Everything You Need to Know About Australia’s Flags

The flag of any country is the symbol of the nation’s culture, identity and history, and the Australian flag is no different. This flag should be treated with respect and dignity by all because it represents all Australian citizens regardless of their race, age, colour and religion. This country’s emblem is the perfect reminder of the country’s past and the contributions of today’s generations to the country that will be passed to future generations.

What Are the 3 Flags in Australia?

While there is one well-respected national flag of Australia that most people know and associate with the country, there’s also recognition  of other flags like the Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islander as the main three of the nation. There are several other ensigns used in defence and civilian organisations too.

The Australian National

The well-known national Australian flag has three elements on it on a rich blue background. The first element is the Union Jack which acknowledges the history of the British settlement and can be found in the upper left corner. The second element is the white Commonwealth or Federation star with its seven points that represent the unity of the six states and of course the territories of the Commonwealth Australia. It can be found right below the Union Jack. The third element is the Southern Cross – a constellation of five stars that can be seen only from the southern hemisphere. This cross is a reminder of Australian geography.

The Australian Aboriginal

This Australian emblem is divided in half where the top half is black and it symbolizes Aboriginal people and the second half is red which represents the earth. The circle in the middle represents the sun.

The Torres Strait Islander

This country’s emblem has green panels at the top and bottom which represent the land. The blue panel in the centre represents the sea and the black lines that divide the panels represent the Torres Strait Islander people. On the centre of the flag, there is a white dhari – a symbol for all Torres Strait Islander people.

As you may know by now, Australia also has some other ensigns that can be used in civilian and defence organisations. The main three Australian emblems can come in different sizes and purposes which allows individuals, corporate offices, and businesses to use them when needed. Usually, they can come in their actual size and smaller in the form of banners, desk flags, hand waving, etc.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Right One

Size

Well, the size of the flag of Australia you choose should mainly depend on your personal needs. If planning on displaying it outside your home or business building, then you should invest in a larger flag that will be visible from a far. In case you plan to display it indoors or on desks, a smaller one would be more appropriate.

Material

Whether you plan to fly it outdoors or display it indoors, the material of these national symbols should be durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear. Usually, they can be made from polyester, nylon and cotton but polyester seems to be the most durable option of them all.

Even if you invest in the most quality flag made with the best possible dyes, keep in mind that the colours of the ensign may fade because of sun exposure for an extended period of time. So, taking it off after a ceremony would be great in order to keep it in perfect condition and prolong its lifespan.

Brand

This may sound strange to some of you, but the truth is that there are a lot of sellers that offer something that doesn’t correspond to the quality written on the products’ description. In order to avoid scams like that, you should find a trusted and reliable brand that’ll provide you with a high-quality banner that’s durable and long-lasting.

In order to find a trusted brand, do online research and ask friends, family and acquaintances because that way you can be sure that you won’t get scammed. Depending on the seller, there are some companies that can even offer customised versions to meet different customers’ needs. Just remember that the customised versions will surely be pricier than the standard ones.

How to Care for It?

Given the fact that these country symbols are usually made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, they can be machine washed without a problem. All it takes is to set the washing machine on the gentle hand/wash cycle with warm water, add a mild liquid detergent and once washed, hang it to air dry. That’s it! Between washes, make sure the flag is always dry to prevent mould.

In those times when you want to display the flag, except for being able to display it horizontally or vertically against a surface, you should follow some other guidelines to ensure you meet the country’s protocols.