From the controversial appearance of Cardinal George Pell in court, to the dire environmental impacts of the nation’s bushfires, floods and droughts, Getty Images has pulled together a collection of images that 'encapsulates Australia’s 2019'; both the ups and downs.
In 2019, Getty Images’ editorial team of photographers covered more than 160,000 news, sport and entertainment events at home and abroad. Of the 10 images, five were captured at sporting events, with tennis player Ash Bartey's triumph at the French Open and the Australian cricket team's victory over England in September featuring. As expected, in a year where droughts and fires have occupied many news headlines, they also feature.
Getty Images’ Director of Editorial for Asia Pacific, Cassie Trotter, who compiled the list, said that reflection-time at the end of the year is an important opportunity.
“Every December, when I start pulling together these collections, it allows me to really think about the year that has past. To get the opportunity to review the most captivating, emotive and sometimes shocking pictures of the year provides us all with some much-needed reflection time and reminds us of the power an image can have. Working in this business has truly taught me the meaning of the phrase ‘a picture’s worth a thousand words’”.
You can see Getty's selection of the 2019 defining moments below.
Serena Williams of the United States looks on in her quarter final match against Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic during day 10 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. Image: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images.Australian tennis player, Ashleigh Barty, kisses the trophy as she celebrates victory following the womens’ singles final against Marketa Vondrousova of Czech Republic at the 2019 French Open in Paris, France. Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images.A woman wearing an Australian-themed hat poses for a portrait during 2019 Oaks Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 07, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. Image: Jenny Evans/Getty Images.Visitors line up their vehicles to take in the sunset view of Uluru on August 12, 2019 in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory. The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park board unanimously decided the climb up Uluru will close permanently on October 26, 2019. According to Parks Australia, Uluru has welcomed 244,075 visitors this calendar year, an increase of 18.7%. Sacred to the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people, climbing Uluru is strongly discouraged for its cultural significance and concerns for peoples’ safety. Over 30 people have died and numerous injured while attempting the steep ascent, less than 20 percent of park visitors take part in the climb. Image: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images.An aerial view as Garry Mooring feeds his sheep on February 21, 2019 in Louth, Australia. Local farmer and landowner Garry Mooring has lived in the region for 60 years and has a deep understanding of the land. He, along with other local farmers and community members, feel angry and disappointed with the mismanagement of the Murray-Darling River basin. Mooring believes the river is the lifeblood of the community and there is a need for federal policy change. Local communities in the Darling River area are facing drought and clean water shortages, as debate grows over the alleged mismanagement of the Murray-Darling Basin. Recent mass kills of hundreds of thousands of fish in the Darling river have raised serious questions about the way WaterNSW is managing the lakes system, and calls for a royal commission. Image: Mark Evans/Getty Images.Andrew Adkins riding War Baron (right), and Glyn Schofield riding Persan (left) fall during race one the Kings Of Sydney Sport Mile during The Championships at Royal Randwick Racecourse on April 13, 2019. Image: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images.Cardinal Pell, Australia’s highest ranking Catholic and the third most senior Catholic at the Vatican, was charged by Victoria Police on 29 June, 2017 over multiple allegations of sexual assault. Image by Michael Dodge/Getty Images.Former Labor Opposition Leader, Bill Shorten, meets students at St Joseph’s Catholic College in Gosford on May 13, 2019. Labor released their ‘Fair Go’ Plan for students in the Central Coast. Image by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images.Australia claims victory to retain the Ashes during day five of the 4th Specsavers Test between England and Australia at Old Trafford on September 08, 2019 in Manchester, England. Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images.RFS Firefighters battle a spot fire on November 13, 2019 in Hillville, Australia. A state of emergency, as declared by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, is in effect, giving emergency powers to Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and prohibiting fires across the state. Image by Sam Mooy/Getty Images.
