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Twiggy steppen up

Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest pledges $160 million to help fight COVID-19
By Nathan Hondros
WA iron ore magnate Andrew Forrest's Minderoo Foundation and his mining company Fortescue Metals Group will commit "up to $160 million" to procure and distribute medical supplies from China and ramp up testing.

In a media statement, Mr Forrest said the first cargo plane was leaving Shanghai on Wednesday with another two arriving in Perth on Friday and Saturday.


Mining magnate Andrew Forrest is joining the COVID-19 fight with a $160 million pledge.CREDIT:TREVOR COLLENS

He said Minderoo Foundation had secured more than 90 tonnes of medical supplies, including a million N95-equivalent face masks, 400,000 surgical masks, 2.3 million medical-grade gloves, 100,000 nasal swabs, 200,000 medical coveralls, 10,000 medical goggles, 5,000 touchless thermometers and over 33 intensive care ventilators.

Mr Forrest said FMG's "deep and enduring relationships" with China were unparalleled in Australia which allowed Minderoo Foundation to procure the goods.

"Our nation is facing a threat not seen in our lifetimes," Mr Forrest said. "China's Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Ambassador Cheng, and the Chinese people have been great mates to Australia.