Andrew Forrest named WA Australian of the Year

Mr Forrest, who founded Fortescue Metals Group, was recognised by Governor Kerry Sanderson and Premier Colin Barnett for devoting his energy to society’s most vulnerable, working to highlight Australia’s indigenous disparity and drawing attention to liberating 45.8 million people trapped in modern slavery around the world.

Fortescue Metals Group is one of Australia’s largest engagers of Aboriginal businesses and employer of Aboriginal workers.

Mr Forrest served on the Global Citizenship Commission to refresh the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights for the United Nations and is considered one of Australia’s greatest philanthropists, business leaders and change agents.

Other winners included Peter Kenyon (WA Senior Australian of the Year), Abdullahi Alim (WA Young Australian of the Year) and June Oscar (WA Local Hero).

WA award recipients are now finalists for the national awards to be announced on January 25.