Symbols used by Council

Coat of arms

Brisbane's coat of arms features two gryphons supporting the city shield. Gryphons are mythological creatures, chosen to represent the city because of their spirited nature.

The shield's design is a tribute to Sir Thomas Brisbane, a prominent astronomer. The shield's symbols represent commercial activity and peace, while the motto Meliora Sequimur means 'We aim for the best'.

The city's colours, blue and gold, are reflected in the wreath at the top.

Brisbane's Coat of Arms may only be used with permission of Council. Email to submit a request.

Corporate logo

Council's corporate logo features the historic Brisbane City Hall.

For many Brisbane people, City Hall is our city's community and cultural centre.

It is also a place of stability, which has weathered the years of development around it.

Brisbane City Council's corporate logo may only be used with permission of Brisbane City Council. To request use of the logo, submit an online request.

Faunal emblems

In 2019, the iconic koala joined the graceful tree frog as the city’s faunal emblem, with both animals representing Brisbane’s local environment and wildlife.

Koalas live in open forest and woodland communities throughout Brisbane, frequenting areas with fertile soils and waterways. They can even be spotted in local parks and urban areas such as backyards in areas around the city.

The tree frog is noted throughout the region for its beautiful colours and distinctive ‘rain song’, which can be heard from thick vegetation, billabongs, creeks, wetlands, or Brisbane backyards, especially during the spring and summer rains.

Flag

Brisbane's flag is based on the coat of arms and is flown daily in King George Square outside City Hall.

The flag features gold caducei (winged staffs entwined and serpents), gold gryphons, gold Stafford knots, white stars and white wavy lines on a blue background.

A high-resolution image of Council's flag is also available.

Floral emblems

In 1930, not long after greater Brisbane became an entity on 1 October 1925, the Red Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherimma) was selected as the floral emblem for the city, by the people of Brisbane. Although indigenous to Mexico and Central America, the Red Poinsettia grows well in Brisbane. 

Following community consultation in 2023, the native Brisbane Wattle (Acacia fimbriata) was selected as an additional floral emblem.

The Brisbane Wattle is a native species which flowers from mid-winter to early spring, with masses of yellow, perfumed, fluffy ball-shaped flowers that attract birds, butterflies and bees.