Mark Knight captures the characters of Victoria to celebrate the Herald Sun’s 30th birthday
Dusty Martin rampaging down Flinders St, Eddie McGuire in charge of the MCG tram, gangland figures mixing with politicians. It’s the parade where all Victoria is invited and has been expertly captured by Herald Sun cartoonist Mark Knight.
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* To mark the Herald Sun’s 30th birthday milestone, over the next 30 days we will celebrate all that makes Victoria and Melbourne great. Starting with the fantastic souvenir poster by cartoonist Mark Knight our coverage will include the state’s 30 most influential people of the past 30 years, greatest sporting moments, and best photos. To get your Mark Knight cartoon pick up a copy of the Thursday Herald Sun or find it in the Herald Sun Shop online store. Subscribers can also purchase a limited edition print at heraldsun.com.au/rewards
It’s the ultimate street party where every face has a story to tell. Herald Sun cartoonist Mark Knight invited Victoria’s who’s who to celebrate the trials, tribulations and triumphs of the past three decades — each name painstakingly chosen for the guest list.
“Every person has a backstory that we can all recall over the last 30 years,’’ Knight says.
Geelong football great Gary Ablett Sr gets the party started with a soaring mark over wonder horse Winx as AFLW star Tayla Harris gives gatecrashing trolls the boot.
Racing royals Black Caviar and Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne are ready to horse around, while Hawthorn premiership star Luke Hodge rides high on Subzero as entertainer Roland Rocchiccioli performs an oh-so 2020 pivot.
Collingwood president Eddie McGuire takes the reins of a tram on track for MCG glory — “Joffa” firing up the cheer squad with support from Pies legend Lou Richards and premiership captain Tony Shaw. An opera singer, perhaps fresh from a Herald Sun Aria win, drowns out the rattle of the old W-class.
It’s motorcycle champ Casey Stoner and Tour de France winner Cadel Evans setting the pace on Flinders Street though, with late Grand Prix boss Ron Walker firing up an F1 race car for added horsepower with Bathurst’s King of the Mountain Peter Brock.
Tennis superstars Roger Federer and Serena Williams have flown in for the occasion, Knight saying Williams’ invite was never in doubt.
“She is a regular to this town and she’s won a few tournaments,’’ he said.
Hollywood hunk Hugh Jackman adds to the party A-list, joined by globetrotting housewife Dame Edna Everage, jetted in direct from London or maybe Moonee Ponds.
Pellegrini’s cafe owner Sisto Malaspina has a much-needed coffee waiting for those already suffering a hangover, while Sam the koala is still on the waters.
Dark shades are the dress code of choice for gangland figure Mick Gatto and drug lord Tony Mokbel, who has Lawyer X Nicola Gobbo looking over her shoulder even though the police aren’t too far away.
Spring Street’s big guns have been drawn from the Paris End, with Joan Kirner frocked in her trademark polkadots, Jeff Kennett clad in the colours of his beloved Hawks and Premier Daniel Andrews, perhaps digging his way to China, seemingly wondering if anybody has arranged security.
But cricketers Steve Smith and Shane Warne are no fans of bouncers.
Olympian Catherine Freeman cuts a commemorative victory lap in her hometown, 20 years on from gold medal glory, while former Prime Minister John Howard strolls at a more leisurely pace in the green and gold.
Successors Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison make up the numbers for their own PM-party — even though there’s no telling who will call last drinks.
Climate change warrior Greta Thunberg has dared to take on a new cause, rattling the collection tin for sick kids with the help of marathon legend Steve Moneghetti, while Richmond star Dustin Martin runs wild with the Sherrin yet again.
Overhead Elvis the water crane douses the chances of our CFA heroes being recalled for duty, with decade-long Herald Sun editor and editor-in-chief Peter Blunden already ready for Melbourne’s weather to turn.
Kylie Minogue sends off the soiree and one uninvited virus visitor to a rousing reception from frontline medical heroes.
“After lockdown this is Melbourne exploding back on to the street,’’ Knight says.
The paperboy standing at the centre of melbourne’s most famous cross streets is ready to deliver the good news. now that’s cause for celebration.
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