Presenting the award, Governor Malcolm McCusker urged Western Australian business leaders to follow Flanagan's lead and do more for charity.

For his efforts, the Atlas Iron managing director was awarded $A100,000 to donate to charities of his choice, namely the Leukaemia Foundation and youth help group Youth Focus.

McCusker said Flanagan had a hands-on commitment to charitable causes and led by example, helping a range of charities and most recently sending a delegation of 230 Atlas staff to Port Hedland to work on community projects.