The data is in, and it tells a compelling story about what captured the attention of PerthNow readers throughout 2025. The past year saw a voracious appetite for a diverse mix of news, from jaw-dropping celebrity antics and high-profile divorces to major local controversies and community-changing developments. The numbers don't lie, revealing a year where Perth readers were hooked by stories that were quirky, impactful, and deeply personal.
Celebrity Spectacles and Personal Sagas Dominate
Topping the charts for reader interest was the astonishing red carpet appearance by Bianca Censori at the 67th Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025. The Melbourne-born architect and wife of Kanye West caused a global social media frenzy when she dropped a black fur coat to reveal a completely sheer dress, appearing naked before the cameras. The couple, who were reportedly not invited, were later escorted out by police, but the stunt ensured the world was talking.
Closer to home, the ongoing saga of Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness's divorce remained a major draw. Interest peaked with reports that Furness was "swooning" over old friend John Travolta, with insiders suggesting the actor could "sweep Deb off her feet." Meanwhile, the shocking split of another iconic Australian couple, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban after 19 years of marriage, revealed a bizarre legal twist. Their prenuptial agreement contained a so-called 'cocaine clause,' which could see Urban receive over $900,000 from Kidman for each year they were married if he remained clean, potentially totalling more than $17 million.
Local Controversies and Community Impact
Perth readers were deeply engaged by stories hitting closer to home. A Fair Work Commission case made headlines after a 63-year-old Perth worker was sacked from his high-paying job for referring to a non-binary colleague as "he" instead of "they" during a leadership course in February. The man refused to provide a written apology, claiming he was being bullied over gender politics, and his case for wrongful dismissal was heard in a confidential conciliation.
Traffic stories are always popular, and one event in particular caused major disruptions. On March 28, 2025, a convoy of hundreds of trucks, tractors, and vehicles brought parts of the city to a standstill. Farmers were protesting the live sheep exports ban as part of the 'Keep The Sheep' campaign launch. Organisers urged drivers to plan ahead, and spokesman Ben Sutherland described the movement as peaceful but determined.
The culinary world was rocked by tragic personal news when MasterChef Australia 'Back to Win' contestant Pete Campbell, 40, was forced to quit the show following a shock cancer diagnosis. The father of two, a fan favourite from season 13, said the news came as a "complete shock" after initially being given the all-clear from swollen lymph nodes.
Economic Pressures and Changing Landscapes
West Australians also expressed concern over the cost of living and local changes. The Cook Government's permanent ban on demersal fishing for species like dhufish and pink snapper along a 900km coast from Kalbarri to Augusta sparked fears. The industry warned that the price of the classic fish and chips meal would soar, threatening small businesses with closure.
In the retail sector, two major shopping centre stories resonated. Duncraig's Glengarry Shopping Centre, after 50 years of history, was sentenced to demolition to make way for a new 20-storey development, leaving family-owned businesses and loyal shoppers like resident Neal Meakins disappointed. Similarly, the long-awaited $792 million redevelopment of Westfield Booragoon was stalled for another four years until 2029, with the Scentre Group blaming labour shortages and supply chain issues, leaving retailers and shoppers frustrated.
The year also brought profound sadness with the passing of former West Coast Eagles star Adam Hunter. His partner, Latisha Yacoub, shared his harrowing final moments on February 4, revealing she screamed at him to keep his eyes open as he suffered a meth-induced heart failure. A coronial inquiry confirmed the cause of death, leaving the AFL community in mourning.
From global celebrity gossip to hyper-local traffic reports, the top stories of 2025 painted a vivid picture of a community engaged with both the sensational and the substantive, forever curious about the events shaping their city and the world beyond.
