Nine Publishing's Melbourne masthead, The Age, is marking its 170th anniversary of publication with a special commemorative wrap-around in today's paper, highlighting The Age's enduring bond with Melburnians, its deep-rooted connection to the city, and its storied history in journalism.

The milestone places it among the world's oldest metropolitan newspapers, including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian, and the New York Times. The Age was founded by John and Henry Cooke in 1854 and later acquired by Ebenezer and David Syme in 1856.

From its inaugural edition which rolled off the printing press in Melbourne’s Exhibition Hall on October 17, 1854, The Age promised to be a publication “dedicated to the record of great movements, advocacy of free institutions, diffusion of truth, advancement of man”. Since then, the masthead's reporting has led to Royal Commissions, Inquiries, police charges and high-profile civil and criminal convictions.

The 170th anniversary edition featuring special content reflecting on the paper's past, present, and future, and doubling down on The Age's commitment to public interest journalism and speaking truth to power remains strong after 170 years.

"The team at The Age is immensely proud of our masthead's great history and traditions, but also hungry for innovation and eager to find new ways to fulfil our duty to readers. I am confident the coming years will be our best yet," said editor of The Age, Patrick Elligett.