HEAR THE MANY “VOICES”
OF LOCAL HISTORY AT FESTIVAL With the theme “Having a Voice”; Cowra’s 2017 Heritage Festival highlights the many varied strands that make up our local history. Events this year range from the ANZAC Day ceremony at the Roundhouse, which includes the dedication of a Lone Pine tree planted in memory of two Cowra railwaymen who died during the Gallipoli campaign; “Cowra Migrant Voices” which explores the lives of people from the Cowra Migrant Holding Centre and other Cowra migrant stories; and Dawn at the Camp featuring English, Japanese, Italian, Korean and Wiradjuri retelling of the events surrounding the Cowra POW Camp Breakout in August 1944.
of Cowra Women’s Club, ran a courageous campaign to honour the increasing numbers of local men who were serving and dying during the Great War.
Dramatisation of one of Cowra’s most intriguing historical events, the single-minded campaign by one local woman to honour our First World War heroes, is also a feature of this year’s Festival.
In a change of pace, Cowra Antique Vehicle Club is once again celebrating National Motoring Heritage Day by showcasing their fantastic collection of vintage vehicles and other interesting motoring memorabilia from days gone by on Sunday, May 21 from 9–3pm at Cowra Railway Station, Lynch Street Cowra.
“Village Voices” is being held at Merriganowry Hall by Cowra Musical & Dramatic Society to highlight the efforts of Ruth Fitzgerald to establish the Cowra Memorial Avenue of Honour exactly 100 years ago. Working under the pseudonym, “Myee Planta”, Miss Fitzgerald, as president
Being held at the Merriganowry Hall, Lachlan Valley Way, Gooloogong, a special part of this event also involves the dedication of a plaque commemorating the 1817 Soldiers Depot near the Lachlan River that was one of the first European settlements in the district. This special heritage event is being held on Saturday, May 20 from 11–3pm.
For information and bookings on all events to do with Cowra’s 2017 Heritage Festival, contact Cowra Tourism on 6342 4333 or go to: www.cowratourism.com.au
APRIL/MAY 2017
Cowra Heritage Festival 2017
“Having
a Voice”
Events ANZAC Day at the Roundhouse Come along and commemorate ANZAC Day at the Cowra Roundhouse with the Lachlan Valley Railway. The annual ceremony will take place at noon, followed by the dedication of a Lone Pine tree, planted in memory of two Cowra railwaymen who died in the Battle of Lone Pine at Gallipoli in June 1915. The tree will be planted using the silver spade that turned the first sod on the Blayney – Cowra line in 1885. Don’t miss the 5367 Steam Engine which is being restored and will be on show for the public to admire. Tuesday 25 April 2017 at 12pm Lachlan Valley Railway, Campbell Street Cowra Cost Free. Register attendance with Cowra Tourism Information & Bookings Cowra Tourism (02) 6342 4333 or www.cowratourism.com.au When Where
Village Voices The Merriganowry Hall will be the scene of an intriguing one-off performance by the Cowra Musical & Dramatic Society called Village Voices. Featuring original lines from history and war-time correspondence as-well narrative based on influential characters from the local area. A special part of this event also involves the dedication of plaque commemorating the 1817 Soldiers Depot near the Lachlan River. When Where
20 May 2017, 11am – 3pm Merriganowry Hall, Lachlan Valley Way, Gooloogong Cost $10 pp (Adults & Seniors), $5.00 (Children), $30.00 (Family - 2 Adults & 2 children) Information & Bookings Cowra Tourism (02) 6342 4333 or www.cowratourism.com.au
National Motoring Heritage Day The Cowra Antique Vehicle Club is once again celebrating National Motoring Heritage Day by opening their doors and showcasing their fantastic collection of vintage vehicles and other interesting motoring memorabilia from days gone by. Choose your favourite classic car and the owner will take you on a trip around the picturesque landscapes of Cowra and surrounds.
Cowra Migrant Voices Hosted by the Cowra & District Historical Society and the Cowra Family History Group, this exhibition explores the lives of people from the Cowra Migrant Holding Centre and other Cowra migrant stories. The exhibition celebrates the significant contribution they have made to Cowra and how this led to the annual Festival of International Understanding. When
27 April 2017 to 5 May 2017, 10am – 4pm daily Where Shop 14, Cowra Plaza, 59 Kendal Street, Cowra Cost Free Information & Bookings Cowra Tourism (02) 6342 4333 or www.cowratourism.com.au
Dawn at the Camp Get ready for the feature event of this year’s Festival Program. Sure to be a truly moving experience, hear voices in English, Japanese & Wiradjuri remembering the events Cowra P.O.W Camp breakout in August of 1944. Special features of this event include a tribute to the Aboriginal Soldiers involved in the Camp, guided tours of the four compound quadrants, breakfast hosted by the local Lions Club and official launch of Zillah Williams’ book ‘Tomodachi - Yesterday’s Enemy. When Where Cost
29 April 2017, 8am. Cowra P.O.W Camp, Sakura Avenue Cowra Free. Register attendance with Cowra Tourism Information & Bookings Cowra Tourism (02) 6342 4333 or www.cowratourism.com.au
When 21 May 2017, 9am – 3pm Where Cowra Railway Station, Lynch Street Cowra Cost Free Information & Bookings Cowra Tourism (02) 6342 4333 or www.cowratourism.com.au
Proudly supported by Cowra Council www.cowracouncil.com.au (02)6340 2040 Contact Cowra Tourism for event information and ticketing www.cowratourism.com.au (02) 6342 4333