Coat of Arms

The green field or background of the shield refers to the rural aspect of th early district and the silver chevron (gable shaped heraldic charge) signifies Ryde's residential area. Upon the chevron is a pair of dividers denoting "planning in general" and alluding to the Council's unique Housing Scheme. 

The apex of the chevron is adorned with a cross patee representing Christianity. Two golden apples above the chevron are symbols of Ryde's orchards and the wealth derived from them, as well as being a direct reference to the famed Granny Smith apple. The rising sun below the chevron recalls the district's original name - Eastern Farms. 

In the upper portion of the shield the vital and important waterways of Ryde are heraldically represented by blue and white wavy bars on which is a golden cornucopia or Horn of Plenty, symbolising the district's produce and its shipment of water. 

The seahorse depicted on the crest is taken from the crest of Ryde, Isle of Wight; the seahorse's shoulder is charged with the Southern Cross which gives an antipodean bearing to the Isle of Wight, as well as suggesting early Australian exploration. The slip of waratah, the State flower of New South Wales, also appears in Ryde's mayoral chain. The golden cogwheel between the seahorse's legs denotes industry and its resultant wealth. 

The dexter supporter is a private of marines and his counterpart on the sinister side of the Arms is an early colonist, both dressed in the garb of the times. Marines were among the first land grantees in the Municipality and were responsible for the name Field of Mars. The heraldic juxtaposition of the marine and the colonist is meant to represent the pioneers at the Field of Mars on the west and at Eastern Farms, or Kissing Point, on the east. 

The whole achievement rests upon a grassy mound on which is set a scroll bearing the motto - Progress Through Endeavour.