When war was declared on Germany in September 1939, Australia, still reeling from the loss of 62,000 lives in World War I, faced the daunting task of mobilising once again.

One of the first decisions made by the Australian Government was to establish military training camps, including a significant one at Cowra. This camp, which began operations in 1940, played a crucial role, training approximately 80,000 troops for both recruits and specialist skills throughout its existence.

Town prepares for an Influx

The local business community and the Chamber of Commerce in Cowra saw not just the opportunity to support the war effort but also to thrive economically during these challenging times. Recognising the need to improve accommodation, especially for senior officers and public servants, local hotels, which were owned by brewing companies, underwent upgrades to enhance their rooms and facilities. Other businesses also seized the opportunity to support and benefit from the wartime economy.

Machine gun production at Cowra Showground Pavilion

With armaments being critical for the war effort, Cowra became a feeder factory to the Lithgow Small Arms Factory. The Cowra Showground Pavilion was repurposed to manufacture parts for Vickers and Bren machine guns, employing around 250 workers, predominantly women, who performed precision work using specialist machinery.

Edgells' contribution to the war effort

The arrival of over one million US troops necessitated new sources of food. US advisors identified the Lachlan Valley as one of the world's richest areas for agriculture and vegetable production. Farming in the region was quickly adapted for large-scale vegetable production with the aid of special machinery and training provided by the US. In 1943, the Edgells Factory was constructed in Cowra to produce canned and dehydrated food products, primarily for US troops.

Fuel and chemical production

Fuel and chemicals were also essential for the war effort. To meet this need, Colonial Sugar Refinery established an ethanol plant in Cowra at the site of the current Lachlan Fertilisers business. This plant produced approximately 2.5 million gallons of ethanol annually, significantly contributing to the wartime supply chain.

Cowra's multifaceted contributions during WWII-training troops, producing armaments, providing food supplies, and manufacturing fuel and chemicals-underscore its vital role in supporting the national and Allied efforts during the war.