Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting announces $200 million to purchase properties for veterans housing

Suitable buildings across Australia are currently being assessed for acquisition and conversion into quality residential accommodation for Australian veterans, with a focus on locations that enable access to employment, transportation, services and support.

Existing buildings such as hotels, motels, apartment blocks are being prioritised, as they can be rapidly repurposed without the years of approvals and delays associated with new construction, enabling ready-to-use accommodation to be delivered to veterans as quickly as possible, recognising the urgency of the need.

Mrs Rinehart, who has been named by Solider On Australia as the ‘Honorary Guardian of Australian veterans, said that veterans are three times more likely to be homeless than the average Australian.

“I am pleased to confirm that Hancock Prospecting is committing $200 million to help struggling veterans after their service to our nation,” according to Mrs Gina Rinehart AO

“I was shocked to learn recently that more than 6,000 veterans are homeless. This is unacceptable. I hope that others will also actively and generously help to lessen this tragedy.”

The funding commitment adds to the Hancock Prospecting Executive Chairman’s backing of service personnel through generous support to Soldier On, the SAS Resources Fund, Commando Welfare Trust, Legacy, RSL and more.

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It also builds on already provided emergency veteran accommodation in West Australia under the $10 million Sir Valston Hancock House, a dedicated veteran housing complex of newly refurbished units in South Perth, operating since September 2024. That facility is run by the Australian Air Force Association WA Limited to ensure beds are not left empty. The facility has already provided approx. 3,500 nights of accommodation to veterans who otherwise would have slept on the streets.

Mrs Rinehart has also been the primary funder of the annual Lest We Forget Sunset Tribute at the Sydney Opera House on ANZAC Day Eve.

The most-recent funding announcement suggests that military barracks currently unused or hardly used such as Leeuwin and Irwin in West Australia, and others around the country, the government should consider the veterans, and immediately open those doors to homeless veterans.

A secondary suggestions envisions that redundant government departments could be closed and their empty offices converted to help to house rent free homeless vets

“This ANZAC Day, RAAFA is proud to mark the extraordinary success of Sir Valston Hancock House, a program that is not only providing accommodation, but restoring dignity, stability and hope to West Australian veterans,” according to Michelle Fyfe, CEO of the Australian Air Force Association WA Limited.

“Since opening in September 2024, Sir Valston Hancock House has demonstrated both its impact and the scale of the need. The facility reached full capacity within three months of opening, reinforcing what we have long known, that veteran homelessness is real, present, and growing in our community.

“Since opening, the program has delivered thousands of nights of safe accommodation, supported veterans into employment, reconnected individuals with their families, and most importantly, helped people rebuild their lives. Behind every number is a human story; veterans who have moved from living in cars or uncertainty to having a safe place to call home, often for the first time in years.

“Sir Valston Hancock House works because it is more than housing. It is part of an integrated model of care, connecting accommodation with advocacy, health services, employment pathways and long-term housing solutions. This “no wrong door” approach ensures veterans are supported holistically, not just temporarily.

“This initiative would not have been possible without the vision, leadership and generosity of Mrs Gina Rinehart and Hancock Prospecting. Mrs Rinehart’s commitment to veterans goes far beyond this project. Her long-standing advocacy, investment and recognition of those who have served our nation has created something truly meaningful – a place that is changing lives every day. On behalf of RAAFA, and the veterans we serve, I extend our sincere and heartfelt thanks.

“Sir Valston Hancock House stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when purpose, partnership and leadership come together. It also highlights the work still to be done.

“We know demand continues to outstrip supply, particularly for older veterans and those with complex needs. The success of this program is driving RAAFA’s continued investment in expanding veteran accommodation and support services, including the Andrew Russell Veteran Living program.

“Our focus remains clear, to ensure that no veteran is left without support, without connection, or without a place to call home.”

Hancock Iron Ore operates a dedicated Veterans Employment Program to provide career opportunities for former ADF members across operational and corporate roles. In addition, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs recently elevated Hancock Iron Ore to a Veterans Employer of Choice.

Mrs Gina Rinehart AO also serves as Honorary Guardian of Australia’s veterans through Soldier On.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.