Celebrating 170 years of The Age
We’ve been asking the questions you want answered since 1854. In this collection, we reflect on the tradition of courageous journalism and what The Age means to you as we look to the future.
‘Melbourne was leaping out of its skin’: A new Age began in the year that shaped our city
The Melbourne we know today began to take shape in 1854. It was also the year The Age was first published. As we celebrate our 170th anniversary, we look back at this extraordinary year.
- by Tony Wright
‘One of the great newspapers’: The Age celebrates its grand history, and looks to a bright future
As The Age reaches a significant milestone, its editor makes a commitment to readers on behalf of the publication’s dedicated staff.
- by Patrick Elligett
Sacked, prosecuted, exposed: A proud tradition of muckraking
The Age’s investigative reporters have brought down public officials, revealed corruption, and uncovered organised crime operations and war crimes.
- by Michael Bachelard
Opinion
Why we cop threats in the search for information you deserve to know
The Age backs tough, difficult journalism. I feel intensely privileged to be a journalist working for you – our readers.
- by Nick McKenzie
A silent friend: Why The Age has been part of these readers’ lives for decades
Over the past 170 years, we have informed you, inspired you, puzzled you and made you laugh.
‘The Thunderer’: How The Age has shaped public opinion and held a mirror to society
An editorial does not exist to please. As The Age turns 170, we look back at editorials which have served as barometers of the times, but also went against the general view.
- by Warwick McFadyen
The Age’s best pictures over 170 years
See some of the most iconic images The Age has published over the decades.
- by Danie Sprague
Triumph and tragedy: A front-page view of history
As The Age celebrates 170 years, we look back on some of the most notable major events featuring on our front pages over the decades.
- by Hannah Kennelly
Analysis
Celebrity crooks existed long before Carl Williams. The method’s different, but the aim is the same
Gangsters, massive protests, drug busts and police corruption have been around as long as The Age. Here’s a look back at Melbourne’s underbelly decades before the Underbelly war.
- by John Silvester
How Melbourne has become one of the world’s great sporting cities since 1854
With the MCG as the pearl at its heart, cricket, footy and the Melbourne Cup were sewn into the city’s early fabric.
- by Greg Baum
Equestrian shows and Shakespeare in a tent: A Saturday night in Melbourne in 1854
You might have a drink at the tavern, or take in a circus show of dance and swordplay on horseback. As The Age celebrates 170 years, we look back at the city’s cultural life in 1854.
- by Karl Quinn
Nancy found errors in our cryptic crosswords 35 years ago, so we hired her. At 97, she’s still puzzling you
What started as a “bee in her bonnet” has led to a decades-long career for cryptic crossword compiler Nancy Sibtain – and she has no plans to stop.
- by Carolyn Webb
What is The Age’s motto? Take our quiz
Think you know your Age and facts about Melbourne? Test your knowledge with our quiz.
- by Stephen Brook
For some, it’s a place of belonging. For others, a battleground. Famous faces reveal what The Age means to them
We asked stars of the stage and screen, sporting heroes and politicians to reflect on their interaction with us.
Why these two firemen dived back into a city fountain to rescue a boy
In 1981,12-year-old Carl Powell was presumed dead after he went missing while wading in fountains on Swanston Street. As The Age turns 170, we revisit the firemen who risked their lives to save him.
- by Carolyn Webb
She was bad at finishing things. Then she conquered Everest
In 1997, after three previous attempts, Brigitte Muir became the first Australian woman to reach the top of Mount Everest. Now, she’s leading fundraising treks.
- by Carolyn Webb
He disarmed a gunman at Monash Uni after being shot twice. Now, he doesn’t worry about little things
After being shot in his arm and leg, ex-lecturer Lee Gordon-Brown sprang into action to save others. Read how the experience has changed him.
- by Carolyn Webb
‘We were extremely lucky’: This family narrowly escaped death on Black Saturday, but Kinglake is still home
The Age photographed the Nash family in 2009 after the fire destroyed all of their possessions. Now they say they can get through anything.
- by Carolyn Webb
‘Fight to survive’: How an Australian-first transplant made Brendan’s ‘miserable’ life amazing
Horsham postman Brendan Cole has a full life, 14 years after receiving donor small intestine, liver and pancreas.
- by Carolyn Webb
170 letters for 170 years of The Age. You know me as ‘Peter Johns, Sorrento’
When my first letter was printed in 2006, I was surprised and felt very excited. It is still a thrill.
- by Peter Johns
Original URL: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/victoria/celebrating-170-years-of-the-age-20241016-p5kino.html