WHEN Wilson Soh came to Australia over a decade ago, little did he dream that he would stay to call Karuah, home.

The Malaysian student had come to study a Pharmaceutical Degree at Adelaide University leaving behind his Mum and Dad, four siblings and a large extended family.

“I came purely for education,” Wilson told News Of The Area.

His degree completed, Wilson was offered the choice of two traineeships, one in Canberra the other in outback Bourke.

“I chose Bourke,” Wilson laughed.

“Everyone told me not to because it was the outback, but at that time I was young and wanted an adventure,” Wilson said.

In his two years in Bourke, Wilson completed his traineeship, became a registered Pharmacist and was granted Permanent Residency.

‘’I’m a country person.”

“I like that kind of close contact, understanding the community and being able to individualise the customer care.”

From Bourke, he moved to Karuah and had a stint in Tea Gardens, working hard and saving his pennies for six years with one goal in mind.

He’s now the new owner of the Karuah Pharmacy and he and his staff couldn’t be happier.

‘’Karuah is very close knit community,” he said.

“I can call everyone by their first name, we chat.”

Wilson has also introduced new organic products, determined to provide Karuah with a service that is both family friendly and iconic to the area.

“I’m here to stay, it’s not just a job it’s a career,” he said.

“I have my heart and soul in it.”

By Margie TIERNEY