The Cowra Japanese Garden has launched a domestic and international fundraiser on Go Fund Me to help it survive the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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Having been forced to close due to government restrictions the Garden is currently facing severe financial difficulties.
The donations will be used to cover basic maintenance costs until at least September 2020 and to fund the relaunch the Garden for the Cherry Blossom Festival (Sakura Matsuri) on September 26, subject to and observing Government regulations.
Chairman of the Garden's Board, Bob Griffiths, said it was important to recognise the importance of the Garden not only as a tourist attraction but its the vital role within the Cowra and Japan relationship.
"The Garden relies entirely on public admission charges to operate on a daily basis. Approximately 40,000 visitors are welcomed each year," he said.
"For the past 40 years, this income, together with Gift Shop sales, has been sufficient to cover operating costs and host major events such as the annual Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival each September.
"As it has no other source of income, serious reductions in funds are already occurring, and once reopened it will take many months to restore the Garden to a sustainable financial position," he said.
Mr Griffiths said the Garden is operated by a not-for-profit community company with a volunteer board, on Crown land leased through Council at a nominal rent.
The Garden is not owned or operated by Cowra Council, but is an independent body.
He said Cowra Shire supports the Garden with the provision of untreated water for irrigation and lakes, a substantial cost saving to the Garden, and supports the Garden and Cowra Tourism Corporation in promoting both Tourism and the Japanese Garden.
Mr Griffiths added: "Capital expenditures have been supported in the past by donations, including by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Saburo Nagakura Foundation, Expo 70 Osaka, numerous Japanese Corporations, Gandel Philanthropy, and a recent Australian Government grant to replace the Cultural Centre roof with Japanese clay tiles and refurbish the Bonsai House."
"The Australian Government is assisting with limited wage support through its Job Keeper program which has enabled retention of staff on reduced hours, however there are no funds for our substantial operational overheads.
"In these difficult times the board is closely monitoring Government changes to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions and whilst there may be an opportunity to allow some form of access in the near future, this will not generate the required revenue," he said.
The Garden is seeking to raise $200,000 to ensure its survival with all donations to the garden public fund being tax deductible
Donations may be made via the Go Fund Me link: www.gofundme.com/f/jc3be-a-cause-i-care-about-needs-help or search "gofundme/Cowra Japanese Garden".
They can also be made directly to the Garden Public Fund by contacting the Garden Manager, Shane Budge, at manager@cowragarden.com.au for details.
Mr Griffiths said support for the Garden could be provided by taking out an annual Friend of the Garden Membership.
Annual passes for singles and Families are also available, the single pass gives unlimited entry to the Card holder and one guest, whilst the family Pass entitles two adults and their school age children unlimited entry.
Passes purchased whilst the Garden is still closed will be valid for 12 months from the date the Garden reopens.
Similarly, existing Friend of the Garden card holders will have the validity of their card extended to compensate for the closure period.
