This Friday 3 September, 2021 marks 120 years since the Australian National Flag was first officially flown at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne – the site of Australia’s first Parliament.
This year also marks 25 years of celebrating Australian National Flag Day.
Australia’s National Flag was chosen from the nearly 33,000 designs submitted as part of an international competition. On 3 September 1901, Australia’s Prime Minister, Sir Edmund Barton, announced the five winning entrants – all of whom submitted virtually the same design.
The key elements of their designs were used to develop the Australian Flag we know and respect today.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the 120th anniversary of Australia’s National Flag is a poignant reminder of our nation’s strength as we face one of our most challenging periods.
“Our national flag is a symbol of great importance and under it we come together in strength and unity as Australians. It is fitting we use this historic day to acknowledge our rich national history and look with optimism to the future,” Senator Henderson said.
“On National Flag Day, I encourage everyone to pause and reflect on our flag — the nation it represents, and the people it unites.
“In what has been the most unprecedented of times, today is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate our rich, national history and take a moment to reflect upon what our iconic flag represents,” Senator Henderson said.
To learn more about the Australian National Flag visit www.pmc.gov.au/flag.
2 September 2021