[1] The Cowra Free Press was established in 1878 by proprietor Joseph Charles Ryall, who remained associated with the paper until he died, aged 91, in 1935.
The first issues of the paper were published at the office of The Grenfell Record and Lachlan District Advertiser.
In April 1937 the paper was sold to Earnest Rowland Moulten and Mr R. J.
[3][4][5] On 1 June 1937 the paper was renamed the Lachlan Leader "with which is incorporated the Cowra Free Press".
[6][7] The Lachlan Leader was absorbed by the Cowra Guardian in October 1943.