Hancock Prospecting’s $200 million commitment to homeless veterans goes national as first Queensland residences open their doors
MEDIA RELEASE
Monday 12 October 2026
Gina Rinehart’s $200 million commitment to put a roof over the heads of Australia’s homeless or at-risk war heroes now spans from coast-to-coast with the first Brisbane residences under the rollout opened and already helping veterans in need.
Mrs Rinehart, the Honorary Guardian of Australia’s veterans through Soldier On Australia, today quietly opened one of four new Brisbane veteran housing complexes in the riverside suburb of Norman Park, naming it the ‘Daniel Keighran VC Apartments’ in honour of the Queensland-born Australian Army soldier who received the Victoria Cross for Australia for his actions under fire while on patrol in Derapet, Afghanistan in August 2010.
Mr Keighran, who still resides in the Queensland capital having earned his Victoria Cross while serving with the Brisbane-based 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, attended today’s opening of the new accommodation complex and heard directly from veterans whose lives have been transformed as a result.
Veterans Housing Australia, which operates one of Mrs Rinehart’s dedicated veterans housing facilities in Perth, will manage operations of the new Norman Park accommodation alongside the Salvation Army.
Mrs Rinehart confirmed another three recently refurbished residential complexes across Brisbane, with two having already reached full capacity, and the third expected to welcome veterans next month.
The accommodation offers veterans stable and secure housing and a place to call home; and takes the total number of apartment blocks acquired across Australia under Mrs Rinehart’s commitment to six.
These add to the ‘Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG Beach Houses’, opened in June in Scarborough, WA, followed by the ‘Sergeant Matthew Locke MG Apartments’ which opened in South Perth in July.
Mrs Rinehart’s steadfast support for veterans stretches back several decades through generous support to Soldier On, the SAS Resources Trust, Commando Welfare Trust, Legacy, RSL WA and more.
Mrs Rinehart has also previously provided housing support to veterans through Sir Valston Hancock House, a dedicated complex of refurbished units, also in South Perth, which has provided more than 3,500 nights of accommodation since opening in September 2024 to veterans who otherwise would have slept rough.
The facility is named after her uncle, Air Marshal Sir Valston Eldridge Hancock, KBE, CB, DFC, who during World War II held many active roles, before being appointed Chief of Air Staff from 1961 to 1965.
Quotes attributable to Mrs Gina Rinehart AO:
“After the opening of our first two Perth properties for veterans this year, plus the earlier Sir Valston Hancock House, we’re pleased to be able to provide more accommodation for veterans and their families, this time in Brisbane.
“Like Perth, the home of our highly skilled SAS, Queensland veterans have a long and proud history of service to our nation. While many veterans call this city “home”, sadly too many who have served have no stable home of their own.
“With a federal government that seems more determined to sell our unused or scarcely used barracks to support their excessive spending and waste – including many facilities that have significant historical and sentimental value to those in uniform or who have served – rather than opening them up to our approximately 6,000 homeless veterans, it is necessary to find suitable accommodation around the country to help fix this national disgrace.
“I hope more veteran organisations, even those who receive some government funding, add their voices to the public calls for the immediate opening of these underused defence facilities for the benefit of our veterans who are sleeping rough.
“Our own $200 million commitment, although this is the largest private commitment ever for veterans in our country, by itself is inadequate. More can, should and must be done to help those who were willing to sacrifice all for us.
“Stable secure housing is the basic foundation needed to help turn homeless veterans’ lives around. Skills veterans have already acquired while serving, such as carpentry, plumbing, mechanical, could be used to help maintain existing barracks, together with any clean up and painting needed.
“What really makes my blood boil, is that veterans who have fully earnt their inadequate pensions, are restricted from working as much as they may want or need, or if they did work over the tiny amount our government permits, their pensions would suffer. Veterans should and must be able to work, as much as they may want, without an expensive, intrusive bureaucracy over them, and just have their earnings taxed, as we do. This uncaring expensive policy is preventing many veterans from being able to save for a home, or even pay for rent, especially during this high cost of living crisis time. I have long called for this. It would be helpful if organisations entrusted with and funded to, serve our veterans, became more public regarding letting veterans who sacrificed, many risking their lives, being able to work in their own country if they wish.
“For those in Australia in the vast minority wanting high immigration despite the problems this causes, given they say they need workers, wouldn’t it be fantastic if our own veterans were able to work if they chose, and similarly our pensioners, who are also hurt by intrusive bureaucrats and uncaring governments similarly limiting the amount of work they are permitted to do. Lifting the expense of such intrusive bureaucracies and letting veterans and pensioners work should they choose, could release hundreds of thousands of English-speaking Australian workers. Australians currently struggling and stressed in this cost of living crisis, who need to be able to work to help them cope.
“This commonsense approach would not only help many veterans and pensioners should they choose to work, but through their taxes help fund our debt or other essential public services and infrastructure, many of which are lacking at this time especially in our regional areas.”
Quotes attributable to Daniel Keighran VC:
“It’s humbling and an absolute honour to have my name associated with a facility that will no doubt transform the lives of so many veterans doing it tough.
“Those who have served our nation face unique challenges as they transition back to civilian life. Many land on their feet, but for many others, unforeseen hurdles get in the way and take them on a path that no veteran should have to endure. Mrs Rinehart has stepped up for these veterans in a way never seen before.
“Veterans, even those in need, rarely ask for a helping hand, so being here at this wonderful facility and seeing up close the real difference Mrs Rinehart’s vision and generosity has made for these very deserving Australians will stay with me for years to come.
“What matters most about this facility is the dignity it gives veterans at a time when they may need it most. Mrs Rinehart has provided more than a roof over someone’s head; she has provided stability, support and, importantly, an opportunity to get back on their feet.
“Australians who have served their country deserve to know that, if circumstances turn against them, they won’t be forgotten. This facility is a powerful example of what can be achieved when genuine generosity is matched with a determination to make a practical and lasting difference in veterans’ lives.”
Quotes attributable to Veteran Housing Australia CEO, Rob Miller:
“The acquisition and operational delivery of the Brisbane site represents yet another phase in Mrs Gina Rinehart’s commitment of $200 million to address veteran homelessness.
“The delivery of these homes under the proven ‘Housing First’ model is clear evidence of Mrs Rinehart’s commitment to make meaningful change, not just talk about the issue.
“To my knowledge, no commitment or project – current or past – has ever been undertaken on such a scale in Australia, and VHA’s team and board are incredibly excited to be involved.”
Quotes attributable to the Salvation Army’s Veteran Support Manager, Jonathan Dyer:
“Australian veterans and veteran families are nearly three times more at risk of experiencing homelessness than the general population.
“Ending veteran homelessness requires strong partnerships and a shared commitment to those who have served our nation. The Salvation Army is proud to work alongside Hancock Prospecting and Veteran Housing Australia to deliver supportive housing opportunities for veterans, ensuring they have access to safe accommodation and the tailored support needed to achieve long-term housing stability and wellbeing.
“We are excited to see people stepping through the door of their homes, some after a considerable time without any kind of stability in their lives. This in itself is life transforming. We know that hope and housing are the springboard for positive change in every other area of a person’s life. Through this vital collaboration, we are helping to create the stability, opportunity and support that turn hopeful futures into reality.
“With thanks to Mrs Rinehart, this is one of the biggest steps towards ending veteran homelessness in Queensland.”
FURTHER INFORMATION
Hancock support for veterans
Mrs Rinehart and Hancock Prospecting companies maintain a longstanding commitment to supporting Australia’s serving Defence personnel, and veterans. This commitment is reflected through veteran employment pathways, multiple donations, and the Sir Valston Hancock House, providing accommodation for veterans in need.
Veteran Employment
Hancock Iron Ore operates a dedicated Veterans Employment Program, providing meaningful, long-term career opportunities for former ADF members across operational and corporate roles, offering access to the country’s highest-paying sector.
Veterans transitioning to civilian employment at Hancock are supported through:
- A structured peer support network, including a veteran “buddy” assigned to each new veteran.
- Access to chaplaincy support where required.
Veteran Welfare
Mrs Gina Rinehart AO serves as Honorary Guardian of Australia’s veterans through Soldier On, reflecting her long-standing personal commitment to veteran wellbeing. Hancock Prospecting companies support a range of veteran and service organisations, including:
- Soldier On
- RSL WA
- Commando Welfare Trust
- SAS Resources Fund
- ANZAC Eve Veterans’ Gala Event in Sydney
- The Legacy Club of Brisbane
- Young Veterans Australia
Hancock is also the funder of Sir Valston Hancock House, managed by the Royal Australian Air Force Association (RAAFA), which provides accommodation and support for veterans. At Mrs Rinehart’s direction, Hancock Prospecting purchased a block of apartments in South Perth and refurbished it into purpose-built accommodation to support the needs of veterans requiring.
Recognition and Remembrance
Hancock Prospecting companies actively support ANZAC Day and other commemorative events. Employees and company leaders participate in remembrance activities on-sites, stations and farms, and publicly to recognise veterans and their families.
Hancock is the major sponsor of the Australian Remembrance Foundation’s Lest We Forget Sunset Tribute at the Sydney Opera House on ANZAC Day Eve. Hancock is also the major supporter of the ANZAC Day Kings Park ceremony and march in Perth.
Veteran Scholarships
Hancock supports the ‘Military Excellence Scholarship’ through Bond University. The objective of the Scholarship is to create at least one undergraduate Scholarship and/or at least one postgraduate Scholarship each academic year at Bond, supporting selected serving or former military personnel to be enrolled at Bond.
The Scholarship will assist in allowing the Scholars to devote themselves to furthering their career in the military or in pursuing a new career path and entry to further employment.
Ongoing Commitment
Supporting veterans is a core element of Hancock Prospecting’s broader commitment to service, Australian values, and contribution to the nation. Hancock continues to work closely with veterans and veteran organisations to ensure its support remains practical, meaningful, and enduring.
