Mayor Teresa Harding has joined the Governor-General, Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition in highlighting the Union Jack and seven stars as a symbol of unity and community connection on Australian National Flag Day.
On 3 September every year, the Australian National Flag Association encourages the community to raise the flag and reflect on what it means to them.
Mayor Teresa Harding said the flag speaks to what Australians can accomplish when we work together.
“When I see the Australian National Flag fly, it calls to mind the history and achievements of this proud nation,” Mayor Harding said.
“Our hard-working men and women at home have been defended with valour by our service-people abroad, all to achieve the prosperity and democratic society we enjoy today.
“The National Flag captures that spirit. In 1901 Australia’s first Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Sir Edmund Barton, announced that its design would be open to the people.
“Almost 33,000 people took the opportunity to contribute, and five Australians made the winning design in parallel. In true egalitarian spirit, they shared the £200 prize.
“Today, the National Flag stands alongside the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags as a symbol of unity and community connection.”
To see the 2021 messages from notable Australians regarding the flag, click here.
To read about the history of the Australian National Flag and the protocols for flying the flag click here.
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