A flag is an emblem which stands for its people, history and ideals. New South Wales has its own distinctive flag as well as its own coat of arms, crest, state flower, animal, bird and fish.
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| NSW State Flag | |
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The New South Wales State Flag has been in use since 1876. It includes the Union Jack and the NSW badge. |
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| NSW Coat of Arms | |
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The New South Wales Coat of Arms is based on the Southern Cross with the British Lion in the centre and symbols of agriculture in the corners. It is supported by the British Lion and the Australian Kangaroo and was formally adopted in 1906. NSW motto “Newly risen, how brightly you shine”. |
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| NSW State Colour | |
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The official New South Wales colour is sky blue – sky blue pantone 291. |
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| NSW Government Logo | |
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The NSW Government logo was adopted in 2009 and is an artistic representation of the Waratah, the floral emblem of New South Wales. The NSW Government logo is used to represent all NSW Government Agencies and their associated representatives. |
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| State Emblems | |
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Floral Emblem – The Waratah (Telopea speciosissima) is the floral emblem of New South Wales, a large (10-12cm across) and spectacular scarlet flower growing in the bush in clumps of tall stems. The Waratah is protected by law. |
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Bird Emblem – The Kookaburra (Dacelo gigas) is the bird emblem of New South Wales. This great brown kingfisher is sometimes called a ‘laughing jackass’ because of its distinctive territorial laughing call. Meat eaters, they hunt snakes, lizards, fish and insects and live at forest edges, in clearings. |
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Animal Emblem – The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), is the animal emblem of New South Wales. The platypus is a furry creature, about 30cm – 38cm long, it has webbed feet and a large duck-like bill which it uses to gather its food from the bottom of rivers. |
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Fish Emblem – The Blue Groper (Achoerodus viridis) was proclaimed the State fish of New South Wales in 1998. A friendly but powerful coastal fish that often follows divers. It can be up to a metre long and weigh between 2 and 15kg, though some specimens may reach 40kg or more. |
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Gemstone Emblem – The Black Opal was proclaimed the State gemstone of New South Wales in 2008. It is the most rare and valuable type of opal. |