The Aboriginal Flag
The Aboriginal Flag was designed by Harold Thomas, a Luritja man from Central Australia. It was created as a symbol of unity and national identity for Aboriginal people during the land rights movement of the early 1970s. The flag was chosen as the official flag for the Aboriginal Tent Embassy and was first flown there in 1972.
In 1995, the Australian Government proclaimed the flag as an official Flag of Australia under Section 5 of the Flags Act 1953.
Symbolic meaning
The symbolic meanings of the flag colours:
- Black represents the Aboriginal people of Australia
- Yellow represents the sun, the giver of life and protector
- Red represents the earth, the red ochre and the spiritual relation to the land
The Torres Strait Islander Flag
The Torres Strait Islander Flag was created as a symbol of unity and identity for Torres Strait Islander peoples, designed by the late Bernard Namok from Thursday Island. The flag was recognised by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission in June 1992 and given equal prominence with the Aboriginal flag.
In July 1995, it was recognised by the Australian Government as an official Flag of Australia under the Flags Act 1953.
Symbolic meaning
The symbolic meanings of the flag colours:
- Green represents the land
- Blue represents the sea
- The White dhari (dancer’s headdress) represents Torres Strait Islander culture. The white five-pointed star is an important symbol for navigating the sea. The points of the star represent the five island groups in the Torres Strait and the white symbolises peace.
- Black represents the people
