Current owner John Sloane is retiring and Ms Watts will take over the post office and will also expand the business to include a full pharmacy.

“The only thing missing from Millthorpe is healthcare so we are very enthusiastic about filling that gap,” she said.

Ms Watts said she plans to focus on serving the community when she combines the two businesses.

“I’m looking forward to meeting needs for peoples’ pharmacy and medication requirements and promoting the large range of Australia Post products and services,” she said.

“The convenience of one location for two essential services is important as people live such busy lifestyles.”

While Ms Watts may be familiar to some through her work as a pharmacist in Blayney the mix of postal and pharmacy services is a new venture for her and her family.

“They compliment each other well because they are very service orientated,” she said.

“John [Sloane] says customer service is a specialty and I feel it is a driving force.”

As part of the changes the post office will be renovated in February to shop fit the premises for the pharmacy side of the business and to further expand the postal services already on offer.

“It will be a work in progress,” she said.

“We will need the support of the community.”

Ms Watts said she has received advice on how to preserve the heritage listed building as part of the renovation process and make it more accessible for people with disabilities and difficulty with mobility.

Growing up near Orange and now living with her husband and her two children on a farm near Millthorpe, Ms Watts says she is passionate about the area and loves the community.

She hopes the pharmacy will improve access to healthcare services in the Blayney Shire when it opens in March.

“I want to be proactive with patient education and active in the community about promoting health,” she said.

“Your health will be our focus.”

The postal side of the business will also expand as part of the changes with more Australia Post merchandise and books, a stationary range, office supplies for small businesses, mobile phones and pre-paid phone credit and more post boxes.

“We want to be competitive with our prices,” she said.

“We are here for the long term.”

She also plans to include boutique-style giftware, home wares and baby accessories.

“It will be myself and other local girls as staff members so there will be familiar faces from around the community who know the area and its’ needs,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the customers so come in and introduce yourself.”