Why was the Torres Strait Islander flag made?

The flag was created as a symbol of unity and identity for Torres Strait Islander peoples. The cultures and traditions of Torres Strait Islanders are strongly connected to the land, sea and sky — elements which are represented in the flag.

What is on Torres Strait Islander flag?

The flag features a white Dhari (traditional headdress), with a five-pointed white star beneath it. The Dhari is a symbol of Torres Strait Islanders and is used in cultural ceremony and dance.

What does the black mean on the Torres Strait Islander flag?

Symbolic meaning The green panels at the top and the bottom of the flag symbolise the land, while the blue panel in the centre represents the waters of the Torres Strait. The thin black stripes between the green and blue panels signify the Torres Strait Islanders themselves.

What is the story behind the Aboriginal flag?

The Aboriginal flag was designed and created by artist Harold Thomas, a Luritja man from central Australia and a member of the Stolen Generations. The top half of the flag is black to symbolise Aboriginal people. The red in the lower half stands for the earth and the colour of ochre, which has ceremonial significance.

What is the Aboriginal flag called?

Australian Aboriginal Flag

Can you fly the Aboriginal flag?

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are equal in status and can be flown on either side of the national flag. There is no rule stating that the Aboriginal flag must be to the right of the Australian National Flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag on the left of the Australian National Flag or vice versa.

Who was the designer of the Torres Strait Islander flag?

The flag was the winning entry in a design competition in 1992. In 1995, the Torres Strait Islander flag was recognised by the Australian Government as an official ‘Flag of Australia’ under the Flags Act 1953. The Torres Strait Islander flag was designed by the late Bernard Namok from Thursday Island.

When did the Torres Strait Islanders become part of Australia?

On 14 July 1995, the Governor General of Australia William Hayden proclaimed both the Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag to be ‘Flags of Australia’ under the Flags Act 1953.

What does the white star on the Torres Strait flag mean?

The white five-pointed star at the centre of the flag represents the five major island groups, and the white dhari (dancer’s headdress) around it also symbolises the Torres Strait Islands people. White symbolises peace, while the star is a symbol for navigation.

Who is the Prime Minister of Torres Strait Islands?

One Torres Strait Islander who felt that connection was a man named Eddie Koiki Mabo, a very famous campaigner for Indigenous land rights. When the Prime Minister visited the Torres Strait islands last week he visited Mabo’s gravesite on the island of Mer and paid his respects.