Legendary ABC journalist and presenter Ian Henderson retiring after 38 years at Aunty

Ian Henderson is of the the most inspiring people I have worked with - and I'm proud to call him a mate.

Hendo has been presenting the Victorian edition of the ABC's 7pm News since 1992 when he took over from Mary Delahunty.

What a great career - ABC Europe Correspondent in the late 80s as the Soviet Union's grip on Eastern Europe crumbled is surely one of the highlights of a stellar career.

I was fortunate to work with Ian as a fellow reporter and later when I was the ABC's Head of TV News & Current Affairs in Victoria.

Ian has nurtured dozens of journalists (including myself) over the years. He has maintained high standards to ensure that the ABC's news programs are jargon free, clear, honest and truthful with the viewers interests the first priority.

Here's how Ian announced his retirement on ABC Melbourne with Jon Faine earlier today

And here's a tribute to Ian on the ABC News Online site - one of the many we'll see in the coming days