Six decades of our shared history
For almost six decades, The Australian has been at the centre of national debate and the important issues, trends and controversies that have shaped Australians’ lives. On Monday, we launch a daily treasure trove of news and pictures in the lead-up to our 60th birthday on July 15. Each week, starting with the 1960s, will focus on a new decade. Mondays will concentrate on the big news stories of the day, such as the Vietnam War, the moon landing and the disappearance of prime minister Harold Holt. Some of the paper’s greatest pictures will be showcased on Tuesdays, and on Wednesdays outstanding opinion and analysis from the past 60 years. Thursdays will focus on culture and lifestyle – from a young fashion designer, Carla Zampatti, marketing her designs to retailers door to door to Sydney University academic Leonie Kramer making news as the first woman in 118 years to hold a chair at Sydney University – in Australian literature. Fridays will focus on gripping moments in Australian sport and on Saturdays six decades of the paper’s funniest, most biting cartoons will reappear.
For many, the recounts and snapshots of major events will stir powerful memories. For young readers, they will be a bird’s-eye view of history. Given our national perspective, on the world and on issues from Indigenous affairs to defence, business to energy, The Australian has never shied away from controversy. Shining a light on matters that many, including politicians, would prefer left alone has been part of our DNA from the outset. As the newspaper’s first staff ventured to Canberra in 1964 for the inaugural publication day, the most confident among them about the success of the national broadsheet was publisher Rupert Murdoch, whose brainchild it was. His insight and judgment proved spot-on.
From day one, our readers have been part of our story. Some, such as retired accountant Don Piper, 87, from the Tweed Heads region of northern NSW, have been with us from the start. Mr Piper, a former paperboy, bought the inaugural edition of The Australian on July 15, 1964. He found it “savvy’’, unlike anything else the nation had seen. That holds true. Over tea and toast every morning, he and his wife, Joy, are still daily readers, and venture on to the digital edition to keep up with big stories.
The six weeks of special features, front pages of yesteryear and the best writing and images from six decades will culminate in a glossy magazine on July 13, telling the stories of 60 influential Australians. These are our gifts to readers, to celebrate our milestone.
