Our History

Cherry Trees and plaques, Evans Street Cowra

As a result of the events of the Cowra Breakout, Cowra Shire has close historical ties to Japan that manifest themselves in various forms within the town. 

Residents and visitors will notice the links through the Avenue of Cherry Trees, the Cowra Japanese Garden, War Cemetery and the Sakura Matsuri Festival to name just a few.  Cowra also has a strong relationship with Indonesia and Italy because of the large number of POW in the town during WWII.

Cowra has always prided itself on being the centre of World Friendship and promotes the accepting nature of the town through the annual Festival of International Understanding, celebrating a different international culture each year. 

The information under the left hand navigation gives a good idea of Cowra's history and begins to explain how that history has shaped the Cowra we see today.

Cowra Family History Group

If you are researching your family history in Cowra's fascinating past, chances are the Cowra Family History Group will have information relevant to your search.

The Cowra Family History Group holds extensive material for research and is housed in the Cowra Library.