The Australian National Flag
The national flag is blue, white and red, and each part has a meaning:
- The Union Jack in the top left corner stands for Australia’s history of British settlement.
- The Commonwealth Star beneath it has seven points: one for each of the six states and one for the territories.
- The Southern Cross is a group of stars visible in the southern sky.
The Australian Aboriginal Flag
The Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag are both officially recognised flags of Australia. The Aboriginal Flag is black, red and yellow:
- The black top half represents the Aboriginal peoples of Australia.
- The red bottom half represents the earth and its ceremonial significance.
- The yellow circle represents the sun.
The Torres Strait Islander Flag
This flag is green, blue, black and white:
- The green stripes represent the land.
- The blue centre panel represents the sea.
- The black lines represent the Torres Strait Islander people.
- The white dancer’s headdress is a symbol for all Torres Strait Islanders.
- The points of the white star stand for the island groups in the Torres Strait, and the white itself symbolises peace.
The Commonwealth Coat of Arms
The Coat of Arms is the official symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia. It represents national unity and marks the authority and property of the Commonwealth.
- The shield in the centre represents the six states and federation.
- A kangaroo and an emu hold up the shield, one on each side.
- A gold Commonwealth Star sits above the shield.
- Golden wattle, the national flower, forms the background.
Wattle, green and gold, and the opal
Australia’s national flower is the golden wattle. It grows mostly in south-eastern Australia and has bright green leaves and golden yellow flowers in spring. Its colours are the national colours, green and gold, which is why national sports teams usually wear them.
The national gemstone is the opal. Each state and territory also has a floral emblem of its own, and a flag of its own.
The national anthem
The anthem is “Advance Australia Fair”. It is sung on occasions of national importance, including citizenship ceremonies and major sporting events.
Australia Day and Anzac Day
Australia Day is on 26 January. It marks the anniversary of the First Fleet arriving from Great Britain in 1788, is a public holiday in every state and territory, and is the biggest annual public holiday in the country. Many people become citizens that day at special ceremonies, and the Prime Minister announces the Australian of the Year Awards in Canberra.
Anzac Day is on 25 April. It is named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, who landed at Gallipoli in Türkiye on 25 April 1915 during World War I. It is a solemn day to remember all Australians who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.