Noongar elder West Australian of the Year

An Aboriginal elder, who was part of the Stolen Generation and the first indigenous person to be elected to local government, has been named Western Australian of the Year.

Robert Isaacs has dedicated the past 50 years to improving the welfare of Aboriginal communities in Australia's west.

The Noongar elder has been at the forefront of Aboriginal education initiatives and helped establish Clontarf Aboriginal College, Australia's first indigenous school.

He became the first Aboriginal person to be elected to local government after he became councillor and deputy mayor for the City of Gosnells.

Dr Isaacs was also awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to the community and Aboriginal affairs.

When he was six months old, he was taken from his family and placed in institutions until the age of 17.