As 2025 drew to a close, the photographers of Guardian Australia presented a powerful visual chronicle of the year, documenting a nation grappling with profound tragedy, celebrating cultural vibrancy, and demonstrating remarkable resilience. Their lenses captured everything from devastating terror attacks and climate-fuelled weather events to intimate stories of personal struggle and community triumph.
A Year of Profound Tragedy and National Resilience
The horrifying Bondi terror attack cast a long shadow over the year. One stark image shows a person being carried on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance on the iconic beach, a scene of chaos and fear. In a subsequent, poignant moment, swim clubs and beach-goers were photographed observing a minute's silence before swimming out into the bay to commemorate the victims, a testament to a community's solidarity in grief.
Personal loss echoed in other frames. Mark Jones was pictured mourning his daughter, Bianca, one of six young travellers who died in a suspected mass methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, Laos in November. In Melbourne, Benine Manirakiza was photographed after the body of her son, musician Eimable Manirakiza, was found following a 72-day disappearance.
Climate, Protest, and the Fight for Justice
The forces of nature and public dissent were equally prominent subjects. As Cyclone Alfred approached, a man was seen braving fierce winds and rough seas on Ballina’s North Breakwall. The aftermath of floods was visible on Kevin Schlenert’s farm near Taree, while Lisa Ashdown and her dog were pictured inside a burnt-out shipping container on her fire-ravaged property in Pomonal, Western Victoria.
On the streets, tens of thousands joined the March for Humanity pro-Palestine protest, walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in one of the city's largest-ever demonstrations. In Adelaide, artist Peter Drew pasted up his 'Aussie' posters exploring national identity in direct response to an anti-immigration March for Australia protest.
Cultural Vibrancy and Community Spirit
Amidst the gravity, the collection celebrated Australia's rich cultural tapestry. The joyous festival of Diwali illuminated Sydney's Nirimba Fields, where residents Prisha and Rasika celebrated their street's repeat win in the annual lights competition. The 10th annual Country to Couture showcase highlighted Indigenous art and fashion, featuring Lee Wanapuyngu in a stunning design.
From the quirky – Dan Prior and his son Hunter as finalists in the family mullet category at Mulletfest in Kurri Kurri – to the serene beauty of a mound spring on Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre), the photographs captured the nation's eclectic spirit. The resilience of individuals like Don Ashby, a survivor of the 2019 Mallacoota bushfires who wrote a book during his recovery, and Fatma Badra, a 79-year-old Gazan woman reunited with her sons in Sydney after tragedy, underscored profound personal strength.
The portfolio also gave platform to vital voices and systemic challenges. Ned Jampijinpa Hargraves, a senior Warlpiri elder and grandfather of Kumanjayi White who died in custody, advocated for community self-governance. Kathy Rieger, living with metastasised breast cancer, cares for her son with complex disabilities, highlighting NDIS funding gaps. Similarly, quadriplegic Kieron D’Netto spoke of the devastating impact of NDIS cuts on his safety and life.
Through these compelling images, Guardian Australia's 2025 photographic essay stands as a multifaceted portrait of a nation – its wounds, its weather, its protests, and its unwavering, diverse heart.
