Australian National Flag
Meaning & Symbolism
The People's Choice – Our National Flag of “Stars and Crosses”
The Australian National Flag was chosen by the Australian people in the year of federation (1901) from 32,823 entries received in a public design competition. The new Prime Minister, Edmund Barton was the master of ceremonies for the first raising of the large, blue national flag, measuring 11 x 5.5 metres. The event was held on 3 September 1901 when the flag was hoisted above the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne. Later, 3 September was officially proclaimed as Australian National Flag Day to commemorate the day in 1901 on which the Australian flag was first flown .
Australian National Flag – The Symbolism
The Australian National Flag is a design of striking stars and crosses. This unique combination of devices has created an attractive and meaningful flag which by law, custom and tradition is Australia’s chief national symbol. Our flag should be treated with dignity and respect as it represents all Australian citizens equally, whatever their background, race, colour, religion or age. Our flag is a reminder of the contributions of past and current generations to the nation and of the inheritance that will be passed to future generations.
The Crosses – The Saints
The three crosses, St George, St Andrew and St Patrick acknowledge the principles and ideals flowing from the British heritage of European settlers; including parliamentary democracy, the rule of law, freedom of speech and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
The Stars – The Southern Cross
The constellation of the Southern Cross indicates our geographical location in the southern hemisphere. This constellation of stars relates to the various indigenous legends and reminds us of our rich and precious Aboriginal and Torres Strait heritage.
The Commonwealth Star – National Federation
The large seven pointed star is the emblem of Australian Federation. Six points represent the states and the seventh all the federal territories which together constitute the nation, the Commonwealth of Australia.
ANFA
Australian National Flag Rights and Significance
Every Australian Citizen has the right and privilege of flying or displaying the Australian National Flag, our flag of “STARS AND CROSSES”, with dignity and respect in accord with the rules of flag etiquette and protocol.
The Australian National Flag is Australia’s chief national symbol by law, custom and tradition, belonging equally to all Australian citizens. Usage of our flag is shared with Government though, unlike the National Coat of Arms, the Australian National Flag is owned by the people exclusively, under law, through the Commonwealth Flags Act.
The Australian National Flag should be treated with dignity and respect at all times as it identifies and represents our people and the Commonwealth of Australia both at home and overseas.
The Flag was chosen from 32,823 entries in a unique public competition in the Federation year, 1901 when it was first flown on 3 September over the Commonwealth Parliament, Melbourne. Australian National Flag Day is officially recognised by Proclamation of the Governor-General and is celebrated annually on 3 September.
All Australians have the right to full and accurate knowledge of the history, heritage and significance of Australia’s national flag of “Stars and Crosses”, representing the principles and ideals on which our country was founded and the inheritance of future generations.
ANFA
Flag Specifications
Below is a detailed drawing of the Australian National Flag
Below is a detailed drawing of the parts of a Flag
