The kangaroo first appeared as a symbol of Australia in 1773 with the publication of an account of Captain Cook’s first voyage to the Pacific. 

Emblematic of Australia’s ‘curious’ nature, the kangaroo soon appeared in exhibitions, collections, art and printed works across Europe. 

Hunted for meat and for sport, and used as a motif in the decorative arts, the kangaroo finally achieved official recognition with its inclusion on Australia’s coat of arms in 1908.

Since Federation in 1901, the kangaroo has appeared on currency and stamps, on Royal Australian Air Force planes, the Corp of Infantry hat badge and as a mascot at sporting events: Now, its on one of our patches.