Dr Michael was kept busy on Monday attending an afternoon tea and civic reception, and visiting the UWA Albany Centre’s NRM Centre for Excellence, Rural Clinical School program.

He also found time to tour Great Southern Grammar and Albany Residency Museum.

UWA Albany was formed after lobbying of all universities to establish a presence by both the Albany Town and Shire and the Great Southern Development Commission in the 1990s.

UWA commenced first-year undergraduate courses in 1999, based in the old teacher’s cottage at the rear of Alison Hartman Gardens.

It then was given a peppercorn lease of the Old Post Office building on Stirling Terrace.

Dr Michael, a UWA Chancellor, was the chairman of the Commission that oversaw the amalgamation of the Town and Shire into the City of Albany.

He said the centre was a strong part of the community after having built many enduring relationships.

He gave credit to former Albany MLA Kevin Prince, former Town Mayor Annette Knight (founding UWA Albany chair), Bruce Manning (GSDC) and Milton and Muriel Evans.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson said the University was thankful for the ongoing support of the City, the GSDC and the community.

“UWA in Albany has gone from strength to strength, with our Rural Clinical School and Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Management being twin pillars of excellence in UWA’s offerings in Albany,” Professor Robson said.

“Our relationship with this community is a dedicated and continuing one.”

The centre is now supported by the Friends of UWA and the UWA Albany Foundation.