The Australian is ramping up celebrations of its 60th anniversary with a special 104-page Collector’s Edition magazine, featuring the likes of influential figures like John Howard, Sir Frank Lowy, Julia Gillard, and Ash Barty.

In addition to the major Australian companies supporting the celebrations more broadly, including Qantas, Harvey Norman, Hancock Prospecting, CommBank, Ampol and Woodside, the special magazine also enjoys the backing of key advertisers such as Rolex, Paspaley, Range Rover, Viking Cruises, Abercrombie & Kent and Omega.

The edition's cover story will feature an exclusive interview with News Corporation Chairman Lachlan Murdoch by The Australian's Editor-At-Large, Paul Kelly.

The issue will also include six essays that will inspire a special podcast series of The Front, set to air each Saturday for six weeks. The Australian’s reporters and photographers will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how they have covered some of the biggest international stories of the past six decades. Year 12 student Priscilla Dann from the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation will contribute a piece about her life and her vision for when she turns 60.

"In our 60th year of publication we are celebrating journalism and what it means to our readers and the nation. The 60th Anniversary Collector’s Edition marks some of the highlights of The Australian’s presence on the national stage for the past six decades as well as looking to the future. We’ve always prided ourselves on our connection with our audience, it is a relationship built on trust, shared values, and a commitment to quality journalism. Highly engaged with our content, they understand that a healthy contest of ideas is needed to drive the nation forward," said Editor-In-Chief of The Australian, Michelle Gunn.

Managing Director and Publisher of The Australian and Prestige Titles, Nicholas Gray, said: "The collector’s edition is a celebration of our proud past and exciting future. We welcome the backing of our clients, whose support of the magazine and The Australian’s 60th program has helped bring outstanding journalism to our subscribers."