COWRA’S JAPANESE GARDEN RENOVATION COMPLETE

Cowra’s unique Japanese heritage is now better protected, following an upgrade to its popular Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the upgrades to the roofs of both the cultural centre and bonsai house would protect the garden’s invaluable collection of Japanese antiquities.

“The main building’s new Japanese clay tile roof has replaced the previous timber shingle roof which was brittle, leaky and posed a significant fire risk,” Mr McCormack said.

“This new roof has a life expectancy of more than 100 years and will protect the garden’s vast collection of more than 300 cultural items, including ceramics, scrolls and traditional Japanese tea ceremony utensils.

“The bonsai house has also re-opened with a new reinforced steel frame and a pergola-style roof.

“This allows the gardeners to comfortably maintain the popular bonsai plants and provides a better space for members of the Nepean Bonsai Society to train and educate future local volunteers.

“The garden represents a unique piece of Cowra’s identity. It’s a major tourist destination which attracted more than 44,000 people last year, symbolising peace, reconciliation and Australia’s strong cultural ties to the Japanese people.

“The Australian and Japanese people are connected through a shared history – spaces where we can share this cultural bond, such as here in Cowra, only further enhance the long-standing relationship between our two nations.”

The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government fully funded the $307,442 project under its Building Better Regions Fund – an $841 million investment designed to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future.