Meet the Business Owner: Amanda Ward from Priceline Pharmacy Albury

AlburyCBD: Amanda, tell us a little about yourself. What’s something people might not know?

Amanda: I moved to Albury in 2000 and have made it my home ever since. I’m married to Jake, who retired from the Army after 23 years, and we have six amazing kids. I’ve been in business since 2004, starting with one pharmacy, and now I operate two pharmacies and sleep clinics at three different locations.

A pivotal moment in my life was having a brain tumour removed in 2018 and having my head shaved before surgery to raise awareness for brain cancer, raising over $17,000 in the process.

AlburyCBD: Tell us about Priceline Pharmacy Albury. What’s your why, and what do you love about running your business?

Amanda: I bought the pharmacy on Dean Street five years ago, and not long after, I got the opportunity to purchase the Priceline corporate store and merge it with my existing pharmacy. I saw this as a meaningful chance not just to grow the business, but to attract a different generation of customers. Some might come in for makeup, but our goal is that they leave feeling supported and informed about their health.

At Priceline Pharmacy Albury, we believe in more than just filling prescriptions, we’re here to make a real difference in people’s lives. Health is personal, and so is our care.

AlburyCBD: What drives you to do what you do?

Amanda: I always knew I wanted to run my own business, but I decided on pharmacy when an amazing pharmacist cared for me when I was unwell at 17.

That moment changed everything for me. I studied in Wagga and felt strongly that my calling was in regional pharmacy, where relationships, trust, and continuity of care truly matter. I absolutely love what I do and the impact I get to make every day, not just for our customers, but also for our team.

It’s fulfilling to be the first employer for many juniors, helping them develop confidence and professional skills that will serve them for life. Supporting future pharmacists and shaping them to prioritise customer care is something I’m really passionate about.

AlburyCBD: What’s a challenge you’ve had to overcome in business?  

Amanda: Covid was a huge challenge for us as a pharmacy. Our staff live on both sides of the border, and we were often the first point of contact for customers unsure if they had Covid or what to do. Adding vaccinations into a stretched team was a significant challenge.

AlburyCBD: What would you be doing if you weren’t running Priceline Pharmacy Albury?

Amanda: Great question! I always dreamed of being a pilot, but since losing my hearing on one side due to the brain tumour, I can’t pursue that dream anymore. So now, I enjoy travelling in our caravan with my husband and volunteering on various committees to give back to the community that has supported me for over 20 years.

AlburyCBD: What do you love about being in the Albury CBD?

Amanda: Being in the heart of Albury brings a unique energy and connection that I truly cherish. One of my favourite aspects is seeing people gather at QEII Square, whether it’s for a casual catch-up, families enjoying the green space, or local events bringing people together. It’s a constant reminder of how strong and engaged our community is.

Plus, being in the CBD means we’re easily accessible to those who need us the most, fostering a collaborative spirit that I value deeply across all my businesses.

You can visit Priceline Pharmacy Albury at 541/543 Dean St, Albury. Don’t forget to follow them on Instagram and Facebook or shop online.

Some answers have been lightly edited for flow and clarity.