Waverley's Seal

Waverley Municipal Council received its seal from the Colonial Secretary after it was set up in 1859.

There are a number of emblems on the seal and the biggest is the shield in the centre. The shield bears the cross of St George and five stars which are symbolic of our mother state, New South Wales.

The different devices in three of the four quarters of the shield are, so far as one can make out, a sheep's fleece (which stands for productiveness), a sailing ship (communication) and an anchor (to show that Waverley is beside the sea).

The fourth device, in the top lefthand corner, is not clear but some people have suggested it could be a bale of wool.

The rising sun above the shield shows that Waverley is part of sunny New South Wales and the cornucopia which looks like a long seashell or horn, spilling out fruit and vegetables, is a standard emblem found on many seals and sometimes called "the horn of plenty", represents wealth and peace.

The pick and spade on the opposite side could represent industry and, perhaps, the pioneering spirit.

The simple scene on the right with its old fashioned cottages nestling along the foreshore and a ship out at sea, is probably to show that Waverley is beside the sea.

In the left background is perhaps the most interesting emblem on the seal because it depicts a landmark which is not in Waverley Municipality. There, standing on top of high cliffs is the old Macquarie lighthouse of the outer South Head of Port Jackson.

The lighthouse of today is just outside the northern boundary of the Municipality of Waverley.

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