Annual Report 2005 - Publications Unit - The University of Western ...

• the successful negotiation of the purchase of the Claremont Campus of Edith Cowan Universityand the exciting prospect of restoring the site of the former Sunset Hospital;• continued growth in competitive grant income from both the ARC and the NHMRC; and• excellent progress in fundraising, notably with the new Business School campaign.Throughout the year there were many other accolades for staff and students across the full range ofdiscipline areas for achievement at local, national and international levels. The work of outstandingacademics and dedicated professional staff reflects the larger purpose of the University to serve theAustralian and wider global communities.Throughout the year we also have had to respond to major Federal Government policies, such as thatconcerning workplace reform and the levying of student amenities fees.It is a credit to the staff of the University that they have faced the hurdles put before them while stillcontributing significantly to the growth and impact of our performance and reputation.We believe that national policy settings are going to favour those universities that have a focus on quality,research intensity and impact, and who build strong relationships with other institutions as well as thegovernment, business and community sectors.This provides affirmation of the direction currently being pursued by our own University where qualityis paramount, where building our research capacity provides direct and positive benefits for teachingand learning, and where our external relationships are bringing increasing benefits to the institution.This approach also recognises the importance of our strategic international links and collaborations—particularly in China, Southeast Asia, the UK, Europe and North America which support our University’sclaims of international excellence.The University welcomed Dr Michael Chaney at the end of 2005 as the new Chancellor of our University.Dr Chaney’s reputation and experience as a leader both in the private sector and through his contributionto community organisations will contribute significantly to the role of the University and its standing inthe wider community.Dr Chaney accepted the position following the appointment of Dr Ken Michael as Governor of WesternAustralia. Dr Michael brought dignity, constancy and supportive leadership to the University and Senateduring his term as Chancellor, and we wish him well in his new role.Alan Robson AMVice-Chancellor5