Rinehart invests millions in student accommodation facility at Marcus Oldham

One of Australia’s largest cattle producers and landowners, Gina Rinehart, has made the opening of a new accommodation facility at Marcus Oldham College in Geelong possible.

The $11.3 million Nicholas Hancock House boasts accommodation for 45 students.

The facility’s name honours Mrs Rinehart’s family, Nicholas on her mother’s side and Hancock on on father’s side.

It was recently officially opened by Adam Giles, the chief executive of Hancock Agriculture, on Ms Rinehart’s behalf.

The new facility at Australia’s only independent tertiary institution which offers agriculture and agribusiness degrees will give all students the opportunity to live on campus.

Marcus Oldham chairman Rob McGavin said extraordinary philanthropic support, led by a large gift from Mrs Rinehart, was a game changer for the college.

“Mrs Rinehart’s generous support of the college speaks volumes about her commitment to Australian agriculture and her belief in the importance of educating the next generation of leaders,” Mr McGavin said.

“I can only imagine how proud her grandparents would be that this building is named in their honour.

Mr McGavin said for the first time in more than a decade, all 195 college students could now live on campus.

Mrs Rinehart said she was proud to continue to support the agricultural industry.

“Agriculture has been at the heart of our country and of my family for generations,” she said.

“Supporting young Australians with facts, common sense and truth to build their futures in this essential industry is an investment in the future of our nation, and its continued food and fibre self sufficiency.

“As the world faces rising demand for food and fibre, it is critical that our governments do not bring in bad policies and excess regulations to stifle our agriculture industry.

“I hope Marcus Oldham is a place where truth and facts, common sense and reasoning flourish-and leaders can be grown.”

Mrs Rinehart said Nicholas Hancock House would give students from across the country the opportunity to live and learn together.

She said agriculture was an important industry for Australia that students would need to stand up strongly for.

Marcus Oldham College principal Andrew Baker said living on campus was central to the college’s experience, where learning extended to the common rooms, dining rooms and corridors.