MAITLAND
Origin/meaning :
The arms were granted on December 20, 1962.
The wavy fess with the hunter's Bow represents the Hunter River, which bisects the city. The shield rests on a compartment of the brown alluvial soil surrounding the city, with the Sheaves indicating agriculture, the Bee, industry, and the open Books, the schools and colleges in the city. The golden borders to the books suggest wealth. The Cedar Tree on the green mount recalls the area before European settlement, with the Mitre representing the Catholic Diocese of Maitland and the Mural Crown signifying the dignity of the city. The Egrets represent the birds of the low-lying wetlands surrounding the city, while the Shuttles stand for the city's main industry, textiles. The Motto symbolizes the spirit of the community in rising above adversities, such as floods, and fostering of progress.
Literature : Information provided by Denis Towner (dtowner@midcoast.com.au)
coats of arms on-line ! 
