More honours for Isaacs

Gosnells Mayor Dave Griffiths presented Dr Isaacs with the title on August 1.

In addition to these honours, Dr Isaacs was the first Aboriginal person elected to local government as councillor and deputy mayor for the City of Gosnells.

He also helped set up Australia's first indigenous school, Clontarf Aboriginal College, in Bentley.

Cr Griffiths said Dr Isaacs had improved Aboriginal outcomes for many years and his advice as an Aboriginal elder had helped shape opportunities and facilities for Aboriginal people.

Dr Isaacs said he didn't know he was getting the award but was honoured to receive it. "It was unexpected and I cherish it for the work I have been doing in the City. My role in Aboriginal affairs in Gosnells has been unique because there have been issues that the council has had to address," he said.

"I don't know how to measure all these awards."

Part of the Stolen Generation, Dr Isaacs was taken from his family at a young age and has been working and helping Aboriginal people ever since.

"We have come a long way since those days," he said.

"We went through the difficult times; it was hard yakka. Aboriginal health and housing has improved and kids in the City of Gosnells are going to school because they have got housing in this area."