Herald Sun Turns 30 Herald Sun Turns 30

Parochial and purposeful, we're for you, Victoria

THE Herald Sun has always been unashamedly parochial - the first edition of the newlyminted paper in 1990 celebrated the end of the 'Colliwobbles' as the Magpies broke their 32-year premiership hoodoo. In a state where football is the unofficial religion, the Pies premiership pushed the Gulf War from the front page.

The years since have seen a continual evolution at the Herald Sun, from full-colour printing in 1993 and the early adoption of digital news with the launch of heraldsun.com.au in 1996, to delivery across tablet and mobile apps, with rolling 24/7 coverage of events at home and across the planet.

As Melbourne cemented itself as the nation's events capital, we welcomed the first running of Melbourne's F1 Grand Prix in 1996.

We saw in the millennium and cheered on the Sydney Olympics and Cathy Freeman's glorious 400m gold in 2000, six years before Melbourne hosted the XVIII Commonwealth Games, with the Green and Gold again topping the medal count. We witnessed the unfathomable horror in Port Arthur in 1996 and mourned the death in Paris of Princess Diana a year later. The heinous murders of police officers Sergeant Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rodney Miller were a direct attack on the state and law and order in 1998, marking a frontline loss which was again horribly felt when four officers died at Kew this year responding to a traffic stop.
As the World Trade Center towers collapsed, the 2001 attacks in New York shook the world and a year later, 202 people, including 88 Australians, were murdered in the Bali bombings as an era of terrorism spread its evil.

We watched in awe as North Melbourne's Jason McCartney, just eight months after almost losing his life in those bombings, returned to the footy field - clad in a burns suit - to play an instrumental role in a famous Kangas win and a victory of the human spirit.

War broke out in Afghanistan and then Iraq, claiming the lives of 47 Diggers across those torrid campaigns; the Columbia shuttle disaster shocked us in 2003, the Boxing Day tsunami wrought unimaginable destruction a year later and the Beaconsfield mine collapse had Australians praying for a miracle, which arrived with the rescue of Brant Webb and Todd Russell after two frantic weeks in 2006.

It was a national elation also felt in 1997, when Stuart Diver was pulled from the debris at Thredbo after being buried for 65 hours - and when Australian experts helped lead the extraction of 12 young Thai soccer players, imprisoned for 18 days by a labyrinth of water and tunnels in Tham Luang cave in 2018.

The catastrophic 2009 Black Saturday fires killed 173 people, wiped out communities and devastated Victorians like no disaster before it.

The hunt for the world's most wanted fugitive, al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden ended with his death in 2011 in a navy SEAL raid on his compound in Abbottabad.

A year later, the murder of Jill Meagher enraged Victorians, prompted major rallies and sparked change to parole laws.

In 2013, the footy world was rocked by the Essendon supplements scandal, a saga which endured until the 2016 findings against 34 players and cost Jobe Watson his Brownlow.

In 2014, the Herald Sun broke the Lawyer X scandal and launched our Right to Know campaign, elements of which ended up in the High Court, later forcing a royal commission with the controversial fallout from Nicola Gobbo's duplicity and police overreach continuing today.

The nation was transfixed that same year as the horror and tension of the Lindt Cafe siege unfolded over two excruciating days in Martin Place, Sydney - with Australians forced to confront a terrorist atrocity on home soil.

The horrendous Bourke Street rampage unfolded in January 2017 when six people were killed and 27 injured, an incomprehensible crime which tore at our city's heart and forced bail system reforms.

We've applauded Bart Cummings' record 12th Melbourne Cup and Michelle Payne's fairytale Cup win aboard Prince of Penzance in 2015; the spectacle of Damien Oliver blowing a kiss to the heavens after winning the 2002 Cup on Media Puzzle, days after his brother Jason was killed in a fall, and the magical journeys of Makybe Diva, Black Caviar and wonder horse Winx.

The historic Tour de France win by Cadel Evans in 2011 had blearyeyed Australians up late at night, while the Western Bulldogs droughtbreaking premiership in 2016 was followed the next year by Richmond's 37-year wait for flag glory, capping off incredible years of resurgence for our heartland clubs.

The Herald Sun has been a driving force for the community and legislative reform. We launched the Herald Sun's Take a Stand campaign in 2014 in response to alarming levels of domestic violence.

A subsequent Royal Commission handed down 227 sweeping recommendations for major changes in the way authorities tackle the issue and the Andrews government budgeted $1.91bn in response, as well as establishing a stand-alone Family Violence Prevention Agency.

That commitment to community has always been in the paper's DNA.

The Herald & Weekly Times started the Good Friday Appeal in 1931 with journalists running a sporting carnival to raise funds for Melbourne hospitals. The appeal was championed by Rupert Murdoch's parents, Sir Keith Murdoch (HWT managing director and legendary Herald editor), and his wife Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, who remained a passionate advocate until her death in 2012 at age 103. Today, the Herald Sun continues to be the driving force in annual fundraising support for the Royal Children's Hospital, to date helping raise more than $381m.

Our commitment extends to one of the largest fun runs in Victoria, the Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids, which has raised $16m for the Appeal; Australia's oldest stage cycling race, the Jayco Herald Sun Tour; a celebration of young, worldclass operatic talent in the Herald Sun Aria, and the grassroots recognition of the best and most selfless in our community through the Pride of Australia Awards.

We've also fought to keep a check on governments in Spring Street and Canberra. From Labor's Red Shirts scandal, the Baillieu secret tapes crisis, various ministerial and MP rorts, Steve Herbert's chauffeured dogs, Bronwyn Bishop's helicopter jaunt and Sussan Ley's Gold Coast flat, we've demanded accountability, transparency and progress.

For the past 30 years and for the decades to come, we are here for Victorians delivering trusted news, sport, entertainment and insight directly to pockets, desktops and doorsteps.

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."

Hollywood hunk Hugh Jackman adds to the party Alist , 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 polka dots, Jeff Kennett clad in the colours of his beloved Hawks and Premier Daniel Andrews, perhaps digging his way to China.

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.

"After lockdown this is Melbourne exploding back on to the street," Knight says.

Love letters to our city and state in 30 words

KEVIN SHEEDY

AFL legend

Thanks for the people from different nations of the world - it's fantastic having you here. The Shrine, the MCG, Eureka Tower, Government House, and the Botanical Gardens. All world-class.

AMY HARRIS

Principal ballerina, The Australian Ballet

Melbourne - where my dreams came alive. In the heart of our city, we have one of the most beautiful theatres in the world and I get to call it home.

GABRIEL BERGMOSER

Melbourne author

Melbourne to me is Southbank at sunset; fire reflected in glass and water, as striking, beautiful and exciting today as it was the first time I saw it.

MARGARET PORRITT

Founder and director, Feathers Boutique

Bustling streets, laneways, Paris end of Collins, boutiques, department stores, laughter, bare faces not hidden. Lipstick of all shades. That woman searching for the perfect outfit. The Melbourne we adore.

STEVE MONEGHETTI

Marathon legend

Ballarat, Victoria - my home. As I took on the world you wrapped your arms around me and I always knew you were there for me in the long run.

AMANDA ELLIOTT

Chairman, Victoria Racing Club

Melbourne - there is no city like you. Proud, stylish, elegant, strong, resilient, caring, modern, forwardlooking and exciting. Welcoming and accessible to everyone - you are unique. I love you, Melbourne.

MATT PRESTON

Food writer and Channel 7 personality

I cherish you for your humour, your warm welcomes, and your unflinching hospitality ... For the big events, and all the sticky carpets. And for all your sirens (1), bells (2) and whistles (3)

(1) At the footy

(2) Of distant trams

(3) Of those bellbirds

BEAU TAPLIN

Melbourne poet and author

A city in love. Here one finds a certain music. An old and ancient song. All the world sings through its secret places; a thousand cultures, in one shining voice.

CHARLIE CARRINGTON

Head chef, Atlas

Melbourne has its own beat and own style. There's a north and south-side rivalry, but we all love each other. Melbourne people are also very open-minded.

TAYLA HARRIS

Carlton AFLW player

Melbourne, my favourite place in the world! Charismatic, lively, outgoing ... where I want to be! Undesirable weather actually makes every blue sky day that much sweeter. I love Melbourne!

PETER MITCHELL

Seven News presenter

Architecture. Arts. Beaches. Culture. Environment. Events. Gardens. Gastronomy. Health workers. History. Lan. Libraries. Markets. Our seasons. Parks. People. Port Phillip Bay. Sport. Suburbs. Trams. Trains. The Yarra. Victoria. My home.

GORGI COGHLAN

The Project co-host , Network Ten

Dearest Melbourne, You classy broad, how well you've held yourself during this testing year, 2020. Time to rebirth, rebuild and remind us why you're our most loved city. Bravo.

RUPERT MURDOCH

Executive Chairman, News Corp

From the city centre, to the exquisite gardens of my parents' home at Cruden Farm, my original home town of Melbourne has always held a cherished place for me.

STEPHEN QUARTERMAIN

Sports presenter, Ten News First

Food. Restaurants. AFL. Boxing Day cricket. Coffee. MCG. Melbourne Cup. Grand Prix. Australian Open tennis. Parks, gardens. Farmers' markets. Wine. Hawthorn footy club!

MOLLY MELDRUM

Music guru

I've travelled lots but always felt homesick for Melbourne. I love our music and sport - and now near my place of worship, the MCG, there's Ziggy and my statue.

GUY GROSSI

Restaurateur and chef, Grossi Florentino

From your grassroots suburbs to your metropolitan "sprezzatura". I've been with you half a century and three generations and I wouldn't trade a second away. Together we thrive. Bon Appetito.

JANE BUNN

Meteorologist and weather presenter, Channel 7

We have the best weather in the world! Where else can it be sunny one minute and pouring the next, a scorcher then snow on the hills. I love it.

FRANK VAN HAANDEL

Restaurateur, Stokehouse

1990 - Melbourne's exciting moment - on the cusp of embracing European lifestyle and our waterfronts. Our love for the refinement of food, fashion and the arts began.

MELISSA JACKSON

Milliner

Nylex clock, Yarra River, Fitzroy Gardens, cafe culture Melbourne Cup, MCG, laneways, arcades , NGV, Hoddle grid, Collins Street charm, music, food, Birrarung Marr.

I breathe you in ... I am calm.

MICK MOLLOY

Drive co-host , Triple M

I live five minutes' walk from the MCG. 646 steps there, 942 steps back. It is an outdoor cathedral and the spiritual heart of our great city.

ROBERT THOMSON

Chief Executive, News Corp

From the river flats of Torrumbarry to the literary highs of Elwood's poets, and the Wallagaraugh's innocence to the haunted mines of Woods Point , the collective past fashions our future.

GARY MEHIGAN

Chef & Channel 7 personality

Lost in your dreamy skies, smitten by your charm, understated, sophisticated and fabulously cool ... you are as beautiful as the first day we met. You will always have my heart.

JOEL CREASEY

Kate, Tim & Joel drive show cohost , Nova 100

I'm born in Perth but a Melbourne resident. I swore I'd never become that wanker who bangs on about Melbourne's food, coffee and culture. But guess what: it's all true.

JOHNNY DI FRANCESCO

Owner, Crown Gradi / 400 Gradi The Melbourne food scene is like no other, with an endless list of multicultural cuisines to choose from that range from street food to refined dining.

ANN PEACOCK

Community advocate/charity campaigner

Melbourne has always been my home. Our amazing city has a unique ability to extend its arms around those who need support and to come together.

JEFF KENNETT

Former premier

The paper of clubs and pubs, of country and city, of people young and old, of our pets and our history. It serves, challenges , uplifts and keeps people informed.

KATE CEBERANO

Musician

I love Melbourne all the way from North Balwyn up the Doncaster freeway into the city, St Kilda Road, Hamer Hall, The Shrine, The Ballroom, Luna Park, The Espy.

ROSS STEVENSON

Breakfast co-host , 3AW

On moving here from Queensland:

"Dad they have such big footy crowds here."

"That's Melbourne, son. They like doing things together. You'll get 10,000 to a funeral if it's a nice day."

SHANE CRAWFORD

AFL legend & Channel 9 presenter

You can go in any direction and get a taste of the world - Lygon Street, Prahran, Yarraville, to the natural wonders of the Dandenongs and dolphin watching at Chelsea Beach.

JANE HARPER

Top-selling author

Creative dreams come true in Victoria. Naturally inspiring, and with passionate industry support and opportunities that make creative careers a reality, art of all kinds has the space to flourish.

Tell us what you love about Melbourne or Victoria, and a selection of contributions will be published and displayed on digital billboards throughout the city on November 6 , 2020.

SUBMIT YOUR OWN LOVE LETTER TO MELBOURNE OR OUR STATE IN 30 WORDS

at heraldsun.com.au/30years

The 30 Words campaign is proudly created in partnership with QMS Media. Parochial and purposeful, we're for you, Victoria

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❊ Also See.. ❊

➼ HeraldSun's 30 Biggest Scandals







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