The paper was first published on Wednesday, 29 June 1960, as a weekly publication. It was formed as a merger of smaller local newspapers: The Times, The Express, The District and Shire News and The Kingsgrove Riverwood Courier.[citation needed]
By 1961, the newspaper had a circulation of 81,000 free weekly copies and sold another 1,000. It ranged in size from 48 to 56 pages. It employed two sub-editors, four reporters, one photographer, a columnist and used outside contributors.[3]
In 1984, The Leader moved to a twice-weekly publication on Tuesdays and Thursdays.[4]
Goan Kenyan-born journalist Cyprian Fernandes was editor for around 10 years in the late 1980s to 1990s. At the time, regional newspapers were flourishing, and there were 20 journalists writing for the paper. The Leader won Newspaper of the Year during this time, after he had introduced colour to the layouts.[5]
On 30 July 2020, state Minister for Small Business Eleni Petinos proposed congratulations "on a fantastic 60 years" to the publication in the Parliament of New South Wales. The names of the editorial team were mentioned: Craig Thomson, Murray Trembath, John Veage, Merryn Porter, and Chris Lane.[6]
The entity was formerly owned by Fairfax Media, prior to its merger with Nine Entertainment in 2018. In April 2019, Nine sold the business to Australian Community Media, owned by Antony Catalano and Alex Waislitz.[7][8]
