Australia’s wealthiest person, Gina Rinehart was born in 1954 in Perth, and studied Economics at Sydney University, before working for her father, the late mining magnate Lang Hancock, initially as his personal assistant.
Since his death in 1992, Rinehart has been has been the Executive Chairman of Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd and has transformed the family owned company into an international mining colossus.
Her operations of coal and iron productions are estimated to produce $10 billion in annual profits, while her personal wealth could be close to $100 billion.
In 2010, she campaigned against the Federal Government’s proposed Mineral Resource Rent Tax. In that year she also took a stake in the media, buying up shares in Network Ten and Fairfax Media.
A keen philanthropist, Rinehart has financially contributed to a wide variety of causes, from swimming to health and medical research, including the Hancock Family Breast Cancer Foundation, Princess Margaret Hospital and the Bendat Family Comprehensive Cancer Centre at St John of God Hospital in Subiaco, Perth.
She has also worked with the Mannkal Economic Foundation, which mentors young West Australians, and has helped Pilbara women artists achieve their dreams.
Rinehart is on the advisory board of the South East Asian Investigations into Social and Humanitarian Activities, aimed at putting a halt to human trafficking.
This person has made the short list for the title National Living Treasure, this title is conferred when someone accomplishes an outstanding achievement, swelling the country’s consciousness with admiration, pride and acknowledgement... be they scientists or sports stars; actors, artists or Indigenous activists; politicians, philanthropists or explorers, The National Trust’s 2012 nominees are a true cross section of our country’s finest.
Click here to see the full nomination list and vote for your favourite.
