Sealing the Deal
Marking Narrabri's Evolution from Settlement to Shire
Weighing in at a hefty 15 kilograms, the seal of the Narrabri Shire Council is more than capable of impressing its mark on paper or wax. Seals have a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, serving as to authenticate legal documents, records, and personal letters. This seal bears engravings of a cow, sheep, wheat, and a tree, representing Narrabri’s agricultural origins and ongoing industry.
Legislation meticulously governs the use of such seals, dictating who must be present and the business for which they can be employed. This seal came into use post-1883, coinciding with Narrabri’s municipal declaration. Back then, many regional outposts sought municipal status, encouraged by the promises of economic development and infrastructure control, granting roughly 1,000 residents democratic autonomy through having their own elected representatives.
As an emblem of the Narrabri Shire Council’s authority and authenticity, this seal symbolises the area’s transformation from an outpost-settlement to a mature, recognised municipality entrusted with steering its own growth. Today, the council continues to play a pivotal role in the development and governance of the region, but with seals such as these replaced with less weighty and even digital versions.
