Article by Max Aitchison, courtesy of the Daily Mail Australia.
Gina Rinehart treated her staff to a black tie event to celebrate her 70th birthday, with the lavish event featuring a horse show and Aussie music.
The billionaire mining magnate threw the bash last Thursday evening in an enormous marquee on the banks of the Swan River in Perth, with Guy Sebastian singing the national anthem.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton flew in all the way from Canberra to attend for just 40 minutes before flying to Melbourne, the AFR reported.
Other Hancock Prospecting executives with February birthdays were also celebrated with multiple chocolate cakes.
‘Many attended wearing their Rossi boots, and enjoyed a horse show backed by the fantastic Aussie music, “The man from snowy river'” with riders accordingly also dressed in iconic Driza-Bone, and Rossi boots, carrying large Australian and company flags,’ Mrs Rinehart’s website states.
It added: ‘The event was greatly enjoyed by all, with very positive comments by staff who attended, including, “the best night of my life”.’
Staff in the Pilbara and elsewhere across Australia were able to beam in to the event.
So too were Mrs Rinehart’s ‘Cambodian daughters’ who shared an inspirational message.
Mrs Rinehart rescued nine Cambodian girls from poverty in 2009 and has paid for their education.
Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas told 6PR he was the MC for the night.
‘It was a very special night actually,’ he said. ‘To see the admiration of the staff, the loyalty, I guess.
He added: ‘And yes, it doubled as a 70th birthday party for the current West Australian of the Year.’
