Sutherland Shire flag and song
Sutherland Shire flag
Because Captain James Cook, famous explorer and circumnavigator, first set foot on the Australian continent at Kurnell, we lay claim to our Shire being 'the birthplace of modern Australia'.
The Captain Cook heritage is recognised in the Sutherland Shire flag.
In 1929, at the request of Sutherland Shire Council, Mr CR Wylie, designer of the Canberra coat of arms, was asked to design the Shire Flag. The council stipulated that it wanted the essential points of the arms of Captain Cook as the basis.
The flag is white, which because of Captain Cook's naval background, is charged with the red cross of St George to symbolise the naval ensign.
Upon the centre of the cross is a wreath of green laurel, surrounding the blue field (of the ocean), the globe of the world and two golden polar stars. The ocean, globe and stars were the arms of Captain Cook: 'in memory of his having explored and made discoveries in that Ocean [the Pacific], so very far beyond all former Navigators'. (part of the wording from the official blazon, or description, for the coat of arms).
Shire Song
As part of the celebrations for the Sutherland Shire's centenary in 2006, the Shire Song was commissioned.
The video clip below is the full version of the song which runs for 5 minutes and 5 seconds.
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