From Invisible Boys to dual elections, the Geraldton & MW stories that grabbed headlines in first half of 2025

A TV show shot in Geraldton, two elections in the space of a couple months, the fight to save a local landmark, the city’s hottest day on record and a missing person mystery — here are the stories that captivated Geraldton Guardian readers in the first half of 2025. SUMMER SCORCHER January 20 — 49.3C. An absolute roaster that equalled the city’s hottest day on record, only set the previous summer. Prior to that, the city’s hottest ever day had been way back in 1954. Enough said — let’s all hope to avoid a repeat. INVISIBLE BOYS The city came alive on the small screen and was almost treated like a key character in the Stan LGBTQIA+ series based on homegrown author Holden Sheppard’s debut novel about growing up gay in Gero. The series, shot in Geraldton, finally premiered in February and we were impressed with the end result. The acting and the cinematography were top notch. BACK-TO-BACK POLLS Voter fatigue was a real thing in 2025. In March, Labor was swept back into power in the State election but Geraldton voters sent a clear message for change at the ballot box when Nationals WA candidate Kirrilee Warr beat one-term Labor incumbent Lara Dalton. Only two months later, we headed back to the polls for the Federal election when the Albanese Government was re-elected, as was Liberal Melissa Price for her fifth term as Durack MP. TURF CLUB FEARS The Geraldton Turf Club feared for its future after the State Government walked back on a funding promise during the State election campaign. Fast forward to June and the local turf club was allocated $1.9 million to upgrade its irrigation system ahead of the 2025-26 racing season. TOWNS ON TOP Towns were the kings of local cricket when they won their 13th overall Geraldton Bendigo Bank Cricket League title in March. It was a close call, with Towns winning with only eight balls left against the reigning champs Wanderers. SHORE BET The fifth annual Shore Leave festival in April had more of a local flavour. For the first time, a locally-based committee was in charge. Thousands flocked to the ticketed and free events showcasing the best of Mid West produce and culture over five massive days of food, music and fun. THE NEW MERC The future of the derelict, fire-damaged yet historic Mercantile Club building on Marine Terrace was revealed in April after it was confirmed the City of Greater Geraldton had sold it to Latitude Jewellers general manager Pia Boschetti and her partner Murray Davidson. The pair have worked to restore the building to its former glory. GERO NEVER FORGETS In recent times, Geraldton has consistently drawn one of the State’s biggest Anzac Day dawn service crowds. And this year was no different, with about 4000 people — young and old — gathering at Birdwood House in pre-dawn chilly conditions to pay their respects. SAVING AN ICON The Geraldton Guardian shone a light on the uncertainty surrounding the future of the iconic Batavia longboat replica. Upgrades at the Batavia Marina fuelled fears the vessel would be pushed out of its prominent position in front of the Museum of Geraldton. After much community uproar, an anonymous donor came to the rescue, securing its location at the marina. MULLEWA MAGIC Yeeha! Mullewa put on a rollicking good time over the June long weekend for its 11th annual muster and rodeo. A crowd of 3500 attended the cracking outback event, which featured thrills and spills in the ring, country music entertainment and plenty of family-friendly fun. The event is becoming popular with the younger TikTok generation, selling out for three years in a row. MISSING MAN MYSTERY Leeman man Corey (Corrie) Feehan was reportedly last seen about 9am on Saturday, April 26, paddling a blue and white kayak north from his shack off the Indian Ocean coast near Freshwater Point in Arrowsmith. His disappearance is still a mystery eight months later, with his desperate family making public appeals and confirming their suspicions that foul play is involved. CAMOFLAUGE CITY In June Geraldton was invaded — by 180 soldiers from Perth’s security response task unit sent north as part of a major training operation. The community had an up close and personal look at the ADF, which besides personnel also brought to Geraldton its equipment, weaponry and 50 vehicles including armoured tanks. FREEZE IN THE VALLEY It’s a day on the sporting calendar many of us look forward to — when Chapman Valley hosts the Big Freeze in the Valley, raising funds for the FightMND charity. The sixth Freeze in the Valley was another icebreaking success, with many players and personalities willing to dress up, make a dag of themselves and shiver for a good cause.