The End Of An Era. 65 Years Serving The Community Rothnies Pharmacy & Freehold FNQ
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After 65 years of serving the community at Rothnies Pharmacy in Innisfail in Far North Queensland, George Kotzas has called it a day. I was once again privileged to learn about the history of a pharmacy I had sold. This story is not just about the history of the pharmacy, though, it's about the Kotzas family as well.
In the early 1930's Charlie Duffin owned a pharmacy on Rankin Street in Innisfail. In 1934 Charlie rented a small shop on Edith Street and opened another pharmacy right where Rothnies still stands today. The building was originally timber but was flattened in 1918 when a cyclone ripped though the far north. It was then rebuilt with bricks and mortar. Charlie had enticed Gordon Rothnie, who lived in Townsville, to come and work for him and run the branch. In 1957, while studying for his pharmacy degree, George applied for a position as a trainee pharmacist at Edith Street and got the job. The pharmacy later became known as Rothnies Pharmacy when Gordon purchased it from Charlie.
When George was cleaning out the pharmacy for the new buyer, he found records dating back to 1934. Some, unfortunately, were beyond keeping because of water damage (see photos in our blog). Gordon sadly passed away in 1962. George was then asked to manage the business. After Gordon's passing, his wife, Jessica, engaged their accountant to oversee the running of the business. The accountant expected sales to decline. Instead, the young George increased sales, proving at an early age, he had what it takes.
George has a couple of passions. Both are in the Arts – acting and collecting art pieces. In his spare time in the early days he became a thespian and a director, winning the Director's Award at the 1973 Far North Queensland Drama Festival held in Townsville at the time. To read the full story, click on this article.