Article by Tim Clarke courtesy of the West Australian.
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart has been recognised for her decades of support for Western Australia’s swimmers by being name a life member of Swimming WA.
Mrs Rinehart, the supremo of the multi-billion dollar Hancock mining empire, has been a physical and financial supporter for WA’s swimmers for three decades.
And on the sport’s night of nights — the Swimming WA Awards of Excellence — Mrs Rinehart was handed life membership, having already served two long stints as the Swimming WA’s patron.
“Mrs Rinehart … is the single biggest financial contributor to the sport of swimming across the country and most deserving to be inducted as a Life Member to our sport here in WA,” said Darren Michael, President of Swimming WA.
“As Patron, not only has she enthusiastically supported our WA swimmers here, across Australia and most recently internationally in Japan — where Australia presented the best international team ever
“She is a role model for our hardworking swimmers to achieve excellence.
“Swimming is in our DNA in WA and our Awards’ night is about honouring those who make up this DNA through shared values and commitment to our sport.”
That commitment includes a massive boost for swimmers and other elite athletes to go for gold at the Paris Olympic Games next year — with an unprecedented $3 million incentive for the big winners.
The multi-million dollar scheme will reward competitors who bring home medals at selected world championships this year and next, as well as the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
Luke Fernie, who has established himself as one of WA’s most progressive young trainers based at Ascot, joined father Peter and great-grandfather Bob on the honour roll of Kalgoorlie’s biggest race.
It is believed that Hancock Prospecting as contributed over $60m to Olympic and Paralympic sport since 2012.
Earlier this week, Mrs Rinehart was also honoured by WA’s Pastoralists and Graziers Association with their 2023 achievement award.
PGA president Tony Seabrook said the reigning West Australian of the Year had “a deep love of the land, family, and community, and exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that makes Western Australia great.”
CEO of Hancock Agriculture Adam Giles — the former NT Chief Minister — told the ceremony she would be “utterly honoured” to receive that recognition.
“On behalf of Mrs Rinehart thanks for standing up for industry, thanks for standing up for WA and thanks for driving change for all of Australia – you have deserve many accolades yourself,” Mr Giles said.
Perth Running festival is the only event of its kind to start and finish at the stadium, with participants given the opportunity to run or walk onto the ground and see their name on the big screens as they cross the finish line.
“And Mrs Rinehart says what she believes in, and she stands up for it, and too many are too scared, and I understand why. But to stand up for what you believe in, and having a fair crack — that is what she does.
“And in part that is what that award represents.
