It’s the first time she’s won the award despite being on Australian TV for more than 30 years.
“Wear a pretty dress they said, you will be fine, they said. Oh my Lord. We have got autocue but it is buggered… It’s back! OK, here we go,” McGranger started.
“I can close the book now. 33 years, I’ve done this amazing show. And I am thrilled and honoured.
“Before I forget, this is going to be pride of place next to my 1974 Wagga Wagga Drama Festival Best Actress.
“And it’s true, it’s absolutely true. That’s when I went, ‘This acting thing is kind of good. Maybe I will be better at it than I am at teaching.’
“I want to acknowledge all the other nominees, all the beautiful, fierce women of all ages. And I am the eldest!
“If you live as long as I do, it’s fantastic. And of course, lovely Hamish. You are a brave man, darl, thank you.
“I don’t know if any of you have caught my press lately – there hasn’t been much. But I did promise that if I won the Gold Logie that I would carry it around in my handbag for a year. Which is better than burying my white arse on morning television, Larry! So I will do that. And I may regret it.
“But I also thought what I could do is in a few years’ time when I die, I might chop the head off, scoop it out, and put the ashes in their, and screw the head back on and give it to Clancy, my beautiful daughter, who is here with me tonight, and she can put it on the mantelpiece.
“So there are more ways of using a Logie than just carrying them around in your bag.
“I want to thank you again my beautiful cast. Dear God! And my producers, Lucy and Julie, thank you.
“To the writers, the art department, the best crew in the art department, the best crew in the world, bar none.
“Honestly, these guys work… I had to work, when I was finishing up, I had to work probably some 13 and 14-hour days and I whinged like a bitch.
“These guys do this week in and week out and they whinge a little bit, but they are very good at their job.
“And this show has been kept afloat because of the wonderful writers and the wonderful production … Yeah it is a soap but you know what, it gives Australia’s actors and crew so much work, and we are so proud of it. 38 years, the bloody thing has been going for.
“It just won’t die. Fantastic
“I want to acknowledge again the wonderful exit storyline but I also want to acknowledge the fantastic Jessica Mauboy, who wrote that beautiful song that has been overlaying Irene’s exit story.
“And again to the fans, bloody hell! For all of you fans, and those of you who keep free-to-air television alive, please, keep on doing what you’re doing, and watching what you watch.
“I want to thank Paul and Luke and Clancy. I’ve gone completely rogue with the idiot board. I love you, Paul, Clancy, Luke, all my friends.
“If you are in rural NSW of Victoria come and see me and my fabulous cast in ‘The Grandparents Club’. Thank you, guys, it’s a great honour. Thank you.”
