Came into the office for the final 0745 news on @abcsydney this morning. The only fanfare to mark this occasion was the theme that has heralded its start for 80 years. While other programs of lesser age and prominence have been commemorated with commotion, the 0745 slid quietly

into history. Australia’s most historic news bulletin was a source of trusted information before audiences were logging on to the internet or turning on their televisions. It announced the beginning (and end) of global conflicts, the deaths of world leaders and our nation’s

biggest sporting, political and cultural triumphs. This bulletin started the day for generations of Australians. It’s possible your parents, grandparents and even your great grandparents tuned in to this news broadcast over breakfast. It informed their understanding of the world

and helped build the trust which continues to underpin the ABC’s brand and justify its existence. It’s this trust that other platforms and programs capitalise on today. It has been a great pleasure to listen, produce and present the big news so many times in recent years.

Every time you feel the weight of its history as you take a breath and prepare to reveal the biggest stories of the day. This morning I pay tribute to all the former and present journalists and broadcasters who did the same. I’ll miss it and I hope others do too.