The man behind Australia’s single largest philanthropic donation has been named 2017 West Australian of the Year.

Andrew Forrest was granted the State’s highest honour at an awards ceremony at Crown Towers last night.

The Fortescue Metals Group chairman accepted the award by videolink from Washington, singing the praises of his home State.

“Western Australia is where I was born, raised and educated and where I have spent most of my career developing businesses and philanthropies that contribute to the success of our people, our great state and nation,” Mr Forrest said.

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“It is an enormous honour to be named 2017 Western Australian of the Year.

“There are many leaders in various fields who would be very worthy recipients of this accolade, and I am humbled by being chosen from a field of truly incredible Western Australians.”

Celebrate WA chairman Michael Anghie said though all the finalists were remarkable people, Mr Forrest’s outstanding contribution to the community made him a cut above.

“Andrew has been tremendously successful in business and uses that platform to leave a legacy across multiple segments of our community,” he said.

“With his philanthropic efforts he is a stand-out.”

Mr Forrest, who also received the WA award at the 2017 Australian of the Year Awards in November, and his wife Nicola recently announced they would give $400 million to philanthropic causes.

He also won the business award at the WA of the Year Awards.

Camera Icon Gina Williams.

Camera Icon Peter Lyndon-James

Camera Icon Marcus Canning.

Other awards went to Aboriginal singer and songwriter Gina Williams who was recognised for her revival of the Noongar language, while Shalom House chief executive and founder Peter Lyndon-James won the community award for his unique approach to rehabilitating methamphetamine addicts.

Fringe World festival founder and chief executive Marcus Canning was recognised for his contribution to the arts community with the arts and culture award.

Camera Icon Dr James Fitzpatrick.

Camera Icon Ryan Morich.

Paediatrician James Fitzpatrick received the professions award for his groundbreaking research into fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Renowned sports commentator Dennis Cometti received the sports award while Ryan Morich was named winner of the youth award.