
Australia Day honours: women, scientists and philanthropists head up awards list
The nation’s richest person, Gina Rinehart – at last count worth $36bn – was one of 25 Australians to become an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), in Mrs Rinehart’s case for distinguished service to the mining sector and for her philanthropy. The 67-year-old iron ore billionaire was recognised for her support of causes such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service and her patronage of sports, including swimming and volleyball.