meet our EXPERT PRESENTERS
GRAHAM APTHORPE
Graham Apthorpe is an Australian researcher, historian, and author with a longstanding connection to Cowra and its significant World War II history. A resident of Cowra for nearly 30 years, Graham has dedicated much of his work to researching and documenting the stories surrounding the Cowra Prisoner of War Camp and the famous Cowra Breakout.
He is the author of the acclaimed historical works A Town at War and The Man Inside: The Bloodiest Outbreak, which explore the people, events, and complex human stories connected to Australia’s largest prisoner of war camp during World War II. His writing is recognised for its detailed research, thoughtful storytelling, and fresh perspective on Australian and Japanese wartime history.
Through his research, Graham has worked extensively with historical archives, personal accounts, and military records to preserve the legacy of Cowra’s wartime experiences and the important themes of reconciliation and understanding that emerged from them. He has also assisted other historians and authors with research projects and has published a number of articles relating to military and regional history.
Graham is widely respected for his contribution to preserving Cowra’s historical significance and helping educate visitors, students, and the broader community about one of the most remarkable wartime stories in Australian history.
LAWRANCE RYAN
Lawrance Ryan is a respected Cowra historian, storyteller, and long-time advocate for preserving and sharing the unique relationship between Cowra and Japan. He has been actively involved in the Cowra-Japan relationship for more than 20 years and has played a significant role in promoting the history and legacy of the Cowra Breakout and Prisoner of War Campsite.
Lawrance has served as Chair of both the 60th and 70th Anniversary Cowra Breakout commemorations and was President of the Cowra Breakout Association for many years. Through these roles, he has worked closely with veterans, former prisoners of war, local residents, historians, and visitors, helping preserve firsthand stories connected to one of Australia’s most significant wartime events.
Professionally, Lawrance worked with Cowra Council as Grants and Executive Projects Officer, contributing to the development of the Cowra POW Campsite into a nationally recognised heritage and tourism destination.
He has been instrumental in supporting interpretive projects, heritage storytelling, and educational tourism that connect visitors with Cowra’s wartime history and the enduring themes of reconciliation and peace.
Known for his deep historical knowledge and engaging storytelling style, Lawrance regularly speaks at commemorative and community events and has helped educate generations of visitors and students about the importance of the Cowra story in Australian and Japanese history.
DR GORDON REFSHAUGE
Dr Gordon Refshauge is a highly respected agricultural researcher with more than 20 years of experience in livestock production systems and applied agricultural science. Throughout his career, Gordon has made significant contributions to Australian agriculture through his research into livestock productivity, sustainability and animal welfare.
Gordon's research focused primarily on sheep and goat reproduction, while also encompassing nutrition, genetics, animal health, meat science, technology development and farm management practices. His work has been recognised for delivering practical, evidence-based solutions that producers can readily apply to improve productivity and profitability.
Throughout his career, Gordon partnered with leading industry organisations and universities, including Australian Wool Innovation, Meat & Livestock Australia, Murdoch University, University of Sydney and Charles Sturt University.
In addition to his research career, Gordon operates a small beef cattle enterprise, giving him firsthand experience of the realities of livestock production. His practical farming knowledge complements his scientific expertise and provides a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Australian agriculture.
As part of the Cowra Tours Agriculture Program, Gordon shares his extensive knowledge of livestock production, agricultural innovation and research. Students gain unique insights into how science and technology have shaped modern farming practices and continue to support the future of Australian agriculture.
SAMANTHA AND JOSHUA COMBES
Samantha Combes is an experienced Japanese language teacher who has taught across a number of schools over many years. Throughout her career, she has developed an extensive range of engaging and practical educational resources, with particular expertise in preparing students for cultural immersion experiences and study tours to Japan.
Drawing on her deep understanding of the curriculum and student learning needs, Samantha has designed the educational resources used throughout the Cowra Tours programs. Her materials have been tailored to suit a range of year groups and curriculum outcomes, ensuring students gain meaningful cultural, historical and language-learning experiences before, during and after their visit.
Joshua Combes is a Head of Department, drama teacher, artist and author with a passion for creative education and storytelling. He is the author and illustrator of the beautifully crafted children's book Square Peg (https://www.facebook.com/SquarePegBook/), which reflects his talent for combining engaging narratives with distinctive artwork.
Joshua has brought his creativity and educational expertise to Cowra Tours through the design and illustration of the Japanese-speaking resources used at the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre. His work helps bring history, culture and language learning to life, creating memorable and engaging experiences for students of all ages.
Together, Samantha and Joshua combine educational expertise, creativity and a passion for Japanese culture to help ensure Cowra Tours provides high-quality, curriculum-aligned learning experiences for visiting students.
JON WRIGHT
A visit to Coota Park Blue-E offers agriculture students the opportunity to see firsthand how innovation, science, sustainability, and practical farming come together in a modern Australian cattle operation.
Located near Woodstock in the Central West of NSW, Coota Park Blue-E has spent more than 25 years developing one of the world’s leading feed-efficient cattle programs. The property is recognised internationally for its work in genetics, feed efficiency, sustainability, and methane reduction research.
Students visiting Coota Park Blue-E can learn about:
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Feed efficiency and why it matters for profitability and sustainability
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Modern cattle genetics and breeding programs
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Hybrid vigour and composite cattle systems
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Data-driven farming and performance recording
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Methane reduction and environmental sustainability
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Beef industry research and innovation
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Practical livestock management and production systems
Jon Wright developed a unique cattle breeding program combining Angus, Shorthorn, and later Simmental genetics to improve productivity and efficiency. Today, Coota Park Blue-E collaborates with organisations including the University of Sydney, UNE, Meat & Livestock Australia, and NSW DPI on research projects focused on low-emissions livestock and sustainable beef production.
This tour gives students a rare opportunity to connect classroom agricultural studies with real-world innovation happening on a working Australian cattle property.
Students will leave with a deeper understanding of how science, technology, and practical farming are shaping the future of the Australian beef industry.