Australian National Flag
National Flag Day
History of National Flag Day
The idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Australian National Flag dates from 1984. In that year John Christian Vaughan, a noted vexillographer and historian, arranged for the NSW branch of the Australian National Flag Association (ANFA) to observe 3 September as “National Flag Day” at a public ceremony held in Hyde Park, Sydney. In several newspaper articles, radio and television appearances over the following years, Vaughan continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of 3 September as Australia’s “National Flag Day”.
In the Queensland ANFA newsletter of December 1987, our founding President Dr Rupert Goodman wrote: “A suggestion, certainly most interesting and novel, has been made that, whilst our flag should be flown every day of the year, one special day should be set aside annually as a national ‘Flag Day’ … Several dates for such an annual national observance have been suggested so far (including) …Jan 1, Jan 26, Feb 14 (date Royal Assent given to Flags Act 1953), April 25, May 9 (date of first opening of Commonwealth Parliament), and September 3..”.
The following year, during the Bicentennial of 1988, a Brisbane ceremony was held in the forecourt of the City Plaza, Adelaide Street to celebrate our flag’s “birthday” on 3 September. In 1991 the event was held for the first time in King George Square, and since then “Flag Day” has been celebrated throughout Queensland by this Association every year.
Inspired by a decade of state and local celebrations, “Australian National Flag Day” – the birthday of the Australian National Flag – was officially established by the Proclamation of the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Sir William Deane, on 28 August 1996.
Flag Day 1996 was the 95th anniversary of our national flag and an official ceremony took place in the Martin Place Amphitheatre in the centre of Sydney. On that occasion Dr Brendan Nelson, MP, Federal member of Parliament introduced the Hon. David Jull, MP, Minister for Administrative Services, who read a message from the Prime Minister, the Hon. John Howard, MP. He then presented the ANFA with a copy of the proclamation by Sir William Deane.
Mr John Vaughan is pictured delivering an address to mark this historic occasion
The announcement that the Governor General had officially proclaimed 3 September as Australian National Flag Day was made at a special ceremony held at Martin Place, Sydney.
National Flag Day – 3 September 2024
Message from the Governor General, Sam Mostyn AC
On Australian National Flag Day, I am proud to celebrate the beauty and importance of our national flag.
As it flew over the Exhibition Building in 1901, the people of Melbourne delighted in the colours and symbolism of our first flag. Brilliant against the sky, it reflected our place in the world, our unity and our optimism.
In 2024, flying alongside the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, the Australian National Flag is a meaningful symbol of our nation. On the bright days and in the dark nights, our national flag is a source of comfort and pride.
This year we have seen our Olympians and Paralympians proudly drape themselves in our flag in Paris as they have competed. Shared with the many Australians in the stands and watching at home, these have been moments of national joy and celebration.
A source of joy in our times of triumph, and comfort on days of mourning, our national flag is a part of who we are as a nation. Today, I encourage all Australians to look up and celebrate our flag.