“I will pay all of the tuition for this boy and his two younger siblings until they are grown up!” Australia’s richest woman, Gina Rinehart, astonished the nation with her declaration: “This boy is a prodigy with incredible endurance! He swam non-stop for four hours to save his family, far surpassing any professional tennis player or swimmer!” However, the boy’s subsequent actions surprised the entire Australian nation, as no one expected a 13-year-old to be so mature.
In a moment that has left millions of Australians in tears, mining magnate and Australia’s wealthiest person Gina Rinehart has publicly pledged to cover the full school and university tuition fees for 13-year-old hero Austin Appelbee and his two younger siblings — until they complete their education.
The announcement came during a rare media appearance this morning at Hancock Prospecting’s Perth headquarters, where Rinehart spoke with visible emotion about the teenager who swam more than 4 kilometres through ferocious rip currents and heavy swell to raise the alarm after his mother Sarah and three younger siblings were swept far out to sea off Hamelin Bay last Sunday.
“This boy is a prodigy with incredible endurance,” Rinehart said, her voice breaking slightly. “He swam non-stop for four hours in those conditions to save his family. That kind of courage and physical resilience far surpasses anything I’ve seen from professional athletes — tennis players, swimmers, anyone. I want to make sure he and his brothers and sister never have to worry about education costs. I will personally pay all tuition fees for Austin and his two younger siblings until they are grown up and have finished university. It’s the least we can do for such an extraordinary young Australian.”
The offer is believed to be worth several million dollars over the coming years, covering private schooling, university degrees and any associated living and study expenses.
But what truly broke hearts across the country was Austin’s response when the offer was personally conveyed to him earlier today at the hospital where his mother is still recovering from mild hypothermia and exhaustion.
According to family sources and a close friend who was present, Austin listened carefully, then looked up and delivered seven simple words that left everyone in the room speechless:
“I don’t want to leave my family behind.”
He politely thanked Mrs Rinehart for her generosity, but explained that accepting the offer would mean leaving his home, his mother, his brothers and his sister for long periods — something he is not prepared to do after the terror of almost losing them forever.
Sarah Appelbee, still weak but seated beside her son, later spoke briefly to reporters outside the hospital:
“Austin didn’t even pause to think about the money. His first thought was us — staying close, helping me recover, being there for his little brothers and sister. After what we went through in that water, he just wants to be home with us. That’s who he is. I’ve never been more proud of him.”
The story has taken Australia by storm. Within minutes of the news breaking, #AustinAppelbee and #FamilyFirst were trending No.1 nationwide for the second time in a week. Social media is flooded with messages of love, tears and admiration:
“13 years old and he already understands what really matters. Money can’t buy that kind of heart.” “He swam through hell to save his family, then turned down millions so he could stay with them. That’s pure love.” “In a world obsessed with fame and fortune, this boy just reminded us what a real hero looks like.”
Gina Rinehart released a short follow-up statement through her office:
“I am deeply moved by Austin’s response. His courage in the water was extraordinary; his maturity and love for his family even more so. The offer remains open indefinitely — no conditions, no pressure. If he or his family ever need support for education or anything else, it will be there. Australia is lucky to have young people like Austin.”
The Appelbee family has once again asked for privacy while Sarah continues her recovery. They have politely declined the flood of media requests for interviews.
Austin’s heroic swim — battling powerful rip currents and heavy swell for over an hour to reach shore and alert rescuers — saved his entire family. Volunteer marine rescue crews, police and RAC Rescue helicopter teams located Sarah and the three children more than eight hours after they were swept away. All were rescued safely, though emotionally and physically exhausted.
Surf Life Saving WA has since featured the incident in renewed ocean safety campaigns, urging beachgoers to swim between the red-and-yellow flags, check local hazard ratings, and never paddleboard or swim alone in unfamiliar waters.
In an age of instant celebrity, viral fame and monetised bravery, a 13-year-old boy from a small Western Australian coastal community has reminded the entire country what truly matters: family, love, and staying together.
Australia isn’t just proud of Austin Appelbee. Australia is crying over him — tears of gratitude, pride and pure emotion.
And in a world that often rewards those who chase the spotlight, this quiet teenager has shown that sometimes the greatest strength is saying “no” — and choosing family instead.
