Throughout 2025, readers of *The West Australian* gravitated towards a diverse array of stories, ranging from gripping international events to quirky local incidents. The data reveals the most read articles of the year, highlighting the topics that captured public attention and sparked discussions across Australia.
Top Stories That Captivated Readers
One of the standout stories involved Serbian tennis champion Novak Djokovic, who made headlines during the Australian Open. After a fourth-round victory, Djokovic boycotted an on-court interview with Channel Nine, the host broadcaster. His refusal stemmed from remarks made by veteran sports journalist Tony Jones, who had labeled Djokovic a “has been” and suggested he be “kicked out.” The controversy escalated until Channel Nine issued an apology, drawing significant media attention during one of Australia’s premier sporting events.
Another story that captivated West Coast Eagles fans was the contractual negotiations surrounding young star Harley Reid. Initially, Reid’s signing with Puma sent shockwaves through the fanbase, as supporters anxiously awaited news about his future with the club. Eventually, the Victorian forward signed a new contract with the Eagles, but the Puma story had already garnered considerable interest.
In a more controversial vein, the Mandurah pub Cobblers Falcon caused a stir on Australia Day by displaying Chinese Communist Party flags at its entrance. This act was part of the Australian Venue Co’s decision to refrain from celebrating Australia Day at its venues, leading to public outrage and debates about the significance of the day. The incident left locals questioning whether the flags were intentionally placed or simply a prank, igniting a heated discussion about national identity.
Human Interest and Tragedy
A story that gripped the nation was the plight of Carolina Wilga, a German backpacker who went missing in the West Australian outback. After nearly two weeks of searching, she was found alive by a member of the public, albeit injured and suffering from mosquito bites. The extensive media coverage highlighted the public’s concern and relief as updates were shared, culminating in a happy ending for the 26-year-old.
The mining industry also faced a significant story with the passing of Mark McKay, founder of McKay Drilling. Tributes poured in from across the sector, recognizing McKay as a “legend of the industry.” He founded his company in Kalgoorlie-Boulder in 1990 and set an Australian record in 1999 for the deepest reverse circulation hole at 802 meters. His legacy continues through the business he built, which now operates 23 drill rigs and serves prominent clients.
In the realm of public health, Western Australia experienced a rise in measles exposure sites throughout 2025, with the Carousel shopping centre being identified as a significant location. The announcement raised concerns among the public, as the busy centre attracts hundreds of visitors daily, prompting many to worry about their potential exposure during the outbreak.
The disappearance of four-year-old Gus Lamont from his family home in South Australia also drew national and international attention. Since his disappearance on September 27, 2025, extensive search efforts have been launched, marking it as one of the largest searches in South Australian history. Despite the exhaustive investigations, the case remains unresolved, continuing to evoke concern and sympathy from the public.
In a controversial labor decision, Ansteel’s Mid West iron ore operation replaced locally based workers with over 40 Chinese managers and technical specialists. This move, aimed at addressing financial challenges, was met with backlash and led to an investigation by the Australian Tax Office into the company’s operations.
Finally, the high-profile trial of Matt Wright, star of *Outback Wrangler*, captured attention as it unraveled details surrounding a helicopter crash that resulted in the death of his co-star, Chris Wilson. The trial revealed that Wright had lied to authorities and pressured the injured pilot into falsifying records, ultimately leading to a guilty verdict for attempting to pervert justice.
Another notable event occurred on August 25, 2025, when Perth experienced its coldest day in 50 years, with a maximum temperature of just 11.4°C. This event marked the lowest recorded temperature for the city during the day since July 29, 1975, culminating in widespread discussion about the unusual weather patterns affecting the region.
As 2025 comes to a close, these stories exemplify the diverse interests of *The West Australian* readers, highlighting significant national events, human interest tales, and the occasional controversy that keeps the public engaged and informed.
