Senior leaders at University of WA visit Geraldton for meetings and discussions on region’s needs

A delegation of senior leaders from the University of Western Australia visited Geraldton last week to strengthen their links to the Mid West and discuss the region’s future needs.

UWA senior deputy vice-chancellor Professor Tim Colmer, professor of practice (regional and remote health) Garry Fitzpatrick, and dean and head of the School of Health and Clinical Sciences Associate Professor Khyber Alam visited the WA Centre for Rural Health in Geraldton, taking part in a series of meetings and discussions.

Those meetings included Geraldton Universities Centre, WA Country Health Service, Rural Clinical School, City of Greater Geraldton, Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation, Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mid West Development Commission, Geraldton MLA Kirrilee Warr and Labor MLC Sandra Carr.

Talks centred on strengthening relationships, collaboration opportunities, progressing regional teaching and workforce development initiatives, supporting rural research, and advocating for infrastructure to meet future regional needs.

“Regional Western Australia plays a vital role in the State’s future, and visits like this help us better understand local priorities and aspirations,” Professor Colmer said.

“By working closely with WA Centre for Rural Health and our regional partners, we can strengthen partnerships that enhance education, research and community engagement opportunities, ensuring UWA’s regional strategy delivers meaningful outcomes for regional communities.”

Professor Sandra Thompson said the visit was an important opportunity to focus on the future needs of the region.

“As regional education and research continue to expand, it is important that we plan for the infrastructure required to support future growth,” she said.

“Strong partnerships between UWA, WACRH and regional stakeholders will help ensure the Mid West remains a leading location for regional education, research and workforce development.”