Aussie Facts

Well here we are at another Monday, so it is facts day, this weeks facts are about my home state of New South Wales.

The current state flag of New South Wales was officially adopted in 1876. The flag is based on the defaced British Blue Ensign with the state badge located in the fly.

The lion in the centre is the English Lion derived from the British Arms. The first and fourth quarters are the Golden Fleece, a reference to our great achievement in the wool industry. The second and third quarters are the Wheat Sheaf, representing our second and great primary industry.

Animal Emblem: Platypus

The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), is the animal emblem of NSW. The platypus is a furry creature, about 30cm to 38cm long, it has webbed feet and a large duck-like bill which it uses to gather its food from the bottom of rivers.

State Flower: Waratah

The New South Wales waratah has been the floral emblem of New South Wales since 1962. Brilliantly coloured waratah blooms can be seen for miles. No wonder the New South Wales waratah was given the Greek botanical name of telopos, meaning seen from afar

Bird Emblem: The Kookaburra (Dacelo gigas) is the bird emblem of NSW

Gemstone Emblem: Black Opal

Fish Emblem: Blue Grope

Fossil Emblem: Mandageria fairfaxil