As 2025 draws to a close, Western Australia reflects on a year marked by profound loss and inspiring resilience. From devastating accidents that shook communities to stories of human courage and record-breaking achievements, the past twelve months have left an indelible mark on the state.
Moments of Tragedy and Loss
The year began with heartbreak when a seaplane crashed into the waters off Rottnest Island on January 7. The Cessna 208, piloted by James Wong, went down shortly after take-off. The accident claimed the lives of Wong and two tourists, Torben Poulsen and Danielle Grundbacher-Mosching. Four others survived, thanks in part to a heroic tender vessel worker who smashed a window to pull one passenger to safety.
In February, Perth was rocked by a horrific crash in Dalkeith. An intoxicated obstetrician, Dr Rhys Bellinge, drove onto the wrong side of Birdwood Parade, slamming into a parked rideshare car. Passenger Elizabeth Pearce, 24, died from her injuries, while driver Muhammad Usman was critically hurt. Dr Bellinge is awaiting sentencing in the Supreme Court.
The community faced another blow in May when Perth father Thanh Phan, 51, was killed in the CBD. He was struck by an e-scooter ridden by English backpacker Alicia Kemp, who was allegedly intoxicated and speeding. Kemp was later sentenced to four years in prison. The tragedy prompted the City of Perth to suspend e-scooter hire schemes.
A national tragedy echoed deeply in WA when the Bondi Beach massacre unfolded on December 14. The terror attack, during Chanukah celebrations, left 15 dead and 40 injured. While the event occurred in Sydney, it sparked nationwide grief and debate over gun laws and anti-Semitism.
Triumphs of the Human Spirit
Amid the sorrow, remarkable stories of survival emerged. In a tale that captivated the world, German backpacker Carolina Wilga was found alive after being missing for 12 days in the harsh WA outback. She survived by drinking from puddles and rationing her food before being discovered by local station owner Tania Henley.
West Australians also showed their generosity, shattering the Telethon fundraising record. Over a marathon 26-hour broadcast, the state raised an astonishing $90,160,275 for sick and disadvantaged children, bringing the event's lifetime total past $750 million.
Celebrations and Sporting Glory
Joy arrived for a Mandurah couple who became WA's biggest Lotto winners in three years, taking home a staggering $50 million Powerball prize in November. The millennial parents plan to use the windfall to spend more quality time with their toddler.
On the sporting field, Optus Stadium hosted a historic start to the Ashes series. Australia secured an eight-wicket victory over England in the first Test, wrapping up the match inside two days in front of a crowd of 101,515 fans.
Other significant events included a devastating fire that gutted the cherished Morley Markets in September, destroying nearly a dozen businesses. Police later concluded the blaze was not suspicious.
As the curtain falls on 2025, Western Australia carries forward the memories of those lost, the lessons learned from tragedy, and the inspiring proof of community spirit and resilience that defines the state.
