Atlas Iron chief executive David Flanagan was named the inaugural winner of Governor’s Award for Giving last night, in recognition of his work to push the boundaries of philanthropy in WA.
Mr Flanagan was received $100,000 from the McCusker Foundation to donate to his charities of choice as part of the award, which was announced by WA Governor Malcolm McCusker who hosted the event on behalf of recently established philanthropy advocacy organisation Giving West.
“Whilst there is a number of significant donors in WA who deserve recognition for their wonderful work, the recipient of the inaugural ‘Governor’s Award for Giving’ has been selected because of a demonstrated ‘hands on’ commitment to charitable causes and leading by example,” Mr McCusker said.
“This outstanding recipient is a shining example of a business leader running a dynamic company, yet still finding time to give as an individual, to develop a corporate giving strategy and to get out into the community and encourage others to do the same.”
“It is hoped recognising outstanding individuals in the community will encourage others to follow their lead.
“This event is an opportunity for discourse on what may be Western Australia’s unique opportunity to use its resource rich economy as a platform for community change. Western Australia is a leader in so many fields – mining, medical research and the arts. We now have the opportunity to be a leader in giving.”
World Vision Australia chief executive Tim Costello spoke at the event and likened Western Australia’s opportunities for development in philanthropy to those experienced by Victoria in the 1800s.
“Western Australia is at an unprecedented point in history. It sits at the centre of a resources boom, perfectly placed in the region during “the Asian century” and blessed by social and political stability,” Mr Costello said.
“Of course today's mining boom is not the first Australia has experienced. My home state of Victoria benefited spectacularly from the gold rush of the 1850s. Yet what many people don’t know is that this boom - more than 150 years ago - created a lasting legacy of philanthropy that can be witnessed today.
“And it was the gold rush philanthropy that set the example and got the ball rolling. They started something that still echoes in the Victorian community today. It was the bedrock upon which many other philanthropists such as Sidney Myer and the Myer family built upon.”
He said while there is a proud tradition of philanthropy in Australia, with the country’s private wealth growing there is great opportunity for growth.
“Our incomes are rising; Australia ranks 7th in the world for GDP per capita, as of 2010, behind only the very wealthiest small nations like Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Luxembourg, Qatar and the UAE,” he said.
“But among the top 5 per cent of income earners in Australia, 40 per cent don’t claim any tax deductions for charitable giving at all.
“Also, although WA personal wealth has grown faster than any other state, levels of giving aren’t growing at the same rate. UWA research says the Perth average donation is $303 while the national average is $424.
“Western Australia has a rare opportunity to start building a philanthropic legacy now that will still be looked at 100 years from now; with pride, with gratitude, and as a source of ongoing inspiration.”
Mr McCusker had some suggestions of how greater levels of giving can be established in WA.
“I would like to see every large company in WA establish a formal ‘corporate giving policy’ donating a minimum of 1% pre-tax profits to charity. I would like to see every small to medium sized business ‘adopt a charity’ and proudly display its support for that organisation. I would like to see every individual consider how they can best give something back to this great State of ours. It does not have to be money but could include volunteering or caring for someone in need,” he said.
