The Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC) will host local historian Lawrance Ryan this Anzac Day to deliver his presentation, More Than Just One Day: How the Breakout changed Cowra.
The 45-minute free presentation will focus on the infamous Cowra Breakout that occurred during the Second World War, in which 1,104 Japanese prisoners of war escaped from the military camp.
Key points of discussion will include the important role Cowra played in the overall war effort, and the reconciliation that has occurred in subsequent years between the town and Japan.
Dubbo Regional Council's Local Studies Officer Simone Taylor said Mr Ryan's presentation will provide an in-depth look into the breakout and the years that followed.
"The Cowra Breakout was one of the biggest military prison escapes in modern history and the site of the only land battle fought on Australian soil during the Second World War.
"While many have heard of the breakout, what they may not be aware of, is the lasting effects the incident had on Cowra, the Central West and, indeed, Japan itself.
"Mr Ryan's presentation will approach the breakout from this perspective and is sure to be an enthralling examination of that fateful day in August 1944," Ms Taylor said.
Lawrance Ryan was born and raised in Cowra.
He has always had a great love of local history, particularly railways, and since 1994 has been involved in the annual Cowra Breakout commemorations.
He has worked in several areas including banking, retail, tourism, and local government, and is currently employed at Cowra Council as its Grants and Executive Projects Officer.
More Than Just One Day: How the Breakout changed Cowra will start at 7am on Saturday 25 April 2026 at the WPCC Auditorium, immediately following the Dubbo Dawn Service, held at Victoria Park.
The presentation is a free drop-in talk, with no bookings required.
Creo Café will be open for attendees from 6am.
