The Way We Were
Sequicentenary of Gunnedah 1856 - 2006

Australia’s oldest chemist

When Gunnedah pharmacist Cyril A. Smithurst retired on December 6, 1991, he was the longest practising pharmacist in Australia.

Failing eyesight had compelled him to retire after a career that spanned 71 years – 56 of those years in Gunnedah.

Born in Balmain, Mr Smithurst graduated in Pharmacy from Sydney University in 1920 and served his apprenticeship with FP Gray, Pharmacist, in Bondi, taking over the business in 1924.

He purchased the pharmacy of Howard Cooney at 177 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah, arriving in July 1935 in the middle of a drought.

In his 56 years in Gunnedah Mr Smithurst took an active role in the service, social, Christian and commercial life of the town.

He was a charter member of Gunnedah Rotary Club in 1939 and received the highest honour in Rotary International – the Paul Harris Fellowship. At the time he was the only active foundation member of the club. Mr Smithurst was also foundation President of Gunnedah Musical and Dramatic Society, taking a leading role in many major productions – the Smithurst Theatre is named in his honour.

Mr Smithurst was foundation president of the Gunnedah Cancer Patients Assistance Society (now CanAssist), helping to raise funds for the establishment of the Jean Colvin Hospital in Sydney.

Cyril Smithurst was also committed to his Catholic faith, serving 11 years as treasurer of the St Vincent De Paul Society – his shop was a place where assistance was provided. He also helped countless other people behind the scenes without any thought of reward or recognition.

Cyril Smithurst was also a life member of the Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce, the Gunnedah Services Club and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia – he received the Distinguished Service Award of the Guild in 1988.

Cyril Smithurst and his wife Eileen were married for 62 years and raised three children – Barry, Margaret and Patricia.

St Joseph’s Catholic Parish lost one of its finest parishioners and the town an honorable citizen when Cyril A. Smithurst died on November 20, 1992, aged 92 years.