Amid a year of global tensions and financial pressures, the spirit of Western Australia shone brightly through countless acts of kindness and remarkable tales of resilience. As 2025 draws to a close, we celebrate the moments of pure joy and community connection that defined the year for West Aussies.
Incredible Reunions and Historic Discoveries
The year delivered several stories that felt plucked from a storybook. In May, Perth man Justin Howard faced every spouse's nightmare: losing his wedding ring. After it slipped off during an evening in Hyde Park, a three-day search with a metal detectorist yielded no hope.
Unbeknownst to him, a good Samaritan had found the platinum band and handed it to Mount Lawley jeweller Rohan Milne. Milne combed through his records, found Howard's details, and made the life-changing call. Howard described the reunion as an "absolute fairytale."
Months later, in October, a piece of history washed up on Wharton Beach in Esperance. The Brown family discovered a glass bottle containing notes written on August 15, 1916, by two soldiers—Malcolm Alexander Neville and William Kirk Harley—aboard the troop ship HMAT A70 Ballarat.
Deb Brown carefully dried the letters, one of which contained a kind message from Harley to the finder. Her diligent search led her to connect with the soldiers' living relatives, including Neville's great-nephew, who called the discovery "absolutely mind blowing."
Community Spirit and Viral Sensations
Western Australia's community heart was on full display, often in the most unexpected ways. In June, the Endeavour Tavern in Lancelin became an internet sensation. CCTV footage captured a group of patrons hilariously and methodically stealing every Gage Roads bar mat they could find, even snatching a local footy premiership flag.
The video, watched by over 10 million people, ended with the group sprinting triumphantly from the now-bare bar. Tavern owner Paul Ferguson saw the funny side, appreciating the free marketing, and invited the "rogues" back for a beer upon the mats' safe return.
Another viral moment came from the Mandurah Skate Park in April, where a grandfather showcased impressive skills—not on a skateboard, but on his mobility scooter. A TikTok video captured the man, with a long white beard flowing, confidently navigating the ramps, endearing him to locals who recognised him as a regular legend of Silver Sands.
Tails of Resilience and Lifesaving Compassion
The bond between West Aussies and their pets produced one of the year's most astonishing survival tales. While not in WA, the story of Valerie the dachshund captured the state's imagination. The miniature dog vanished during a camping trip on Kangaroo Island in November 2023 and survived in the wilderness for an incredible 529 days.
After numerous sightings, a volunteer rescue team used a remote-controlled trap baited with her favourite toys and her owner's scent to finally capture the 4kg pooch in late April 2025, leading to an emotional reunion.
Closer to home, Perth's dog lovers rallied behind Tooshie, a cavoodle puppy born without an anus. Surrendered at just five weeks old with the life-threatening condition Atresia ani, the pup underwent emergency surgery. Practice manager Kate Doyle launched a GoFundMe, and the community responded overwhelmingly, donating almost $11,000—smashing the $8000 goal—to fund his lifelong specialist care.
Human compassion reached its pinnacle with the recognition of Bedford resident Tina Baldwin. In November, the 76-year-old was named Lifeline Australia's top volunteer for 2025, having taken over 33,000 calls across her 41 years of service. Her work, tied to a promise to her late husband, highlights the profound impact of simply listening to those in crisis.
Legacies and Full-Circle Moments
A beautiful coincidence at Joondalup Health Campus proved how lasting the impact of care can be. Enrolled nurse Jamie Cope approached midwife Angie Monk after recognising her name from his baby book. To their mutual astonishment, Monk was indeed the midwife who had delivered him 24 years earlier.
The reunion moved both, with Cope noting his mother had never forgotten Monk's kindness, illustrating how "those connections can come back in ways you never expect."
These stories, from the depths of the bush to the heart of our suburbs, formed the essential counter-narrative of 2025—a powerful reminder of the kindness, resilience, and community spirit that truly defines Western Australia.
