Australia .au

Meaning of the Flag

The national flag of Australia is based on the British Blue Ensign—a blue field with the Union Jack in the upper hoist quarter—featuring a large white seven-pointed star (the Commonwealth Star) and a representation of the Southern Cross constellation, made up of five white stars (one small five-pointed star and four larger seven-pointed stars). Australia also has a number of other official flags representing its states and territories, indigenous peoples and government bodies. It is one of the most distinctive constellations visible in the Southern Hemisphere, and has been used to represent Australia since the early days of British settlement. The flag was last altered in 1908 to its current form when a seventh point was added to the Commonwealth Star; this seventh point has come to represent all territories and any future states of Australia.

Meaning of Flag Colors

Blue, White

Flag History

1. 1770
   The Union Jack, as the flag of the British Empire, was first hoisted on Australian soil when Lieutenant James Cook landed at Botany Bay, on 29 April 1770.
2. 1801
   

   It was incorporated after the Acts of Union 1801 between Great Britain and Ireland, hence featuring on the Australian flag.
3. 1903–1908
   

   As Federation approached, thoughts turned to an official federal flag.
4. 1954–present
   

   Current national flag, in use since 1954.

During the 19th century, Australia was under the rule of the British, and the Union Flag was used beginning in 1770. It was also during the 19th century when flag movements were created and unofficial flags went into use. The most common of these flags was the Federation Flag used in 1831, which was designed by Captain John Nicholson.

It was in during the 20th century when the seriousness of having a national flag set in. In 1900, a content was held to find a new design for the national flag. The requirements of the contest were that the Union Flag and the Southern Cross had to be used in the design. Another contest was held and over 32,000 entries were received. The two contests were merged and the designs were judged based on seven criteria, including loyalty, history and cost to manufacture. Five entries that were almost identical in design were chosen, and the winners split the prize money, which today would amount to about $25,000. The national flag flew for the first time in 1901. The flag was later revised in 1908 to change the Commonwealth Star from six points to seven. Since 1908, the flag has remained unchanged.

Fun Facts

The Flags Act outlines the exact specifications for the design of the Australian flag. The Flags Act also features guidelines for flying the flag.

It is recommended to fly the flag only during daylight hours. If the flag is flown at night, it must be illuminated. It is also recommended to not fly two flags on the same flag pole.

Australia has an email service that provides citizens with information on when to fly the flag.

September 3 has been designated as Australia’s Flag Day.

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