‘Discovery and Rediscoveries’ is the intriguing theme for this year’s National Trust Heritage Festival in Cowra. The festival which will run throughout April and May features various events that celebrate the unique heritage of Cowra Shire and surrounding areas. ‘Life on the Coo-ee Trail’ on 14th May immerses you in 1913 rural life through a special Cowra Musical and Dramatic Society performance of traditional music hall folk music complete with an outdoor camp dinner while the former Cowra Migrant Camp on the Sydney Road will be the venue for a dedication ceremony on 22nd May.
The event will be followed by a social event that evening for families, relatives, and friends of the almost 20,000 people from 27 different countries that came through the camp from 1949 to 1955. ‘Back to Billimari’ is sure to bring history to life on Saturday, 28th May and will coincide with the centenary celebrations for the Billimari Hall. ‘A Tribute: Health Care Professionals’ is another special event for the festival and comprises a combined exhibition by Cowra and District Historical Society and the Cowra Family History Group that features rare and interesting memorabilia from the archives of doctors, nurses, surgeons, and other staff from Cowra Hospital.
The National Trust Heritage Festival will run from 28th April to 8th May at the original Myers Building at 18 Macquarie Street. For those with a motoring bent, the National Motoring Heritage Day will be held on Sunday, 15th May with Cowra Antique Vehicle Club displaying a range of memorabilia including early vehicle manuals, registration certificates, and a grand parade of vehicles at Cowra Railway Station. With so much history packed into so little time, be sure to get to Cowra and rediscover your heritage! For more information, go to: www.cowracouncil.com.au or contact Cowra Tourism for bookings on 6342 4333.