Coat of arms of Queensland Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Coat of arms of Queensland

Versions
State Badge of Queensland

Armiger	Elizabeth II in Right of Queensland
Adopted	1893
Crest	Two stalks of sugarcane surround the State Badge, a Maltese Cross with a centred Crown of St. Edward
Torse	Green and gold
Blazon	Wheat sheaf, gold rising from a pile of quartz, the heads of a bull and a ram
Supporters	Red deer and brolga
Motto	Audax at Fidelis "Bold but Faithful"

The coat of arms of Queensland is the official symbol of the Australian state of Queensland. It is the oldest coat of arms in Australia. Queen Victoria first gave it to Queensland in 1893. A coat of arms is like a special badge or emblem. It often shows important things about a place or family. Queensland's coat of arms includes a shield, a motto, and special animals.

Designing the Coat of Arms
- Early Ideas
What the Symbols Mean
- Symbols on the Shield
How the Coat of Arms Changed
- The Crown Changes
- Adding Supporting Animals
The Mystery of the Maltese Cross
- Why the Maltese Cross?
Official Coat of Arms
Images for kids
See also

Designing the Coat of Arms

Before 1893, people suggested many ideas for Queensland's coat of arms. They wanted it to show what was special about the state.

Early Ideas

Here are some of the first ideas for the coat of arms. These were sent to the British College of Arms. This is where official coats of arms are designed and approved.

Queensland Government Office

Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street

London, SW, 2nd December 1892

Sir,

Referring to your letter of the 13th of May last 92/5479 AG 92/107 concerning the grant of Arms for the Colony of Queensland I have the honour to inform you that your suggestions were submitted to the Heralds College through the Colonial Office and after much consideration the enclosed drawings of the proposed Arms have been furnished by Sir Albert Woods, Garter King of Arms and are forwarded for your approval.

The Honourable Sir SW Griffith KC, MG 2C

Chief Secretary, Brisbane

First idea for Queensland's coat of arms
Second idea for Queensland's coat of arms
Third idea for Queensland's coat of arms
Fourth idea for Queensland's coat of arms

What the Symbols Mean

The symbols on the Queensland coat of arms tell a story. They show the state's most important industries.

Symbols on the Shield

Wheat Sheaf: This represents the wheat farming industry. Wheat farming started early in Australia. Convicts worked the first farms in 1788. By the late 1800s, wheat was a big part of Queensland's farming.
Sugarcane: Two stalks of sugarcane are shown above the shield. The sugar industry began in Queensland around 1868. It grew very quickly.
Bull's Head: This symbol stands for the beef industry. By the late 1880s, Queensland was exporting a lot of beef.
Ram's Head: This represents the sheep and wool industry. Sheep farming started in Australia in the 1820s. By the 1880s, it was very important in Queensland.
Gold Pyramid and Quartz: These symbols show the mining industry. Gold was found in Georgetown in 1873. Copper was also discovered in Cloncurry in 1867.
Pick and Shovel: These tools also represent mining. They show the hard work involved in finding valuable minerals.

How the Coat of Arms Changed

The coat of arms has changed a few times since 1893.

The Crown Changes

The crown on the Maltese Cross changes to match the current monarch in England.

The Imperial State Crown was used from 1893–1910 and 1936–1952.
The St. Edward's Crown was used from 1910–1936 and from 1952 onwards.

This means the crown on the coat of arms updates with each new King or Queen.

Adding Supporting Animals

The final change happened in 1977. This was during the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Two animals were added to support the shield:

A red deer represents the "old world." It is a classic animal used in coats of arms. Queen Victoria gave a herd of deer to Queensland.
A brolga represents Australia's native wildlife. It is Queensland's official state bird. Brolgas are tall cranes found along the coast.

The Mystery of the Maltese Cross

The Maltese Cross is a special part of Queensland's badge. It is also on the coat of arms. No one is completely sure why this specific cross was chosen.

Why the Maltese Cross?

In 1873, the British government asked colonies to choose unique badges for their flags. Queensland decided to use the Maltese Cross with a crown in the middle. This was approved in 1876.

One idea is that it was linked to the Victoria Cross. The Victoria Cross is a medal for bravery. It was first given out in 1857. Queensland became a colony in 1859. So, some people think the Maltese Cross was chosen to connect Queensland with this brave award.