Hume City councillors have voted to establish a committee to investigate the development of a civic emblem or ceremonial crest for the municipality, following strong community support for the idea.
The concept was first raised by Cllr Naim Kurt in October 2025. Council officers presented three options for consideration at the Tuesday June 9 council meeting, but councillors instead agreed to establish a subcommittee to further investigate the proposal and report back to council.
The committee will be chaired by Cllr Kurt and include Cllrs Jarrod Bell, Jim Overend, Daniel English, Steve Gagen and Sam Haddad. It will also seek representation from community stakeholders.
Several residents and community representatives used the public comment process to support the concept.
Elizabeth Balfour told council via a written submission that a heritage symbol would strengthen Hume’s sense of identity and connection to its history.
“I believe this sense of place and authenticity will be further strongly enhanced by a heritage symbol crest that reflects our unique past and historical community makeup,” she wrote.
Broadmeadows Historical Society president Mark Moore also supported further work on a civic identity project via a written submission to council, but cautioned that a formal ceremonial crest would require specialist historical, cultural and heraldic expertise.
Former defence employee and community member Kevin O’Callaghan spoke in favour of a formal crest, arguing it could tell Hume’s story for generations.
“The crest itself is something that when you looked at it, you could actually talk to a child at a school and explain the story behind it,” he said.
