Victorian Coat of Arms

Victoria was the second state of Australia to achieve Arms, following the creation of the Commonwealth in 1901.

On 6 June 1910, King George V signed the warrant establishing the armorial identification of his authority in the State of Victoria.

The shield is blue with five silver stars representing the Southern Cross.

Rising from a wreath of silver and blue alternate twists (the official colours of Victoria), the crest shows the upper part of a kangaroo in its natural colours. The kangaroo holds a Royal Crown, in gold.The supporters on either side are human figures representing the state’s motto, ‘Peace and Prosperity’.

The figure on the left personifies peace. She wears a laurel-wreath crown and carries a sprig of olive in her hand. The figure on the right represents prosperity. She wears a circlet of golden wheat, and is carrying a cornucopia, the symbol of plenty.

In 1973, Victoria’s floral emblem Pink Heath was added to the coat of arms. It is shown growing from a grassy mound beneath the two supporters.

At this time, some of the other elements were reinterpreted. The representation of the female supporters was changed from a classical interpretation to one more in accord with the current 'conception of Australian womanhood', to quote the suggestion put forward at the time by the Premier's Department.