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.

Our Vision

A leading, innovative and creative community, proud of our place in history, offering opportunity with the best of country living.

Values

In all our dealings we will...

• Show and grow leadership
• Be positive and work together
• value each other and what we have
• create opportunities for our next generations.

Council Civic Crest

The crest portrays local rock outcrops with an eagle atop to represent “Cowra Rocks”, the site of the river crossing that became known as Cowra, and Mulyan, the aboriginal name for eagle.

Corporate Logo

The logo represents a stylised classical Japanese pagoda that symbolises the enduring ties between Cowra and Japan. These ties began with the internment of thousands of Japanese prisoners of war at Cowra during World War II and the tragic Cowra breakout in August 1944. The repetitious uneven line work of the logo; refined in shape and colour; represents that art of calligraphy and also symbolise canola crops in bloom; pastures and the waterways of the Lachlan River and Wyangala Dam; and the wings of an eagle. The logo also recognises the strong indigenous culture in Cowra and acknowledge the original custodians of the land.