About Ron Manners
Entrepreneur. Thinker. Searcher. Philanthropist
A Life Shaped by curiosity focus and Human endeavour
For much of his life, Ron Manners AO has operated at the intersection of enterprise, ideas and human endeavor.
Entrepreneur, investor, author and philanthropist, his work has extended far beyond mining and business. Through decades of exploration, writing, institution building and educational philanthropy, one consistent theme has remained:
A belief in the importance of curiosity, responsibility, independent thinking and focused action.
"Progress comes from capable individuals willing to observe, experiment, learn and act."
Entrepreneur
Built businesses, created opportunities, embraced risk and transformed ideas into enduring enterprises and institutions.
Investor
Recognised potential, backed innovation and supported ventures that generated growth, value and impact.
Author
Documented experiences, explored ideas and shared insights on enterprise, freedom, leadership and history.
Futurist
Invested in future generations through education, opportunity, mentorship and focused philanthropic initiatives.
Influencers and Mentors
Antony Fisher
Frederich Hayek
John Hospers
Leonard Read
Prince Philip
"Ron Manners is one of Australia's most fascinating entrepreneurs and philanthropists. His story is not simply one of business success, but of curiosity, resilience, intellectual exploration and a lifelong commitment to expanding opportunity for others. Throughout decades of enterprise, Ron has remained a searcher—constantly learning, questioning and building institutions that continue to influence future generations."
Damon Kitney
Author, Heroic Humility
EARLY LIFE & INFLUENCES
The Discovery of Ideas
Ronald Brown Manners was born in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, on 8 January 1936 into a family deeply connected to mining and engineering.
The goldfields environment exposed him early to entrepreneurship, resilience and experimentation. Mining communities were built by individuals willing to take risks, solve problems and create opportunities in difficult environments.
One of the defining moments of Ron’s intellectual development occurred as a teenager when he discovered pages from The Freeman magazine packed around imported mining equipment. Those writings introduced ideas of freedom, self-ownership and personal responsibility that would permanently shape his worldview.
Thinkers including Leonard Read, Friedrich Hayek, John Hospers and Antony Fisher later became important intellectual influences throughout his life.
"Freedom and responsibility are inseparable."
"Thinkers including Leonard Read, Friedrich Hayek, John Hospers and Antony Fisher later became important intellectual influences throughout my life."
BUILDING ENTERPRISE
Building Through Curiosity and Action
Ron took over the family business in 1955 before forming the modern Mannwest Group in 1970.
Over the following decades he became involved in exploration ventures, mining companies, international investments, educational initiatives and publishing projects.
In 1985, he founded Croesus Mining NL, which later became one of Australia’s significant gold producers. The company helped contribute to renewed activity across the Kalgoorlie goldfields while employing hundreds of people throughout Western Australia.
His entrepreneurial journey extended beyond commercial success. Ron viewed enterprise as a process of experimentation, adaptation and long-term thinking.
Across mining, investment and philanthropy, he consistently sought to build institutions capable of creating enduring impact.
IDEAS & PHILOSOPHY
Retain Your Focus
Throughout his life, Ron Manners has consistently championed the values of focus, curiosity, independent thinking, human endeavour, stoicism and self-reliance. He believes that meaningful progress rarely emerges from rigid central planning, but instead through capable individuals who are willing to observe, experiment, learn and act. This philosophy has shaped every aspect of his journey, influencing his approach to business, entrepreneurship, writing, educational initiatives and philanthropy. For Ron, progress is driven not by grand designs imposed from above, but by individuals who embrace responsibility, remain curious, and have the courage to pursue opportunities and create lasting value.
“Prepare yourself to the point where you have sufficient confidence in your own abilities to invest in yourself with energy and enthusiasm.”
Ron Manners in Conversation
A DIFFERENT VIEW OF SUCCESS
Knowing When Enough Is Enough
Today, Ron Manners defines success very differently from how he did earlier in his career. While business growth and entrepreneurial achievement once occupied much of his focus, success is now measured by the quality of how he spends his time and the impact he can have on others. It is centered on maintaining balance, investing in family, nurturing curiosity, exploring ideas, helping future generations and preserving knowledge that may benefit others. For Ron, success is no longer about accumulating more, but about contributing more — sharing insights, supporting learning, encouraging independent thinking and ensuring that valuable experiences, stories and ideas are not lost, but passed on to those who follow.
“Money works for you, rather than you working for money.”
HONOURS & RECOGNITION
While appreciative of these honours, Ron has remained focused primarily on building institutions, supporting future generations and preserving ideas capable of long-term impact.
Awards & Recognition
2005
Mining Legend Award
Excellence in Mining & Exploration Conference
2011
Inducted as “Living Legend”
Australian Prospectors & Miners Hall of Fame
2020
Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
2020
Sir Antony Fisher Achievement Award
Atlas Network
2021
WA Senior Australian of the Year Nominee