Discover The Torres Strait Islander Flag, One of Australia's Official Flags
Posted by Anna on 28th Feb 2023
The flag used to represent the Torres Strait Islander people is the Torres Strait Islander Flag, an official symbol of Australia. Bernard Namok created the object in 1992. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission recognized the flag in June 1992 after it took first place in a regional competition organized by the Islands Coordinating Council.
Torres Strait Islander Flag
White Dharis, a representation of the Torres Strait Islanders, is displayed on the flag. Below it, a white five-pointed star represents peace, the Torres Strait's five main island groups, and the value of stars for navigation among the region's nautical inhabitants.
Torres Strait Islander Flag
These are among the 5 island groups:
- Northern Division (Boigu, Dauan, Saibai)
- Eastern Islands (Erub, Mer, Ugar)
- Western Division (St. Pauls, Kubin, Badu, Mabuiag)
- Central Division (Masig, Poruma, Warraber, Iama)
- Southern Division (Thursday, Horn, Prince of Wales and Hammond Islands, NPA and Mainland Australia)
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The meaning of the Torres Strait Islander Flag
The flag's center panel, which is blue, symbolizes the waters of the Torres Strait, while the green panels at its top and bottom stand for the country's land. Between the green and blue panels are thin black stripes that represent the Torres Strait Islanders themselves.
Torres Strait Islander Flag
The Torres Strait Islands people are symbolized by the white dhari (also spelled dari), a ceremonial dancer's headdress. It is positioned around the white five-pointed star in the center of the flag, which represents the five main island groups. While the star is a navigational sign, white represents peace.
By proclamation on July 14, 1995, the Australian government gave it the title "Flag of Australia" under the Flags Act 1953 (Cth).
The flag has been recognized throughout the territory of Australia
The 1995 proclamation was not filed to remain in effect permanently due to an "administrative oversight"; therefore, it expired on January 1, 2008, by default. Thus, on January 25, 2008, with effect from January 1, it was changed in almost the exact same fashion.
Fly the flag
The flag was designated to be the Torres Strait Islander Flag and is acknowledged in the 2008 proclamation as the flag of the Torres Strait Islander people of Australia and a flag of significance to the Australian nation broadly.
Despite Namok's passing, the 1968 Copyright Act still applies to the Flag. The Torres Strait Island Regional Council, which allows exact copies that credit Namok as the creator, has taken over the copyright management duties from the Island Coordinating Council, which had handled them until 2008.
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The flag has appeared in many important Australian events
In Adelaide, South Australia, in front of Adelaide Town Hall, the Torres Strait Islander, and Aboriginal flags are flown continuously.
The flag has appeared in many important Australian events
Both flags were added to the national flag at ministerial press conferences after the Australian federal election of 2022 on May 21, 2022, under the leadership of Labor leader Anthony Albanese. Both flags started flying in the House of Representatives and Senate chambers after the new Parliament's inaugural session.
They also were flown on the front lawn of Government House in Adelaide beginning on May 27, 2022, to coincide with the beginning of National Reconciliation Week. They will be flown there permanently, along with the Australian flag and the flag of South Australia.
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