A new amenities block opened at the Cowra POW campsite will allow visitors and locals alike to stay at the site longer and reflect on Australia’s war time history.
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The block, opened by Member for Cootamundra Katrina Hodgkinson MP and Deputy Premier John Barilaro was constructed with funds from the Council, the Public Reserves Management Fund and the Cowra Lions Club.
Cowra Mayor, Cr Bill West said more people then ever were traveling to the campsite.
“This demonstrates people’s desire to learn more about our history and the one thing we (council) did learn is there needs to be some sort of amenities facility up here for people's comfort,” he said.
“This particular site is so very important, it reflects on the history of Cowra and the relationship we have with the Japanese and I think it reflects on the history of the NSW and Australian people with the people of Japan.
“What council has sought to do over a period of time is to be able to reflect in a dignified, peaceful and appropriate manner, the events of that day.
“So people can be reminded of our history but not necessarily the glory or the hate of war, but just reflect on the history of this site,” he said.
Ms Hodgkinson said she had strongly endorsed for the project to receive funds from the Public Reserves Management Fund.
“As Bill just said so eloquently this is an area of reflection,” she said,
“This is an area of learning, this is an area people will come from miles to learn about their Australian history, and one of the reasons I strongly endorsed this project, was that you don’t want people to have to rush away from that reflection due to the need of a comfort break.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the site would shape the future of Australia.
“This site is a very significant historic site in military history and will always be recorded for that,” he said.
“It is always important to stop and reflect on history, it will help us shape the future, that's why it is significant and humbling to be here today”.