The most prominent flag to be flown during ceremonies is the Australian National Flag. The Australian National Flag can be flown alongside other flags on
In accordance with Australian flag protocol, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast on Tuesday 25 April 2023 from dawn until noon in your locality, at which time the flag should be raised to the peak of the flag mast for the remainder of the day.
The Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag may be flown at any time. The Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag may be flown together or either flag may be flown individually, depending on the preference of the organisation.
Why is flying the flags important? Flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags demonstrates Australia's recognition of First Nation peoples, promoting a sense of community partnership and a commitment toward reconciliation.
The Australian Aboriginal Flag was first raised on 9 July 1971, National Aborigines' Day, at Victoria Square in Adelaide. It was also used at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra in 1972. The flag was designed by Mr Harold Thomas, an Aboriginal artist from the Northern Territory.
the Australian National Flag should be raised first and lowered last. the flag should be raised to the top of the flagpole briefly, and then lowered slowly and ceremoniously. flags flown at half-mast should be positioned a third of the distance down the flagpole.
There is nothing wrong with non-Indigenous people wearing or embracing Indigenous material culture, provided that culture was made locally, and was made for sale. Wear Aboriginal iconography and jewellery, but do it with integrity.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are a significant means of demonstrating our recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and encouraging access to health services. Flags can be used to promote a sense of community partnership and demonstrate commitment towards closing the gap.
Indigenous artist Harold Thomas created the flag in 1971 as a protest image but it is now the dominant Aboriginal emblem and an official national flag. Despite this, many Aboriginal people say the flag has been "held hostage" by copyright deals that limit its display.
The Australian Government's policy in relation to the flying of other nations' flags is to fly only the official flags of nations recognised by Australia.
This is a commemorative symbol that means we are remembering someone who has died. On Anzac Day, the Australian flag is lowered for a period of time and raised again during the ceremony as a sign of remembrance.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are equal in status and can be flown on either side of the national flag. There is no rule stating that the Aboriginal flag must be to the right of the Australian National Flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag on the left of the Australian National Flag or vice versa.
ANZAC Day flags are available for purchase from our online store in a range of sizes and styles, including knitted polyester, banner flags and more.
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The Australian National Flag takes precedence in Australia over all other flags when it is flown in company with other flags. Accordingly, when the Australian Aboriginal Flag is to be flown along with the Australian National Flag, the Australian National Flag should be flown in the position of honour.
The current design for the flag serves as a reminder for Aboriginal Australians regarding a period in Australian history where "the rights of Indigenous people were overlooked", and as such "symbolises dispossession and oppression" and "doesn't reflect the reality of Australian life."
There is no national independent Indigenous legal entity [that is not partially funded by government] that could own it at the moment,” she explained. “We are now in a place where people don't have to get permission from Harold [Thomas] or the licensee to use the design, other people can reproduce it.
The Australian Red Ensign became the official flag to be flown at sea by Australian registered merchant ships. September 3 each year, as well as being Australia National Flag Day, is also Merchant Navy Day. Organisations and individuals commemorating Merchant Navy Day can choose to fly the Australian Red Ensign.
Dominic Perrottet says $25 million cost to fly Aboriginal flag on Sydney Harbour Bridge a 'small price to pay' for unity. Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume.
The Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag were designed to represent these groups of Indigenous Australians. The Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag were designed in the 1970s and 1990s respectively and are proudly displayed around Australia today.
Example 1: Copying Aboriginal symbols
Because these symbols (concentric circles made with dotting, U shapes, etc) have many meanings, are sometimes sacred and are specific to Western Desert cultures, it is considered cultural sacrilege and theft to use them.
Has it been 'freed' or colonised? In the words of the Prime Minister, the Aboriginal flag is now free to be used by all Australians. More than 50 years after the flag was designed, the federal government has acquired the copyright in a $20 million deal with Luritja artist Harold Thomas.
Indigenous stories are passed down through generations via artwork and so when symbols and art are used without meaning or context by non-Indigenous people, they devalue and disrespect the proper cultural meanings.
A flag should not be flown at half-mast at night, whether or not the flag is illuminated, unless direction to half-mast the flag for an extended period of time has been issued.
In the case of the Australian National Flag, the Union Jack should be seen in the top left quarter of the flag. Even when the flag is displayed vertically, this rule must be followed, although to the casual observer the flag appears to be back to front.