Symbols of the City

The Symbols of the City are bestowed upon citizens for outstanding contributions to the community in their relative fields. The Symbols of the City are as follows:

Key to the City

The granting of the Key to the City is a symbolic presentation which represents the highest honour that a city can confer on an individual or an organisation.

The tradition of using a key dates back to medieval times, when many cities were enclosed within walled fortifications. The key symbolised the political relationship between a city and the king or ruler of the land on which the city was located.

When that ruler visited the city for the first time after assuming power, the authorities would formally greet him at the gates and hand over a key to signify that the city was now under his control. The key would then be returned by the ruler to the city authorities to acknowledge that he intended to respect the political authority of those who administered the city.

The Key to the City of Sydney is traditionally presented by the Lord Mayor at a civic ceremony to acknowledge the contribution of an individual or organisation in furthering the ideals of the city, or to recognise outstanding achievement in sport or humanitarian work at an international level.

Freedom of the City

Freedom of Entry to the City of Sydney is a ceremonial honour which became popular during the nineteenth century and draws some inspiration from medieval history.

A military or civilian unit accorded this privilege is granted the right of entry to the city "with bayonets fixed, colours flying and drums beating". This award is restricted to Australian military and civilian units which have, through their command, a significant attachment to the City.

It is conferred in recognition of their achievement while on active service or overseas duty or as a mark of respect and gratitude for their efforts in the defence of Australia.

Freedom of Entry to the City of Sydney is celebrated with a parade of the unit through the city streets to Sydney Town Hall and the presentation of a scroll and the flag of the City of Sydney.

Seal

Armorial bearings are used by municipal councils to authenticate documents and deeds with a clearly recognisable "corporate signature", known as the Common Seal. It is an adaptation of a tradition used in medieval England.

The original seal used by Council comprised text which read "Seal of the Mayor, Aldermen, Councillors and Citizens of the City of Sydney, Incorporated 1842"and was used as a seal and a stamp from 1843.

Following the official recognition of the Councils coat of arms by the College of Heralds in 1908 a new seal was made which incorporated the coat of arms. Today, the seal is used to authenticate documents, which relate to the business of Council. It can only be used following a Council resolution and must be affixed by the Lord Mayor and members of Council.

It has no effect unless accompanied by the signatures of those members of Council who are present when the seal is applied.

Coat of Arms

In 1996, the City of Sydney adopted a new coat of arms (right), which incorporated elements of the original design (left) which had been granted by the College of Heralds in 1902.

The human figures have been replaced by imagery of twisted rope and a rainbow serpent denoting Australias cultural heritage; the coats of arms of Viscount Sydney and Captain Cook in recognition to their contribution to the foundation of Sydney and Thomas Hughes, the first Lord Mayor of Sydney; and the anchor and mural crown, the traditional symbols denoting a maritime city.

The Flag

The flag of the City of Sydney incorporates the coat of arms of Thomas Townshend, Viscount Sydney after whom the City was named, the naval flag of England onto which is superimposed elements from the coat of arms of Captain Cook and the coat of arms of Sydneys first Lord Mayor, Thomas Hughes; above an image of a ship, a symbol for a maritime city.

Mace

In 1992, the Friends of Sydney Town Hall commissioned a mace to commemorate the sesquicentenary of the formation of the Council (then known as the Corporation) of the City of Sydney.

Made by South Australian silversmith, John Hale, the mace features some of the architectural icons of Sydney and motifs relating to the role of Council in the City of Sydney. The mace, originally a close quarters weapon favoured in medieval times became a symbol of royal authority and protection. Today for many councils, the mace has become a ceremonial item.

Chain

Throughout history, politicians, statesmen and rulers have worn ceremonial insignia, badges and chains of office as symbols of authority. Mayoral chains of office became popular as accompaniments to municipal dress during the reign of Queen Victoria.

In 1902 the Sydney Chamber of Commerce initiated the first link of a civic chain. The following year, the then Governor of NSW, His Excellency Sir Harry Rawson presented Sydneys first Lord Mayor, Themes Hughes with the chain of office. It comprised gold and enamel medallions featuring the coat of arms of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce and the Stock Exchange and a pendant depicting the coat of arms of the City of Sydney.
Collar

Former and successive mayors contributed a small gold medallion onto which were embossed their terms of office, but by 1945 this practice had been discontinued because of the size and weight of the chain. Today, the chain is worn with the robes of office for rare civic occasions.

For most formal civic duties, a smaller collar is worn. The custom of wearing a collar dates back to antiquity, when necklets adorned the necks of rulers, pharaohs, kings and emperors. It was adopted as an item of mayoral dress to which could also be added the links of each office holder.

Robes

The origin of civic robes derives from medieval England when mayors were responsible for law and order within their cities. As magistrates, they assumed the traditional judicial dress as a symbol of authority. The original civic robe for the Mayor of the City of Sydney in 1842 was purple trimmed with ermine with a Court dress hat. A lace jabot or neck ruffle and white gloves were also worn. The current robes worn by the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor are black and those of the Councillors are blue. They are worn rarely and only at major civic functions.