The newly refurbished accommodation, near a Perth beach, has welcomed its first residents as part of Gina Rinehart’s $200 million commitment to help house homeless veterans and war heroes.
Mrs Rinehart, the Honorary Guardian of Australia’s veterans through Soldier On Australia, is delighted that a residential complex offering more than 20 beds in the Perth suburb of Scarborough, is named Ben Roberts-Smith VC, MG Beach Houses in honour of the Perth-born Victoria Cross recipient.
Ben’s parents, Len and Sue Roberts-Smith, officially opened the accommodation, and the accommodation will be managed by Veteran Housing Australia, a 95-year-old veterans’ charity.
The properties are the first of several to be acquired across Australia, all of which will provide short and long-term accommodation to help some of the approx. 6,000 Australian veterans who are homeless or in temporary only accommodation.
Mrs Rinehart confirmed a refurbished apartment block will open in July in South Perth, with 4 more suitable acquisitions being actively sought in Queensland, together with more in Perth.
This builds on Mrs Rinehart’s legacy of providing veteran accommodation in her home state of West Australia. The $10 million Sir Valston Hancock House, a dedicated veteran housing complex of refurbished units in South Perth, houses Aussie vets who are doing it tough and has been operating since September 2024.
The facility has provided more than 3,500 nights of accommodation since opening to veterans who otherwise would have slept without a roof over their heads.
Named after her uncle, Air Marshal Sir Valston Eldridge Hancock, KBE, CB, DFC, who during World War II held many roles, before being appointed Chief of Air Staff from 1961 to 1965, provides comfort and safety for struggling veterans.
Mrs Rinehart is a renowned long-time backer of Australian veterans through generous support to Soldier On, the SAS Resources Trust, Commando Welfare Trust, Legacy WA, RSL WA and more.
“Our veterans do not need more committees, or empty words. They need accommodation and people willing to act,” said Mrs Rinehart.
“I hope this accommodation, even more desperately needed as we move into the winter months, will bring some comfort to our struggling veterans, who after sacrificing so much for us are owed a great debt by this nation.
“No veteran who has worn our nation’s uniform should be left without the dignity of a safe place to sleep, and somewhere to call home. It is a national disgrace that we leave approximately 6,000 veterans to sleep in the streets.
“I hence call again to the Albanese government, to urgently recognise that no veteran should be left without a safe place to sleep, and immediately open all unused or partly used barracks and other unused or partly used defence accommodations, to enable thousands of homeless veterans to have a place to live.
“I also call again upon the Albanese government to urgently recognise that veterans who have served our country, should be able to work as much as they want, simply pay tax on their earnings, without jeopardising their very well-deserved pensions. Letting veterans work as much as they may wish, has many benefits, including letting them achieve their own rentals or homes.
“The beach houses are in Scarborough, not far from the SAS, where Ben served and carry the name of Ben Roberts-Smith VC, MG. He is a West Australian, former SAS soldier, who is looked up to by Australians across our country, and who served our nation with extraordinary courage. He is a her
In a recent TV interview while at the Bush Summit in Townsville, Mrs Rinehart added: “Homeless veterans really upset me. Why isn’t Canberra listening? Are they so arrogant, are they so heartless, are they so unconcerned for their fellow citizens, their veterans, that they leaved closed their barracks doors and their other spare accommodation, and will not open this up for the approx. 6,000 homeless veterans that we have in our country.”
War hero Ben Roberts Smith’s parents Sue and Len opened the accommodation units bearing their son’s name.
“We are very proud to see Ben’s name attached to a place that will give veterans a safe and welcoming roof over their heads when they need it most.
“Our son has been through so much, and our family knows deeply that the challenges faced by veterans and their loved ones do not end when their service does. In many ways, it just begins.
“For many veterans, the hardest battles come long after they return home, and projects like this show them they have not been forgotten.
“We sincerely thank Mrs Rinehart and Hancock Prospecting for making this possible and for providing not just accommodation, but dignity, care and a fresh start for veterans who have given so much to our country.”
The new units would prevent many veterans from sleeping rough and give them some comfort and stability said Veteran Housing Australia CEO Rob Miller.
“When a veteran is sleeping rough or facing homelessness, the first and most important step is a safe place to stay. These homes will provide exactly that,” Mr Miller said.
“This is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about giving veterans stability, dignity and the chance to get back on their feet with the right support around them.
“We are grateful to Mrs Rinehart and Hancock Prospecting for acting with such urgency and generosity.”
Quotes from veteran tenants:
- “With thanks when I felt all hope was lost.”
- “I’m so grateful for such a warm welcome yesterday I was overwhelmed and just to have a beautiful home but the housewarming gifts on top made it really unforgettable. Thank you and everyone that helped so much.”
- “At least two yelled in excitement, and one break down in tears knowing they potentially have access to safe long-term housing.”
- “I usually listen to my Welfare Lead talk people through all kinds of trauma and work through the best of bad options with veterans. It’s been something else to hear him be calling people with good, potentially life changing news.”
- “I’m so grateful that was such a warm welcome yesterday I was overwhelmed and just to have a beautiful home but the housewarming gifts on top really made it unforgettable. Thank you and everyone that helped so much.”
- “It’s not often that I am rendered speechless, but I am right now – the apartment is way beyond expectations. The thought that went into the provisioning of the food, linens, essentially everything you need is pretty special – not something I have come across before.”
FURTHER INFORMATION FOR VETERANS
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. Mrs Rinehart and or 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
- Wandering Warriors
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 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
