discount-drug-stores/
Post Script:
http://www.postscript.com.au/health-and-wellbeing/articles/dds-speaks-out-bowel-cancer
Professional Pharmacy, Post Script, Retail Pharmacy and Pharmacy Daily all covered the story. Take a look at just some of the highlights below.
Professional Pharmacy:
http://www.professionalpharmacy.com.au/bowel-health-screening-offered-by-discount-drug-stores/
Post Script:
http://www.postscript.com.au/health-and-wellbeing/articles/dds-speaks-out-bowel-cancer
National pharmacy brand launches major bone density awareness campaign to combat osteoporosis
Currently more than one million Australians are affected by osteoporosis, a serious condition that can result in chronic pain, hospitalisations and even premature death and with an ageing population this number looks only set to rise.
It’s why next month Australian pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores is launching bone density awareness and testing clinics across the majority of its 112 stores.
A bid to better educate customers about osteoporosis which is often referred to as the ‘silent disease’, the pharmacy brand hopes to get more Australians testing for and taking preventative action against the debilitating condition that has no cure.
Discount Drug Stores’ Professional Services Manager, Casey Clark, stresses that with osteoporosis often showing no symptoms until it’s too late, prevention is absolutely vital.
"Bone density can deteriorate slowly and silently over many years,” Ms Clark explained. “As bones become thinner and more brittle, even a small bump or minor fall can cause a fracture and since you cannot see or feel your bones getting thinner these tests are important to determine if an individual is at risk.”
Predominantly affecting Australians over the age of 50, osteoporosis is caused by bones losing their density and thereby increasing risks of fractures with the hips, ribs and spine most commonly affected.
A debilitating condition that can result in a loss of functionality and independence, the loss of density is often attributed to a person’s diet and lifestyle, which Ms Clark says will also be addressed in Discount Drug Stores’ clinics.
“It’s not just about testing a customer’s bone density to see if they have or are at high risk of developing osteoporosis,” she said. “It’s also about evaluating lifestyle and diet factors such as if they have low vitamin D levels, low calcium intake, are smokers or are on any medications that may increase risk of osteoporosis.
“This assessment is just as important as the bone density testing itself because it’s here where people can take real preventative action against the disease and where we can help them to make positive lifestyle changes before it’s too late.”
At the clinics each person regardless of age and level of risk receives information about the benefits of calcium, vitamin D and exercise, and also fills out a questionnaire so their specific risk factors can be determined.
A simple and quick ultrasonic bone density test is then performed, with customers only needing to place their heel on the comfortable machine for one minute to gain a result.
Customers will then sit with a clinician who will go over their bone density result and personal risk factors and discuss the best preventative measures and treatments.
“The bone density test is quick and painless and allows customers to gain completely tailored advice on their risks of osteoporosis and how to prevent the disease,” said Ms Clark. “It’s also very convenient as it doesn’t require the customer to book in to see a doctor or wait for any test results.
“Our pharmacists will also provide vital information on preventative measures and recommend relevant products to assist in the maintenance of healthy bones.”
Bone density testing is highly recommended for anyone over the age of 50 or who are concerned about bone health, with Discount Drug Stores strongly encouraging Australians to book any family members or loved ones that are at risk of osteoporosis into the clinics.
“In order to reduce the number of Australians affected by osteoporosis we need to break the silence surrounding the disease,” said Ms Clark. “That is what we are trying to achieve through our clinics. We hope to get more people thinking and talking about bone health and taking preventative action against osteoporosis.”
Discount Drug Stores’ bone density testing and awareness clinics will run throughout August across the majority of the pharmacy brand’s stores. Bookings are recommended in order to secure an appointment. For more information, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.
Media enquiries: please contact Suzanne Ross on 0488 441 589 or 07 3250 9406 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au
It’s why next month Australian pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores is launching bone density awareness and testing clinics across the majority of its 112 stores.
A bid to better educate customers about osteoporosis which is often referred to as the ‘silent disease’, the pharmacy brand hopes to get more Australians testing for and taking preventative action against the debilitating condition that has no cure.
Discount Drug Stores’ Professional Services Manager, Casey Clark, stresses that with osteoporosis often showing no symptoms until it’s too late, prevention is absolutely vital.
"Bone density can deteriorate slowly and silently over many years,” Ms Clark explained. “As bones become thinner and more brittle, even a small bump or minor fall can cause a fracture and since you cannot see or feel your bones getting thinner these tests are important to determine if an individual is at risk.”
Predominantly affecting Australians over the age of 50, osteoporosis is caused by bones losing their density and thereby increasing risks of fractures with the hips, ribs and spine most commonly affected.
A debilitating condition that can result in a loss of functionality and independence, the loss of density is often attributed to a person’s diet and lifestyle, which Ms Clark says will also be addressed in Discount Drug Stores’ clinics.
“It’s not just about testing a customer’s bone density to see if they have or are at high risk of developing osteoporosis,” she said. “It’s also about evaluating lifestyle and diet factors such as if they have low vitamin D levels, low calcium intake, are smokers or are on any medications that may increase risk of osteoporosis.
“This assessment is just as important as the bone density testing itself because it’s here where people can take real preventative action against the disease and where we can help them to make positive lifestyle changes before it’s too late.”
At the clinics each person regardless of age and level of risk receives information about the benefits of calcium, vitamin D and exercise, and also fills out a questionnaire so their specific risk factors can be determined.
A simple and quick ultrasonic bone density test is then performed, with customers only needing to place their heel on the comfortable machine for one minute to gain a result.
Customers will then sit with a clinician who will go over their bone density result and personal risk factors and discuss the best preventative measures and treatments.
“The bone density test is quick and painless and allows customers to gain completely tailored advice on their risks of osteoporosis and how to prevent the disease,” said Ms Clark. “It’s also very convenient as it doesn’t require the customer to book in to see a doctor or wait for any test results.
“Our pharmacists will also provide vital information on preventative measures and recommend relevant products to assist in the maintenance of healthy bones.”
Bone density testing is highly recommended for anyone over the age of 50 or who are concerned about bone health, with Discount Drug Stores strongly encouraging Australians to book any family members or loved ones that are at risk of osteoporosis into the clinics.
“In order to reduce the number of Australians affected by osteoporosis we need to break the silence surrounding the disease,” said Ms Clark. “That is what we are trying to achieve through our clinics. We hope to get more people thinking and talking about bone health and taking preventative action against osteoporosis.”
Discount Drug Stores’ bone density testing and awareness clinics will run throughout August across the majority of the pharmacy brand’s stores. Bookings are recommended in order to secure an appointment. For more information, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.
Media enquiries: please contact Suzanne Ross on 0488 441 589 or 07 3250 9406 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Graymedia appoints senior graphic designer Julia Afflekt for new marketing department
Graymedia has been getting a lot of media attention recently for its appointment of a senior graphic designer to lead our new marketing department.
Here is a snapshot of some of the media coverage we’ve attained:
B and T Online
http://www.bandt.com.au/news/marketing/news-in-brief-wednesday-13-march
Mumbrella:
http://mumbrella.com.au/julia-afflekt-appointed-as-greymedias-head-of-marketing-160219
We also featured in the B and T Today Newsletter, Brisbane Business News Magazine and The PR Report (June Issue).
Here is a snapshot of some of the media coverage we’ve attained:
B and T Online
http://www.bandt.com.au/news/marketing/news-in-brief-wednesday-13-march
Mumbrella:
http://mumbrella.com.au/julia-afflekt-appointed-as-greymedias-head-of-marketing-160219
We also featured in the B and T Today Newsletter, Brisbane Business News Magazine and The PR Report (June Issue).
Monday, July 1, 2013
Pharmacists trade in their white coats for lycra for this year’s MS Brissie to Bay Bike Ride
It was both a family and team affair for leading Australian pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores in last Sunday’s MS Brissie to the Bay Bike Ride, with Director John Clark taking his wife, daughter, and 42 other riders along with him to compete in the charity sporting event.
Highly regarded within the Queensland healthcare sector for co-founding the successful pharmacy franchise, John and his family are known for giving back wherever they can to their local community with the family of pharmacists again going all out to help raise awareness of multiple sclerosis.
Competing as its biggest team yet, Discount Drug Stores raised an impressive $5,000 for the annual bike ride that raises money to help search for a cure for the debilitating disease. Mr Clark’s wife Sharyn was even chosen as one of the ‘top fundraisers’ for the 25km ride and invited to lead the pack from the starting point.
“Being in the healthcare industry, we’ve seen how multiple sclerosis can take its toll and wanted to help in any way we could to give sufferers some form of relief,” said Mr Clark. “This is our third year taking part in the bike ride and we were incredibly proud to have so many new riders join our team. It really helped us to raise more money than ever before.”
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that affects more young Australians than any other neurological condition with over 20,000 Australians currently suffering from the illness.
One of the biggest fundraising initiatives for the disease, the annual MS Brissie to Bay Bike ride saw thousands of riders band together to fight for a cure when it kicked off Sunday, June 23.
Whilst not looking to break any records, the Discount Drug Stores team well and truly gave the event a go with four riders competing in the event’s 25 kilometre course and 31 riders riding the 50 kilometre circuit while ten brave team members, dared to take on the 100 kilometre track.
“I think it’s really important to get behind events like this that raise awareness and more importantly money for research,” said Mr Clark. “I hope the MS Brissie to Bay Bike Ride broke all its records this year and that our contribution makes a real difference to Brisbane residents suffering from MS.”
No stranger to united charity efforts, with John’s wife Sharyn and daughter Casey both heavily involved in increasing Discount Drug Stores’ community involvement, the national franchise also provides year round fundraising support for its two main charities Assistance Dog’s Australia and Free to be Kids.
For more information on Discount Drug Stores’ involvement in the MS Brissie to Bay Bike Ride please visit http://www.discountdrugstores.com.au/charity.
Media enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Highly regarded within the Queensland healthcare sector for co-founding the successful pharmacy franchise, John and his family are known for giving back wherever they can to their local community with the family of pharmacists again going all out to help raise awareness of multiple sclerosis.
Competing as its biggest team yet, Discount Drug Stores raised an impressive $5,000 for the annual bike ride that raises money to help search for a cure for the debilitating disease. Mr Clark’s wife Sharyn was even chosen as one of the ‘top fundraisers’ for the 25km ride and invited to lead the pack from the starting point.
“Being in the healthcare industry, we’ve seen how multiple sclerosis can take its toll and wanted to help in any way we could to give sufferers some form of relief,” said Mr Clark. “This is our third year taking part in the bike ride and we were incredibly proud to have so many new riders join our team. It really helped us to raise more money than ever before.”
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that affects more young Australians than any other neurological condition with over 20,000 Australians currently suffering from the illness.
One of the biggest fundraising initiatives for the disease, the annual MS Brissie to Bay Bike ride saw thousands of riders band together to fight for a cure when it kicked off Sunday, June 23.
Whilst not looking to break any records, the Discount Drug Stores team well and truly gave the event a go with four riders competing in the event’s 25 kilometre course and 31 riders riding the 50 kilometre circuit while ten brave team members, dared to take on the 100 kilometre track.
“I think it’s really important to get behind events like this that raise awareness and more importantly money for research,” said Mr Clark. “I hope the MS Brissie to Bay Bike Ride broke all its records this year and that our contribution makes a real difference to Brisbane residents suffering from MS.”
No stranger to united charity efforts, with John’s wife Sharyn and daughter Casey both heavily involved in increasing Discount Drug Stores’ community involvement, the national franchise also provides year round fundraising support for its two main charities Assistance Dog’s Australia and Free to be Kids.
For more information on Discount Drug Stores’ involvement in the MS Brissie to Bay Bike Ride please visit http://www.discountdrugstores.com.au/charity.
Media enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Discount Drug Stores donates $27,000 to Assistance Dogs Australia to help Australians with disabilities
Thanks to the support of its customers and stores, national community pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores has achieved its two year fundraising target for worthwhile non-profit organisation Assistance Dogs Australia in just one year.
One of the largest fundraising commitments made by the pharmacy group, Discount Drug Stores has now donated $27,000 to Assistance Dogs Australia, helping the charity to provide one fully trained Assistance Dog to an Australian with a disability.
Now about to begin sponsoring a second puppy, Volunteer Charities Coordinator at Discount Drug Stores Sharyn Clark says the incredible result is all due to the group’s 112 stores’ strong and on-going commitment to the cause.
“We had an overwhelming response from our stores last year,” she said, “so much so that this year, we’re setting in place even more charity events and opportunities that involve our store owners, staff and the community.”
Assistance Dogs Australia has provided much needed support to hundreds of Australians with a disability for over 16 years through its Assistance Dogs that are trained to help their owners with their daily activities and to signal for help when they’re in trouble.
Assistance Dogs are specially trained to allow people who require a wheelchair to access community with only the aid of their special dog. Assistance dogs can perform a number of different tasks from helping their owner to get in and out of their wheelchair, to opening and closing doors, picking up dropped items, pushing traffic light buttons and alert barking in emergency situations.
However with each dog taking $27,000 to train and the charity not receiving any government funding, the organisation relies solely on the generosity of the public.
It’s one of the key reasons why Discount Drug Stores specifically selected Assistance Dogs Australia to be one of its two key charities with Mrs Clark stating they felt compelled to help ensure the organisation could continue to provide its invaluable service.
“Community is an essential part of everything we do at Discount Drug Stores,” she said, “and we wanted to support an organisation that had the directive to further improve the overall health of our community.
“As a result of Assistance Dogs Australia’s highly trained dogs, which are given to those in need completely free of charge, Australians with disabilities are given life-changing freedom and independence,” Mrs Clark continued. “They not only allow them greater mobility in their lives but they also offer true companionship as well.”
Top Dog at Assistance Dogs Australia Richard Lord adds he is incredibly thankful for Discount Drug Stores’ contribution and dedication to the charity.
“We have had a great year partnering with Discount Drug Stores and have loved being involved in their store openings and their staff events,” said Mr Lord. “Their help during our national fundraising month Dogtober was phenomenal and went a long way to raising the funds needed to train their first dog Dee Dee who is now well on track to becoming an Assistance Dog.
“We’re really looking forward to working together with them in the years to come,” he continued. “Through Discount Drug Stores continuing to sponsor our dogs, we’ll be able to assist even more people with disabilities across the country.”
Discount Drug Stores presented its final cheque for its first puppy, which the customers and stores owners named Dee Dee, at the beginning of the year, with fundraising events already well underway to raise money for its second puppy.
Mrs Clark states a special charity auction held at Discount Drug Stores’ recent national conference that was attended by 350 store owners and employees, has already got the brand off to a good start.
“We’ve already raised over $12,000 for our second puppy who we’ll again let our customers name,” she said, “and we’ve got plenty more events planned where our customers can get involved too, including celebrating Assistance Dogs Australia’s annual Dogtober event. So we encourage everyone to get involved.”
To participate or contribute to Discount Drug Stores’ fundraising campaign for Assistance Dogs Australia, customers can leave a donation in authorised collection tins which are available at Discount Drug Store pharmacies all year round, or make a secure online donation through the Assistance Dogs Australia website.
Special catalogue promotions are also run throughout the year with .50c to $1 from selected products bought donated to Assistance Dogs Australia. For more information, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au/charity.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406 or s.ross@graymedia.com.au
One of the largest fundraising commitments made by the pharmacy group, Discount Drug Stores has now donated $27,000 to Assistance Dogs Australia, helping the charity to provide one fully trained Assistance Dog to an Australian with a disability.
Now about to begin sponsoring a second puppy, Volunteer Charities Coordinator at Discount Drug Stores Sharyn Clark says the incredible result is all due to the group’s 112 stores’ strong and on-going commitment to the cause.
“We had an overwhelming response from our stores last year,” she said, “so much so that this year, we’re setting in place even more charity events and opportunities that involve our store owners, staff and the community.”
Assistance Dogs Australia has provided much needed support to hundreds of Australians with a disability for over 16 years through its Assistance Dogs that are trained to help their owners with their daily activities and to signal for help when they’re in trouble.
Assistance Dogs are specially trained to allow people who require a wheelchair to access community with only the aid of their special dog. Assistance dogs can perform a number of different tasks from helping their owner to get in and out of their wheelchair, to opening and closing doors, picking up dropped items, pushing traffic light buttons and alert barking in emergency situations.
However with each dog taking $27,000 to train and the charity not receiving any government funding, the organisation relies solely on the generosity of the public.
It’s one of the key reasons why Discount Drug Stores specifically selected Assistance Dogs Australia to be one of its two key charities with Mrs Clark stating they felt compelled to help ensure the organisation could continue to provide its invaluable service.
“Community is an essential part of everything we do at Discount Drug Stores,” she said, “and we wanted to support an organisation that had the directive to further improve the overall health of our community.
“As a result of Assistance Dogs Australia’s highly trained dogs, which are given to those in need completely free of charge, Australians with disabilities are given life-changing freedom and independence,” Mrs Clark continued. “They not only allow them greater mobility in their lives but they also offer true companionship as well.”
Top Dog at Assistance Dogs Australia Richard Lord adds he is incredibly thankful for Discount Drug Stores’ contribution and dedication to the charity.
“We have had a great year partnering with Discount Drug Stores and have loved being involved in their store openings and their staff events,” said Mr Lord. “Their help during our national fundraising month Dogtober was phenomenal and went a long way to raising the funds needed to train their first dog Dee Dee who is now well on track to becoming an Assistance Dog.
“We’re really looking forward to working together with them in the years to come,” he continued. “Through Discount Drug Stores continuing to sponsor our dogs, we’ll be able to assist even more people with disabilities across the country.”
Discount Drug Stores presented its final cheque for its first puppy, which the customers and stores owners named Dee Dee, at the beginning of the year, with fundraising events already well underway to raise money for its second puppy.
Mrs Clark states a special charity auction held at Discount Drug Stores’ recent national conference that was attended by 350 store owners and employees, has already got the brand off to a good start.
“We’ve already raised over $12,000 for our second puppy who we’ll again let our customers name,” she said, “and we’ve got plenty more events planned where our customers can get involved too, including celebrating Assistance Dogs Australia’s annual Dogtober event. So we encourage everyone to get involved.”
To participate or contribute to Discount Drug Stores’ fundraising campaign for Assistance Dogs Australia, customers can leave a donation in authorised collection tins which are available at Discount Drug Store pharmacies all year round, or make a secure online donation through the Assistance Dogs Australia website.
Special catalogue promotions are also run throughout the year with .50c to $1 from selected products bought donated to Assistance Dogs Australia. For more information, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au/charity.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406 or s.ross@graymedia.com.au
Discount Drug Stores’ highly successful private label helps Australians to save significantly on over the counter medications
In the last year alone, customers of Australian pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores have saved an estimated $300,000 by purchasing the brand’s private label line of over the counter (OTC) medicines.
A significant figure that has prompted the pharmacy brand to soon expand into ranges that include vitamins and everyday products, General Manager of Discount Drug Stores Douglas Kuskopf-Dallas states the range has exceeded sales forecasts.
“Our private label range has been extremely successful,” he said. “Its lower price point has been really well accepted by customers with many choosing to swap from the more expensive well-known brands to our line.”
Launched last year at the same time as big supermarket chains began stocking cold and flu medications, Discount Drug Stores’ private label range now includes over 20 product lines, including analgesics, ibuprofen, nasal decongestants and anti-fungal creams, with the brand soon to also release period pain tablets.
Mr Kuskopf-Dallas states its private label strategy is aimed at giving the pharmacy group a greater stronghold on the highly competitive medicines category.
“Grocery is continuing to encroach on our territory in order to increase profits, but they cannot offer the same professional healthcare advice & information that should be provided with all medicine purchases” he explained. “Our high quality, affordable product range is a bonus for our customers who can find well-priced products and specialised healthcare advice in one location.”
Developed in the United States by world leading pharmaceutical manufacturer Perrigo Orion, Discount Drug Stores’ private label range contains the same active ingredients as the current market leaders as well as premium non-active ingredients, which Mr Kuksopf-Dallas states isn’t the case with all own brands.
“Non-active ingredients affect the flavour, size, colour and speed of absorption of the product, so it’s important they are also of high quality. When you combine the quality of our products with the level of customer service and care that we provide, we believe that overall, our customers are getting better value for money than they would if they purchased OTC medicines from their local supermarket,” Mr Kuskopf-Dallas said, “and judging from the success of the range, we think our customers are realising this.”
Currently customers can save on average 26% if they purchase Discount Drug Stores’ OTC medicines, which include analgesics, paracetamol, ibuprofen, sinus and cough and cold products, rather than the well-known brands.
These savings will soon increase with Discount Drug Stores planning to introduce new ranges & lower priced, quality brand vitamins and health and beauty products by the end of the year.
“Our OTC medicines line has really shown that our customers are looking for ways in which they can save more money without sacrificing on quality,” said Mr Kuskopf-Dallas. “By expanding our private label to include everyday essentials, we’ll be able to cater even more to these customers, while hopefully taking back some of our market that grocery has taken control of.”
For more information on Discount Drug Stores, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.
Media enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
A significant figure that has prompted the pharmacy brand to soon expand into ranges that include vitamins and everyday products, General Manager of Discount Drug Stores Douglas Kuskopf-Dallas states the range has exceeded sales forecasts.
“Our private label range has been extremely successful,” he said. “Its lower price point has been really well accepted by customers with many choosing to swap from the more expensive well-known brands to our line.”
Launched last year at the same time as big supermarket chains began stocking cold and flu medications, Discount Drug Stores’ private label range now includes over 20 product lines, including analgesics, ibuprofen, nasal decongestants and anti-fungal creams, with the brand soon to also release period pain tablets.
Mr Kuskopf-Dallas states its private label strategy is aimed at giving the pharmacy group a greater stronghold on the highly competitive medicines category.
“Grocery is continuing to encroach on our territory in order to increase profits, but they cannot offer the same professional healthcare advice & information that should be provided with all medicine purchases” he explained. “Our high quality, affordable product range is a bonus for our customers who can find well-priced products and specialised healthcare advice in one location.”
Developed in the United States by world leading pharmaceutical manufacturer Perrigo Orion, Discount Drug Stores’ private label range contains the same active ingredients as the current market leaders as well as premium non-active ingredients, which Mr Kuksopf-Dallas states isn’t the case with all own brands.
“Non-active ingredients affect the flavour, size, colour and speed of absorption of the product, so it’s important they are also of high quality. When you combine the quality of our products with the level of customer service and care that we provide, we believe that overall, our customers are getting better value for money than they would if they purchased OTC medicines from their local supermarket,” Mr Kuskopf-Dallas said, “and judging from the success of the range, we think our customers are realising this.”
Currently customers can save on average 26% if they purchase Discount Drug Stores’ OTC medicines, which include analgesics, paracetamol, ibuprofen, sinus and cough and cold products, rather than the well-known brands.
These savings will soon increase with Discount Drug Stores planning to introduce new ranges & lower priced, quality brand vitamins and health and beauty products by the end of the year.
“Our OTC medicines line has really shown that our customers are looking for ways in which they can save more money without sacrificing on quality,” said Mr Kuskopf-Dallas. “By expanding our private label to include everyday essentials, we’ll be able to cater even more to these customers, while hopefully taking back some of our market that grocery has taken control of.”
For more information on Discount Drug Stores, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.
Media enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Pharmacy bowel health clinic leads to fortunate early cancer detection
A Brisbane man is extremely grateful for the Discount Drug Stores’ bowel health awareness clinic after a screening test found early evidence of potential bowel cancer. As a result it has now been successfully treated and is fortunately no longer a potential threat to his life.
David George, aged 51, had no symptoms of the disease, but was directed by a Discount Drug Stores pharmacist to be pro-active about his health and try the at-home bowel cancer testing kit. Mr George says the test potentially saved his life.
“I hate to think what my future would look like if I hadn’t caught this disease early,” Mr George says. “There aren’t any warning signs for bowel cancer until it is well-advanced, so I have been spared potentially an early death, and certainly a lot of pain and expense.”
The first pharmacy brand in Australia to implement a specific health awareness clinic targeting bowel health & bowel cancer, Discount Drug Stores launched the national awareness clinic in June in over 100 of its stores in an effort to reduce the high number of Australians who are losing their lives to bowel cancer every year.
Discount Drug Stores Professional Services Manager, Casey Clark, said statistics such as 77 bowel cancer deaths per week in Australia prompted the brand to do even more to identify those most at risk early, and last year helped to diagnose 63 Australians with bowel cancer or key risk factors of the disease such as polyps.
“Bowel cancer kills more Australians than breast or prostate cancer but it also has a 90% survival rate if caught early,” she said. “The results from the year round testing service showed that we can make a difference and encouraged us to launch this clinic to help and hopefully save the lives of hundreds more Australians.”
Mr George, from Slacks Creek, said he was initially reluctant to take the test, as he had been told by his doctor that conventional tests were unpleasant and involved much handling and storing of faeces, however he was glad to learn the test recommended by his Discount Drug Stores pharmacist was simple, easy to use and cheap.
“The screening test can be done quickly and easily in the privacy of your own home, so there is nothing stopping anyone over 50 from being screened. It’s the only way the cancer will be caught in time to be treated,” says Mr George.
Ms Clark agrees, saying bowel cancer is one of the most deadly cancers but also one of the least spoken about so it is vital that awareness is raised, and says making simple tests available will encourage more people to screen for the disease.
“The Bowelscreen test is an easy, effective way to detect the disease early, and is completed in the comfort of the home and then sent to pathology for results, so there is no need to bring the Bowelscreen test back to the pharmacy for processing, unlike some other screening programs, which is helping to make bowel cancer testing less embarrassing,” Ms Clark says.
Bowel Cancer Australia’s Bowelscreen kits are the most effective at home bowel cancer testing kits available on the market, detecting nine out of 10 cancers. Australians experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, anaemia and changes in bowel habit or who find blood in the toilet after use, are advised to visit their local GP.
Discount Drug Stores’ bowel health awareness clinics will run in the majority of the brands stores across Australia. Bookings are recommended in order to secure an appointment. Bowelscreen Australia® test kits are also available for purchase in Discount Drug Stores pharmacies throughout the year. For more information please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406 or 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au
David George, aged 51, had no symptoms of the disease, but was directed by a Discount Drug Stores pharmacist to be pro-active about his health and try the at-home bowel cancer testing kit. Mr George says the test potentially saved his life.
“I hate to think what my future would look like if I hadn’t caught this disease early,” Mr George says. “There aren’t any warning signs for bowel cancer until it is well-advanced, so I have been spared potentially an early death, and certainly a lot of pain and expense.”
The first pharmacy brand in Australia to implement a specific health awareness clinic targeting bowel health & bowel cancer, Discount Drug Stores launched the national awareness clinic in June in over 100 of its stores in an effort to reduce the high number of Australians who are losing their lives to bowel cancer every year.
Discount Drug Stores Professional Services Manager, Casey Clark, said statistics such as 77 bowel cancer deaths per week in Australia prompted the brand to do even more to identify those most at risk early, and last year helped to diagnose 63 Australians with bowel cancer or key risk factors of the disease such as polyps.
“Bowel cancer kills more Australians than breast or prostate cancer but it also has a 90% survival rate if caught early,” she said. “The results from the year round testing service showed that we can make a difference and encouraged us to launch this clinic to help and hopefully save the lives of hundreds more Australians.”
Mr George, from Slacks Creek, said he was initially reluctant to take the test, as he had been told by his doctor that conventional tests were unpleasant and involved much handling and storing of faeces, however he was glad to learn the test recommended by his Discount Drug Stores pharmacist was simple, easy to use and cheap.
“The screening test can be done quickly and easily in the privacy of your own home, so there is nothing stopping anyone over 50 from being screened. It’s the only way the cancer will be caught in time to be treated,” says Mr George.
Ms Clark agrees, saying bowel cancer is one of the most deadly cancers but also one of the least spoken about so it is vital that awareness is raised, and says making simple tests available will encourage more people to screen for the disease.
“The Bowelscreen test is an easy, effective way to detect the disease early, and is completed in the comfort of the home and then sent to pathology for results, so there is no need to bring the Bowelscreen test back to the pharmacy for processing, unlike some other screening programs, which is helping to make bowel cancer testing less embarrassing,” Ms Clark says.
Bowel Cancer Australia’s Bowelscreen kits are the most effective at home bowel cancer testing kits available on the market, detecting nine out of 10 cancers. Australians experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, anaemia and changes in bowel habit or who find blood in the toilet after use, are advised to visit their local GP.
Discount Drug Stores’ bowel health awareness clinics will run in the majority of the brands stores across Australia. Bookings are recommended in order to secure an appointment. Bowelscreen Australia® test kits are also available for purchase in Discount Drug Stores pharmacies throughout the year. For more information please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406 or 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au
Friday, June 14, 2013
The Lady Musgrave Trust strengthens its digital presence as it strives to raise $1 million for young homeless women
Queensland not-for-profit The Lady Musgrave Trust is entering a new era in its crusade to give young homeless women a brighter future with today’s launch of a new, modern website.
A vital organisation that shelters young Queensland women aged between 18 and 30 who tragically find themselves homeless, and helps them rebuild a better life, The Lady Musgrave Trust is aiming to establish an even greater platform so it may engage more closely with the community to tackle homelessness in the region.
With a new integrated donations page, the rejuvenated website offers Queenslanders the chance to contribute donations to fund a shelter which will offer young homeless women safety and the chance to rebuild their lives.
President of The Lady Musgrave Trust, Isobel Annat hopes that these new communication tools, which include a brand new website, social media and electronic newsletter, will inspire more Queenslanders to get involved.
“We have supported the community for over 125 years, and now we want to take to the public an identity that is much stronger, brighter and contemporary to encourage a new generation of volunteers,” said Ms Annat. “Our new website and social media pages will chart our progress to raise one million dollars for our new shelter, while our newsletter will help us keep our tight-knit community of supporters up-to-date on issues that are important to us all.”
Recent reports reveal that homelessness has risen 17 percent since 2006, with approximately 36,000 young Australians living rough on any given night.
“Never has our mission been direr or more important than now,” said Ms Annat. “We want to reinforce our commitment to the young homeless women who rely on our valuable services and urge the public to get behind our mission to make a difference in so many young lives.”
To pledge support or donate to The Lady Musgrave’s cause, Queenslanders can now visit the new website at http://www.ladymusgravetrust.org.au/. They can connect with the charity on Facebook at facebook.com/TheLadyMusgraveTrust or Twitter at @Lady_Musgrave, and a YouTube site will be launching soon.
The first edition of the new quarterly newsletter is available here for download: http://www.ladymusgravetrust.org.au/our-news.
For further information on The Lady Musgrave Trust please contact Graymedia.
Media Enquiries: Please contact Melissa Payne at Graymedia on 07 3250 9404, email gms.admin1@graymedia.com.au.
About The Lady Musgrave Trust
The Lady Musgrave Trust continues to change the lives of many young women in need in Queensland every year through the provision of essential and often life changing accommodation. The young women who use these services, aged between 14 and 25, often come from violent or abusive backgrounds, and are in desperate need of shelter. As these women also often have young children, TLMT provides them and their young families with a fresh start in life that would otherwise not be available. It is through the provision of accommodation and other vital support services, such as pastoral care and counseling, that the primary mission of TLMT is achieved.
The History
TLMT has a long Queensland history having been established in 1885 by a group of community-minded women under the leadership of Lady Jeanie Lucinda Musgrave, wife of the then Governor of Queensland. Established by women, to help women, TLMT has supported the Queensland community for over 125 years, keeping alive the vision of the Trust and keeping many young girls and families from sleeping on the streets.
The Board
The Lady Musgrave Trust is governed by a carefully selected board of directors who donate their time to giving women at risk of homelessness and their children a chance in life. They have a passionate commitment to the work of TLMT and are dedicated to saving and enhancing the lives of young women in Brisbane. The Trust is proud to have Her Excellency, Ms Penelope Wensley, AC, Governor of Queensland as its patron.
A vital organisation that shelters young Queensland women aged between 18 and 30 who tragically find themselves homeless, and helps them rebuild a better life, The Lady Musgrave Trust is aiming to establish an even greater platform so it may engage more closely with the community to tackle homelessness in the region.
With a new integrated donations page, the rejuvenated website offers Queenslanders the chance to contribute donations to fund a shelter which will offer young homeless women safety and the chance to rebuild their lives.
President of The Lady Musgrave Trust, Isobel Annat hopes that these new communication tools, which include a brand new website, social media and electronic newsletter, will inspire more Queenslanders to get involved.
“We have supported the community for over 125 years, and now we want to take to the public an identity that is much stronger, brighter and contemporary to encourage a new generation of volunteers,” said Ms Annat. “Our new website and social media pages will chart our progress to raise one million dollars for our new shelter, while our newsletter will help us keep our tight-knit community of supporters up-to-date on issues that are important to us all.”
Recent reports reveal that homelessness has risen 17 percent since 2006, with approximately 36,000 young Australians living rough on any given night.
“Never has our mission been direr or more important than now,” said Ms Annat. “We want to reinforce our commitment to the young homeless women who rely on our valuable services and urge the public to get behind our mission to make a difference in so many young lives.”
To pledge support or donate to The Lady Musgrave’s cause, Queenslanders can now visit the new website at http://www.ladymusgravetrust.org.au/. They can connect with the charity on Facebook at facebook.com/TheLadyMusgraveTrust or Twitter at @Lady_Musgrave, and a YouTube site will be launching soon.
The first edition of the new quarterly newsletter is available here for download: http://www.ladymusgravetrust.org.au/our-news.
For further information on The Lady Musgrave Trust please contact Graymedia.
Media Enquiries: Please contact Melissa Payne at Graymedia on 07 3250 9404, email gms.admin1@graymedia.com.au.
About The Lady Musgrave Trust
The Lady Musgrave Trust continues to change the lives of many young women in need in Queensland every year through the provision of essential and often life changing accommodation. The young women who use these services, aged between 14 and 25, often come from violent or abusive backgrounds, and are in desperate need of shelter. As these women also often have young children, TLMT provides them and their young families with a fresh start in life that would otherwise not be available. It is through the provision of accommodation and other vital support services, such as pastoral care and counseling, that the primary mission of TLMT is achieved.
The History
TLMT has a long Queensland history having been established in 1885 by a group of community-minded women under the leadership of Lady Jeanie Lucinda Musgrave, wife of the then Governor of Queensland. Established by women, to help women, TLMT has supported the Queensland community for over 125 years, keeping alive the vision of the Trust and keeping many young girls and families from sleeping on the streets.
The Board
The Lady Musgrave Trust is governed by a carefully selected board of directors who donate their time to giving women at risk of homelessness and their children a chance in life. They have a passionate commitment to the work of TLMT and are dedicated to saving and enhancing the lives of young women in Brisbane. The Trust is proud to have Her Excellency, Ms Penelope Wensley, AC, Governor of Queensland as its patron.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Why marketing and PR should have a seat in the boardroom
Trying to get companies to take marketing and public relations seriously as business tools that should be factored into overall business strategies has been a brick wall many of us in the industry have been climbing for many years. I have always believed strongly that these business elements should be represented on boards and not just as a token effort but that they should be considered as key factors in the overall business dynamics and as drivers of economic growth.
Too much energy is spent on executives questioning the validity of marketing and PR instead of embracing the opportunities these disciplines can bring to any firm, and often they get missed off the list altogether as simply fancy 'add ons' that are nice to have if you can afford them.
I was very pleased to read the following paper http://goo.gl/M3bw9 posted by the Australian Institute of Company Directors and put together by the Australian Marketing Institute and Deloitte that clearly dispels the theory that marketing is just about creativity and through research has proved that marketing should command a seat in the board room. Sadly the report didn't include public relations in its research which also deserves a seat at the table and can make an enormous difference to the communications, and therefore success of an organisation but it's a big step in the right direction.
Communications, and therefore PR, has never been more important to businesses today and yet so many are still only just finding their way through the new digital age and are failing to understand how this part of a business's infrastructure can dictate other outcomes, in terms of business success, or failure.
I am fortunate to be on the board of the Australian Baseball Federation as the Director of Marketing and Communications and even more fortunate that the board understands the importance of having this element of the business clearly represented - but not just as a token, but as a key decision maker that will help to improve the operations on many levels. If only more boards would follow this example. Businesses would soon see that marketing and public relations can really make a difference on so many levels, and while it can't always be measured in pure dollar for dollar terms the sum of the whole can undoubtedly have a dramatic, positive impact on a company, both internally and externally, that is frankly invaluable.
Yasmine Gray
Company Director at Graymedia
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