Physical description

A silver-gilded mace in the shape of a lily head. The base has a silver fern and a silver gilt wattle, representing New Zealand and Australia respectively. The College shield on the stem is cast in relief with Argyle diamonds representing the Southern Cross. The charges in the four quadrants are proportionately larger representing the plants which anaesthetic drugs were traditionally derived from: opium poppy, curare vine, mandrake root, and cocaine plant. At the top of the mace is the "torch of life" with representations that link the College with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The affronté helmet with closed visor signifies the role of the anaesthetist always being ready for action, and the hand of the carer holds the ankh entwined with the snake of Asclepius.