Gina Rinehart’s ‘crazy, life-changing’ $100K gift to staff at her 70th birthday party

Gina Rinehart celebrated her 70th birthday in style with a huge party that had guests from her Hancock Prospecting company as well as celebrities and politicians.

Australia’s richest person reportedly gave away several tax-free $100,000 prizes to staff from the mining, energy and agricultural sectors of her business at the star-studded event. Rinehart is no stranger to giving these types of lavish gifts and is understood to have handed out up to 70 tax-free rewards at recent Hancock Prospecting Christmas parties and her birthday party.

One attendee at last week’s event told the Daily Mail: “It’s like a station hand who works in rural Queensland who wins 100-grand after tax, like a crazy, life-changing thing to happen.

Gina Rinehart celebrated her birthday with a lavish party attended by Hancock Prospecting staff, politicians and even a celebrity singer. (Source: Hancock Prospecting)

“It really gets to the spirit of the way that she treats her employees as well, really trying to look after everyone, not just the very senior guys who are in head office in Perth.”

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The black-tie birthday party was held on the banks of Perth’s Swan River last Thursday.

It included a performance from Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian, a bedazzling horse show, a visit from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, and the MC was Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas.

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Zempilas told 6PR Radio: “It was a very special night actually. To see the admiration of the staff, the loyalty, I guess. And yes, it doubled as a 70th birthday party for the current West Australian of the Year.”

Rinehart has a net worth of $37.4 billion and Hancock Prospecting made a $5 billion profit last year. She also purchased Rossi Boots at the end of 2023 to ensure the company stayed in Australian hands.

Hancock Prospecting said the 70th birthday party celebrated “the incredible life of one of Australia’s icons” while also acting as a way to recognise “the long-serving staff members of “Roy Hill, Atlas Iron [and] Hancock Agriculture”.

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Gina Rinehart reportedly gave out $100,000 gifts to staff at her party. (Source: Hancock Prospecting)

“Mrs Rinehart’s contributions to worthwhile causes and patriotic and business leadership, make her an inspiration and role model for many Australians, especially women,” the company said.

“The event was greatly enjoyed by all, with very positive comments by staff who attended, including, ‘The best night of my life’.”

But Rinehart didn’t hog all the limelight, as she celebrated the other Hancock Prospecting executives who also had birthdays in February.

Yahoo Finance has contacted Hancock Prospecting for comment.

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