Official Recognition of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags

14 July

14 July marks the anniversary of the official recognition of the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag as Flags of Australia. Both flags were proclaimed under the Flags Act 1953 on 14 July 1995.

This anniversary recognises two distinct flags and the peoples they represent. Under Australian flag protocol, the Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag are equal. They may be flown together or separately and should always be treated with respect and dignity.

The Aboriginal Flag

Designed by Harold Thomas and first raised in 1971, the Aboriginal Flag uses black to represent Aboriginal peoples, red to represent the earth and spiritual connection to the land, and yellow to represent the sun.

The Torres Strait Islander Flag

The Torres Strait Islander Flag was designed by the late Bernard Namok and adopted in 1992. Green represents the land, blue represents the sea and black represents Torres Strait Islander peoples. The white dhari represents Torres Strait Islander culture, while the five-pointed star represents the five island groups and the importance of navigation. White represents peace.

Ways to mark the date

  • Learn about the histories, designers and meanings of both flags from authoritative Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sources.
  • Review your school or workplace flag display and make sure current protocols are followed.
  • Use the anniversary to discuss why national symbols matter and how recognition, identity and self-determination are connected.
  • Include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in planning, with appropriate permissions, local guidance and paid involvement.

Related flag products

Shop Aboriginal Flag products Shop Torres Strait Islander Flag products

Sources and further reading

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