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Businesswoman who prefers to work in the background wins West Aussie of Year

Australia’s top businesswoman Gina Rinehart has been named Western Australian of the Year in recognition of her generous philanthropy and unrivalled corporate success.

Mrs Rinehart, a leading figure in the mining and agricultural industries, received the prestigious honour at a gala dinner at Crown Ballroom where the finalists and winners of the Western Australian of the Year Awards were celebrated on Friday night.

“It’s a wonderful honour to be recognised here tonight,” Mrs Rinehart said when accepting the award in front of a star-studded crowd that included Premier Mark McGowan at his last official event and the next premier Roger Cook, as well as a host of other business leaders and politicians.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved . . . and what we’ve been able to contribute to Western Australia and our country and its future.”

Mrs Rinehart also bravely shared a skin cancer safety message after revealing to the audience that she had recently undergone a melanoma operation on her face and was still recovering.

She is widely respected in business circles for overseeing the transformation of Hancock Prospecting Group since she took the helm in 1992. When she took charge of the company it was facing financial difficulties, but her astute business decisions and high-level deal-making have allowed it to grow to become the most successful private company in Australia’s history.

Australia’s richest person has long been applauded, and won a list of awards, for spearheading the exploration, financing, construction and operation of the award-winning $US10 billion ($15.1b) Roy Hill iron ore project.

Mrs Rinehart not only developed a successful mine, she also, in a world-first, had massive mining trucks and trains painted pink in support of those suffering breast cancer, and in support of women in the mines.

Mrs Rinehart prefers to keep a low profile but is a champion of philanthropy and giving back to the community. Her ongoing support has financially aided several medical, sporting, educational, health and community organisations.

She also serves as patron of Australia’s Olympic swimming, rowing, volleyball and synchronised swimming teams, and is a generous donor to Telethon.

“Gina is a truly deserving winner of this award. Her commitment, selflessness and compassion are values we should all strive towards, and her impact on, not only our State but country, cannot be overstated,” Celebrate WA chair Mike Anghie said.

“I also congratulate all of the category winners, whose outstanding achievements in their respective fields really do represent the diversity of talent present in Western Australia.” The annual awards celebrated 21 finalists in seven categories, with the list of winners including the best and brightest in the State.

Mr McGowan praised all the winners of the night in a speech that also reflected on his six years as Premier. He even joked to Mr Cook that maybe he was having second thoughts after he received a standing ovation.

“On a personal level, can I just thank you all. Western Australia has been wonderful to me,” the 30th premier of WA said.

“I couldn’t ask for anything more . . . I’m so grateful.”

Political trailblazer Ken Wyatt was awarded the Wesfarmers Aboriginal Award.

The first Indigenous Australian elected to the House of Representatives, Mr Wyatt is a strong advocate for an Aboriginal Voice to Parliament and an inspiring leader with an unmatched understanding of the issues facing Indigenous Australians.

“This award means a lot and I want to acknowledge the many Aboriginal people outside of this room who are equally deserving, who strive every day to make a difference not only for their community, but for their fellow West Australians,” Mr Wyatt said.

Artistic director for Perth Festival Iain Grandage won the Woodside Energy Arts & Culture Award for his creative vision and a strong commitment to WA’s vibrant art community.

“From that moment of inspiration is where all art derives, then it’s a lifetime of craft of technique, perseverance and determination to make that idea a reality,” he said.

“We get to celebrate that spark which is within every one of us and the lifetime of work that we all do, to bring those sparks into the world and make this State a better place.”

Professor Marcus Atlas won the Alcoa Community Award in recognition of his global contribution to the field of ear and hearing health.

The director of Ear Science Institute Australia has helped turn the not-for-profit into a world-leading ear and hearing medical research institute.

He has been instrumental in providing high-quality surgery and hearing rehabilitation for the community, with ESIA serving more than 44,000 people annually.

Renowned autism researcher Professor Andrew Whitehouse was awarded the HBF Professions Award. His work and passion for transforming clinical care for children have been commended across the country.

Professor Whitehouse’s discovery in 2021, showing the benefits of intervention for autism as early as six to 12 months, has transformed international practice.

“It’s just been an absolute privilege to work with so many families and kids who are struggling, but can live a long, happy, fulfilling life,” he said.

The Channel 7 Sport Award went to Brad Ness.

The Paralympic champion, who lost his leg in a workplace accident when he was 18, is admired for his advocacy of para-sport.

He has represented Australia in five Paralympic Games, winning a gold and two silver medals in wheelchair basketball.

Under his guidance as the head coach of the WA Institute of Sport, a record number of WA wheelchair basketball players made the national team in 2022.

And para-athlete and disability advocate Madison Heady took out the BHP Youth Award.

The 21-year-old has not let her ataxic cerebral palsy stop her from succeeding over the years.

After being involved in a serious car accident in 2020, doctors advised her that she may never walk again and that her dreams of becoming a Paralympic runner could be over. Yet she went on to win a National Athletics silver medal. She is also a public speaker who educates young people about equality and inclusion. “Imagine the girl watching the other children play chasey, play on the playground and swing feeling isolated, alone, frustrated and worthless,” Ms Heady said in an incredibly moving speech at the awards night.

“I don’t want anyone with a disability to feel like I did because everyone has their unique qualities, talents and passion to contribute to our community.

“Now I have my voice, I want to help others to see that they can do, and for our community, to embrace diversity and inclusion by just starting the conversation.

“Open up the opportunity to see the ability, not the disability . . . this will always be my life, thank you.”

Mrs Rinehart joins previous Western Australian of the Year Awards recipients including Richard Goyder AO (2021), Emeritus Professor Mike Daube AO (2018), James McMahon DSC AM DSM (2019), Dr Robert Isaacs AM JP (2015), and Professor Fiona Stanley AC who won the Community Service Award and Professions Award in 1999.

The Western Australian of the Year Awards ceremony marked the start of the WA Day long weekend across the State. Other high-profile business leaders and politicians in attendance included WA Governor Chris Dawson, Seven West Media chair Kerry Stokes, Mineral Resources founder Chris Ellison and Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson.