Cowra Peace Bell

 

                                                                Cowra Peace Bell

This week we are still in Cowra, and I thought I would tell you a bit about the Peace Bell which is there.

Officially called The Australian World Peace Bell, but often called the Cowra Peace Bell, is a national peace symbol housed in Civic Square, Cowra NSW. It was awarded to Cowra in 1992, a rare honour usually reserved for capital cities. The choice reflects Cowra’s deep commitment to peace, especially its post‑war relationship with Japan.

So, what makes it special, well it’s made from melted coins donated by 106 UN member countries, symbolising global unity.

It is a replica of the original World Peace Bell at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Apparently, visitors can ring the bell, listen to an audio presentation, and read interpretive signage explaining its story. Tim and I listened to the audio and read the information about the bell but didn’t ring it

The bell sits in a pavilion designed and built by local Cowra community members, including hand‑decorated tiles at its base.

                        Cowra Peace Bell

You may be wondering why Cowra?

Well, it seems Cowra’s selection stems from its remarkable journey from wartime tragedy to international friendship. Its reconciliation efforts—especially with Japan after the 1944 Cowra Breakout—have made it a global symbol of peace.

Each September, Cowra hosts World Peace Day events, including youth forums, awards, and a Peace Day dinner. The bell is rung to mark the opening of UN Disarmament Week.

How many World Peace Bells exist?

There are more than 20 official World Peace Bells worldwide, installed in various countries as part of the World Peace Bell Association’s mission to promote peace. However, there are also regional peace bells, and bells inspired by the movement, but the official number is 20.

There are bells in: New York (UN Headquarters)

Cowra, Australia

Japan (multiple locations)

                   Toyko Peace Bell

Yes, there are multiple peace bells in Japan, there are so many peace bells because peace became a defining national identity after World War II, and bells are one of the most powerful symbols in Japanese culture. When you put those two things together, you get a tradition that feels both ancient and deeply modern.

Japan now has peace bells:

In Hiroshima

In Nagasaki

In Tokyo

In many regional cities

Nonofficial bells can be found in:

United Kingdom (London Olympic Bell)

United States (Tennessee’s International Friendship Bell)

Austria (Alpine Region Peace Bell)