Australia's World Peace Bell

In 1992, Cowra was awarded the Australian World Peace Bell due to the level of peace that has united the town after World War II. Although these awards are typically given to capital cities, Cowra has remained an influential place in history with the site of a Prisoner of War Camp and history tied to Japanese that remained in Cowra after the war. The bell is made of the coins from the member countries of the United Nations which have been melted down into its metal.

The bell sits with Cowra’s Civic Square where visitors can come and read about its history that explains the symbol of peace. World Peace Day is celebrated here every year on September 3 to mark the opening of the Disarmament at the United Nations. Cowra has since remained a symbol of peace and reconciliation, and the bell represents its strength and unity through it all.