Kerry Stokes

Strong demand for industrial and mining equipment in China and Australia, plus a rise in advertising, made him a billionaire once again. Already the biggest Caterpillar dealer in Australia through his WestTrac, has a franchise to sell and service the Caterpillar earthmoving and construction gear in China as well. Also a media baron, he is cutting debt by arranging for another media outfit to buy his Seven Media Group, operator of Australia's top-rated television network. Self-made billionaire started out installing television aerials on suburban homes as a teenager. He's the top private buyer of Victoria Crosses, acquiring three of these rarely seen Australian military awards at prices up to $1.2 million each and donating them to the Australian War Memorial.