Historical information

From its beginnings in the late 1840's, Warrnambool progressed through the years from being a town and borough to finally being proclaimed a city in May 1918. The Governor of the day Mr Arthur Stanley officiated at the event on May 23rd, 1918. It was only the fourth such municipality to achieve this status at the time These medallions were a memento of this occasion.

Significance

These small medals are significant as they are linked to an important event in the growth of Warrnambool.

Physical description

Three similar medallions in the form of a brooch with clasp, all in gilt metal and enamel. Round medallions 25mm in circumference, with blue enamel circular rim of 4mm around most of the outside, except for white enamel decal of 10mm at bottom. Pin clasp on reverse of the medallions.
Two medallions donated from a separate source are identical with the others in markings; one with pin clip, one without pin clip.

Inscriptions & markings

All medals identical, though manufacturers imprint " Bridgland & King " only appears on reverse of two. "City of Warrnambool" appears in gold block letters around blue enamel circumference of medal, "1918" appears in gold lettering in white enamel decal at the bottom. Warrnambool city crest is pressed in gold relief in the centre of the medal, consisting of a ship at sea, a sheaf of wheat, these quartered below the Victorian Coat of Arms. Beneath the crest the words, "By These We Flourish" are inscribed.