These photographers have been working relentlessly, capturing over 160,000 global events across news, sports and entertainment.
We’re searching for more than just the images that went viral or became an internet meme. We’re looking for those key moments that will shape our world, our culture and society. Often, we don’t realise just how important a photograph is until many years down the road.
Here are my top picks for the moments that have defined Australia over the past year and the story behind each photo, and why they captured the public consciousness.
Australia Votes
This image beautifully captures the unique Australian ritual of democracy: early morning swimmers casting their vote at the Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club on Election Day 2025. These iconic Bondi residents represent the everyday Australian going about their routine before the polls decide the future. This federal election resulted in a historic landslide victory for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, shaping the national conversation around key issues like housing, cost of living, energy, and healthcare.
Pro-Palestine March in Australia
This image is striking because it captures one of the largest public demonstrations to take place on the Sydney Harbour Bridge in recent years. Tens of thousands of people gathered to express their views on a major conflict, reflecting how international events can mobilise civic participation on a massive scale in Australia.
Erin Patterson arrives at court
This image is interesting because the “mushroom murder” case captured a global audience, yet media were restricted from publishing images of Erin Patterson throughout much of the proceedings. When that restriction was lifted, images from her arrival at court for sentencing became some of the first visuals of Patterson after months of intense public attention.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred brings severe weather to Australia's East Coast
This image of a young woman taking a selfie in the flooded Brisbane suburb of Newmarket, caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, is a striking contrast that symbolises the year Australia spent grappling with the immediate and devastating reality of a changing climate. While downgraded from cyclone status, Alfred’s arrival in March 2025 brought damaging winds and record-breaking rainfall to the East Coast. This event was not isolated; it was part of an extraordinary surge in severe environmental disasters that struck the nation this year.
Visiting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets with Trump at the White House
Photo (Getty supplied): Anna Moneymaker
What is compelling about this image is the subtle push/pull in the handshake. Trump exerting control, Albanese maintaining composure, as they signed an $8.5B critical minerals agreement, strengthening Australia’s role as both sides look to diversify supply chains. This photo represents a triumph for Albanese in securing what was one of the most highly-anticipated, high-stakes meetings for the country, amid tariff and geopolitical tension.
2025 AFL Grand Final - Geelong v Brisbane
This image is pure, unadulterated energy. It captures the Brisbane Lions celebrating their powerful, back-to-back flag against Geelong, making them only the fourth club this century to achieve that feat. The Lions sealed the victory with an extraordinary second-half blitz, kicking 13 goals to 6 after the main break to overwhelm the Cats. The sea of maroon and gold from the crowd forms a wave of euphoria and a powerful message that Lions have returned to glory.
Yuendumu deaths in custody protest
This image is compelling because it visually represents a national conversation that has been unfolding for decades. Taken during a march in Sydney calling for action on the deaths of Kumanjayi Walker and Kumanjayi White, this moment reflects how communities continue to seek accountability, reform, and recognition.
2025 Sydney Marathon - Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands celebrates winning
Photo (Getty supplied): Cameron Spencer
This shot is pure joy, captured clean as Sifan Hassan celebrates her Sydney Marathon win. Her attendance and victory helped spotlight Sydney’s rise as a global marathon destination, and this image crystallises that moment of arrival. It’s the kind of image which captures why we watch sports: the unforgettable moments when human effort and ambition converge.
Australia v England: 2025/26 Ashes Series - First Test: Day 2
The catch of the summer. This image is the glory of the First Test of The Ashes frozen in a single frame, capturing Mitchell Starc's one-handed grab off his own bowling to dismiss Zak Crawley for his second duck of the Test. This shot perfectly captures the tension and the athleticism of the Ashes, and brings viewers right into the action.
2025 ARIA Awards - Amy Taylor
The photographer caught Amy in a playful, unguarded moment. It feels personal and really brings her charisma through. Amyl and the Sniffers were standout figures of the ARIAs this year, winning multiple awards, and they opened for AC/DC on their first Australian stadium tour. The energy in this shot is pure punk abandon.
2025 Australian Athletics Championships - Gout Gout
This frame captures Gout Gout exploding with celebration after winning the 200m. Gout Gout is part of a wave of young Australian sprinters rising on the athletics stage, suggesting Australia could become far more competitive on the international stage, especially with the Brisbane Olympics on the horizon.
NRL Preliminary Final - Broncos v Panthers
This image is perfectly executed jubilation, showing Staggs and Mariner celebrating to the roar of a local Suncorp Stadium crowd. It ties perfectly into the bigger story of the Broncos’ resurgence this season. This photo is full of energy, victory, and happiness - it’s proof of the incredible skill a photographer needs to freeze these explosive sporting moments while still capturing all the emotion.
Prime Minister Albanese’s wedding
This image is compelling because it captures a rare, personal milestone in the life of a sitting Prime Minister. It was photographed by Mike Bowers, a 30-year veteran Australian photojournalist, and shared by the Office of the Prime Minister as a rare invitation for Australians to witness a personal chapter in their Prime Minister’s public life.
2025 ARIA Awards - Cody Simpson
This image is fun. The Getty Images photographer, Hanna Lassen, worked to get really direct engagement, making the viewer feel like they’re face to face with Cody. He’s one of Australia’s rare crossover figures, with a successful career as a singer, actor and former competitive swimmer. He’s confident and brought a great energy and star power to this year’s ARIA Awards.