When Gina Rinehart took over Hancock Prospecting after the death of her father Lang Hancock in 1992, she inherited a company on the brink.
Far from the powerhouse it is today, Hancock Prospecting had significant debts, and many of its assets were under mortgage.
West Australians know well how the story goes from here (even if some east coast pundits prefer to ignore it). Mrs Rinehart has worked tirelessly in the three decades since to transform her family business into the most successful private company in Australia’s history.
It is a remarkable achievement, and one which has taken considerable business nous, and a hefty supply of courage and chutzpah.
Diversification into mining, iron ore, copper, potash, gold, coal, gas, cattle, dairy, and property has seen Mrs Rinehart, who is now Australia’s richest person amass both a vast personal wealth and recognition of her business acumen and leadership skills. Now, there’s another feather in her cap, having been awarded the State’s highest honour as 2023 Western Australian of the Year.
Mrs Rinehart is a worthy winner, not just for her remarkable achievements in business, but also for her dedication to philanthropy.
While the full suite of charities and causes she quietly offers her support to is too numerous to mention individually, among them include medical, educational, sporting, health and community organisations.
Her contribution to Australia’s Olympic swimming, rowing, volleyball and synchronised swimming teams make her the biggest individual donor to Olympic sport in Australian history.
And as a proud West Australian, Telethon holds a particularly dear place in Mrs Rinehart’s heart, and her support over many years has made a profound difference to the lives of countless sick kids.
Others on the list alongside Mrs Rinehart are equally worthy of celebration.
They include Ken Wyatt, the first Indigenous Australian to be elected to the House of Representatives, and whose commitment to reconciliation continues in his life post-politics, who was honoured with the Wesfarmers Aboriginal Award.
Pioneering surgeon, scientist, and healthcare visionary, Professor Marcus Atlas was recognised with the Alcoa Community Award for his work in advancing his vision for the State to be the global leader in ear and hearing health.
The HBF Professions Award went to Telethon Kids Institute autism researcher Professor Andrew Whitehouse who has spent a career helping children with autism live full lives, and led the development of Australian-first guidelines for diagnosing and supporting children with the condition.
Aspiring Paralympian Madison Heady was diagnosed with ataxic cerebral palsy at birth and unable to walk unassisted until aged six. She had to learn to do it all over again after she was severely injured in a car crash in 2020. She received the BHP Youth Award for her disability advocacy.
Iain Grandage, composer, musical director and artistic director of the Perth Festival was honoured with the Woodside Energy Arts & Culture Award. Paralympian Brad Ness scooped the Channel 7 Sport award.
West Australians are always proud of our own, and particularly so on this WA Day long weekend as we celebrate our great State.
Responsibility for editorial comment is taken by the editor in chief, Anthony De Ceglie, 50 Hasler Road, Osborne Park, WA 6017. Postal address: PO Box 1769, Osborne Park DC, WA 6916.
