As I said in my remarks,our rich history in this city,our contribution to the national debate over almost two centuries and our unwavering commitment to pursuing the stories that matter to our readers is undoubtedly worth celebrating.

Our invited guests agreed,including,former prime minister John Howard,Premier Gladys Berejiklian,Atlassian co-founder Mike Cannon-Brooks,former premier and federal foreign minister Bob Carr,former and current lord mayors Lucy Turnbull and Clover Moore,and sporting administrators like Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’Landys (rugby league,racing) and interim Cricket Australian CEO Nick Hockley.

There will be many who raise an eyebrow that Lachlan Murdoch,co-chair of News Corporation,and his senior Australian lieutenants including Michael Miller were invited - and attended. We have worked together in recent times to secure theNews Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code for the industry and on themedia freedom campaign. Democracy is more robust with a strong and financially viable media,and our differences can be celebrated.

But it has been theHerald’s week. Chris Janz,Nine’s chief digital and publishing officer,revived theHerald’s nickname in his remarks to guests:“She may be the country’s oldest Granny,but there’s a long life ahead of her yet.”

So from all of us - thank you for your continued support. Bring on the double century!