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Posted by David Sexton
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13 April, 2026
“TODAY, we publish the first issue of the DAILY COMMERCIAL NEWS which we trust will meet with your approval and support.”
It was with those words, written by manager H I Moffat, the first edition of the DCN hit the stands 135 years ago today.
Mr Moffat noted their object was to “make the DAILY COMMERCIAL NEWS in every respect worthy of the largest shipping centre in Australasia”.
The first edition focused upon coal (“black diamonds”) as well as a nod to industrial relations, topics that remain relevant today.
“The period chosen, owing to the disastrous strike, is in some respects an unfortunate one, but we are inclined to believe that our labour troubles have not injured our prosperity to the extent that might have been anticipated,” DCN stated at the time.
Since 1891, DCN has expanded from providing coal shipment details to reporting the broader freight and logistics sectors. The arrival to Australia of container trades in the 1960s has been perhaps the most significant development.
Publisher Lindsay Reed said “135 years of continual publication is no mean feat and is testimony to the standing and the importance of DCN within Australia's maritime & logistics community”.
“The team and I are incredibly proud to be celebrating such a milestone, and we look forward to delivering trusted, reliable and accurate news to the industry for many years to come,” Ms Reed said.
