ChemCentre’s commitment to quality has truly stood the test of time.
This year ChemCentre celebrates 75 years of continuous accreditation with Australia’s National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA).
It’s a milestone that speaks to ChemCentre’s enduring commitment to scientific excellence, quality assurance and public trust.
Established by the Western Australian Government in the late 1890s, ChemCentre began as a provider of analytical services and scientific advice to government and industry. In 1922 these functions were incorporated into the Mines Department, forming the foundation of the ‘Government Chemical Laboratories’.
In 1950, under the leadership of Director Henry Rowledge, the laboratory achieved NATA accreditation with registration number 8, placing ChemCentre among Australia’s first accredited laboratories and setting a benchmark for scientific integrity that continues today.
ChemCentre holds the distinction of being the oldest registered laboratory still in operation. This makes it the longest continuously accredited laboratory in the world.
For more than seven decades, ChemCentre has continued to uphold the standards of excellence that have defined its reputation.
ChemCentre CEO Paul Nicholls said the milestone reflects the organisation’s long standing dedication to excellence.
“Accreditation is far more than a regulatory requirement, it’s a public declaration of our commitment to quality and trust,” Mr Nicholls said.
“Our NATA accreditation gives confidence to government, industry and the community that the science we deliver is reliable, robust and independently verified.”
ChemCentre has a long history of supporting NATA, with staff actively contributing as volunteer technical assessors and committee members. NATA has also played a vital role in building ChemCentre’s capability through its respected training programs, which enhance technical expertise and help develop the team of internal auditors.
NATA CEO Jennifer Evans acknowledged the remarkable milestone.
“For three quarters of a century, ChemCentre scientists have provided trusted results that protect the community, support regulators and industry, and strengthen WA,” said Ms Evans.
As ChemCentre looks to the future, its continued NATA accreditation ensures that every test, result and decision remains grounded in quality, accuracy and integrity.
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