The hard-working team pictured preparing the news at the Corowa Free Press in the early 1900s at 111 Sanger Street.
Today, the Corowa Free Press celebrates 150 years of publishing.
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Since the first edition of the Corowa Free Press on Friday, October 8, 1875, the Free Press’ mission has remained unchanged: to produce a truly local newspaper, one that champions the needs and best interests of the Corowa district.
The Corowa Free Press has proudly served its community for over 150 years, shaped by two dedicated families, the Leslies and the Loughnans, across five generations.
The newspaper was founded in 1875 by James Crauford Leslie, a Scottish migrant and visionary journalist.
A community leader and founding president of the NSW Country Press Association, Leslie also advocated for a national press body, which came to fruition shortly before his death in 1907.
His widow, Mary Isabella Leslie, ran the paper until 1924, followed by sons Arnot and Guy, who also contributed to Corowa's civic and cultural life.
Arnot managed the paper until 1954, and his nephew Conrad became the third-generation editor, leading until he died in 1962. His wife, Dixie Leslie, then managed the paper until 1980, overseeing its centenary edition and ensuring the family’s strong editorial legacy.
In 1980, Noel and Patricia Loughnan took over the Free Press. Noel had worked in newspapers since age 15, later becoming a key figure in industry associations.
Their son Jared, the current president of the Victorian Country Press Association, now manages operations.
In 2012, the Loughnans partnered with McPherson Media, reinforcing their commitment to trusted, independent local journalism across both print and digital platforms.
From J.C. Leslie’s pioneering days to the Loughnan’s modern stewardship, the Free Press remains a cornerstone of regional journalism, a testament to two families’ passion, service, and community spirit spanning more than a century.
For 15 decades, this paper has served as a vital conduit for community life, sharing both the triumphs and the trials, giving voice to local issues, spotlighting achievements, and marking the events that shape us.
As your local newspaper, the Free Press team is proud to inform, support, and reflect the heart of the community, standing for accountability, celebrating good deeds, amplifying important causes, and providing a platform for local business growth and community dialogue.
The 60-page special sesquicentennial edition of the Corowa Free Press, in its production phase. It can now be purchased at local newsagencies and the Free Press office.
The team at the Free Press is ever mindful that today's news becomes tomorrow’s history. That responsibility, to record the stories of our time for future generations, is one we hold with great respect.
It is with immense pride that we have also published a special sesquicentennial edition separate from today’s newspaper, honouring not only this historic milestone but also the many dedicated individuals who have come before me to deliver trusted news, stories, and milestones to our readers across the generations.
Over the past century and a half, Corowa, the Birthplace of Federation, and its surrounding district have witnessed extraordinary change, growth, and community spirit.
The 60-page commemorative edition, which can be purchased at local newsagencies or at the Free Press office, is a selection of snapshots from some of the most memorable news stories published by the Corowa Free Press across the decades.
We invite you to step back in time with us, rediscover key moments from our shared history, and reflect on how far we’ve come.
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