Article by Meleva Thorn, courtesy of WAMN NEWS
25.01.2026
The City of Perth announced earlier this week that Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting will be the principal partner of the free public event.
The ‘Hancock Prospecting Australia Day’ event will be back again at Langley Park, and will include a day full of both ticketed and free activities and entertainment for the family, as well as a view of the 8:30 pm fireworks.
There will also be a ‘Hancock Prospecting Picnic Zone’ to give more seating as well as a picnic-style spot for those looking to take a more leisurely moment away from the buzz of activity.
The City of Perth’s Lord Mayor, Bruce Reynolds, stated that the funding from Hancock Prospecting again this year – the third year in total – is an important part of being able to put on the event.
“Thanks to Hancock Prospecting’s ongoing support, Langley Park will once again be a vibrant hub of activity, culminating in a world-class fireworks and drone show,” said Mayor Reynolds.
“With the Hancock Prospecting Picnic Zone offering event-goers a place to unwind, enjoy a wide variety of food trucks, or bring their own picnic and soak up the atmosphere.
“Our City shines brightest in summer. Events like Australia Day not only bring West Australians together but also boost visitation and support local businesses right across the City.
“With the generous support of Hancock Prospecting, and their Executive Chairman Mrs Gina Rinehart, we’re able to deliver this spectacular free celebration while keeping costs low for our ratepayers.”
Meanwhile Hancock Prospecting’s CEO, Garry Korte, stated that the business – which hosts it’s headquarters in Perth – was excited to be part of the event once more.
“As Australia’s most successful private company, Hancock Prospecting and Mrs Rinehart are proud to partner with the City of Perth in celebrating our national day, and the values that make Australia one of the best countries in the world,” he said.
Gina Rinehart herself discussed the importance of Australia day for the nation.
““Australia was built by people willing to take risks and work hard – pioneers who struggled every day with adversity and huge challenges to enable easier lives and create opportunities for the generations that followed,” said Mrs Rinehart.
“We are very fortunate to be able to stand on their shoulders, so to speak, and this history is something we should be able to celebrate on Australia Day especially.
“Celebrations on Australia Day matter because they are opportunities for all Australians to pass on a sense of unity, national identity and family histories to the next generations of Australians.
“But we need to stand up for our country and make greater efforts.
“There are currently millions of people who would love the opportunity to come to our country and be able to enjoy our resources, large open spaces and the living standards these can provide.”
She also took the opportunity to state the role of primary industries and mining in the nation.
“Let’s also not forget on Australia Day, all who work in our primary industries, which industries do more than all other industries combined, to create tax revenue to provide for many services, help living standards, and in the instance of mining, provide the highest average salaries in our country,” said Mrs Rinehart.
“Mining has turned West Australia into a state that can support itself now and for all the decades since the 1960s.
“WA could not support itself prior to the Pilbara mining industry, and had to rely on the support of other states.
“Mining is hence crucial to our state and for the living standards of West Australians, indeed essential Australia wide.
“When mining does well, Australia does well, but when mining doesn’t do well, nor do Australians.”
Ultimately, she declared that “Hancock’s history of hard work and success enables us to support important events like Australia Day” which support “to inspire unity and our nation”.
“Happy Australia Day everyone!” said Mrs Rinehart.
