Governor tells WA to give more

Governor Malcolm McCusker has urged West Australians to do more for charity and called on big businesses to use at least one per cent of pre-tax profits for philanthropy.

Mr McCusker said WA's giving culture had improved in recent years but the State's level of philanthropy was still behind the Eastern States.

He said people could give back to the community by donating, not just money but their time, to help worthy causes.

He made the comments before a function for key business leaders at Government House last night when he announced the winner of the inaugural Governor's Award for Giving was David Flanagan, managing director of Atlas Iron.

The McCusker family also awarded Mr Flanagan $100,000 to donate to the charities of his choice.

Mr McCusker said some of those at the function were already very charitable and some were charitable but might be prompted to do more. He hoped the wider community would embrace the opportunity to contribute.

"I would like to see every large company in WA establish a formal corporate giving policy to donate a minimum of one per cent of pre-tax profits to charity," Mr McCusker said.

He also hoped to see every small to medium-sized business "adopt a charity" and display its support.

Individuals should also consider how they could give something back, perhaps through things as simple as volunteering or caring for someone in need.

Mr McCusker said Mr Flanagan had a hands-on commitment to charitable causes and led by example.

Atlas Iron listed on the sharemarket in 2004 and is now the fifth biggest listed company based in WA. It has helped a wide range of charities and recently more than 230 staff went to Port Hedland to work on community projects.

Mr Flanagan said contributing to the community was a two-way street which saw benefits flow back to those who gave.

"We want our families to be proud of what we have done in our business and one of the ways we want to achieve that is leading by example," he said.

Mr Flanagan plans to share the money from the McCusker family between the Leukaemia Foundation and youth help group Youth Focus.

Leukaemia Foundation general manager Carolyn Turner said $57 a day provided a car on the road to transport patients for treatment and $110 a night provided accommodation.

Youth Focus chief executive Jenny Allen said $50,000 would provide extended face-to-face counselling for more than 50 people over a year.

• WA can do better: Tim Costello *