Why does Australia have two flags?
However, people were confused about the use of two Australian flags. The blue ensign was meant to be for official and naval purposes and the red ensign was meant to be used by the merchant fleet, but the general public began using the red ensign on land.
What do the 5 stars represent on the Australian flag?
the Southern Cross
The five white stars of the fly of the flag represent the Southern Cross. The Southern Cross (or Crux) is the brightest constellation visible in the Southern Hemisphere and has been used to represent Australia and New Zealand since the early days of British settlement.
Does New Zealand and Australia have the same flag?
The flag is (somewhat) different BUT the Australian flag has two extra stars – a small one near the cross and a big one under the Union Jack. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s flag has just four stars but they are red with a white outline. Yes, the difference between the Aussie and NZ flag are small, but they are important.
Why is the Australian Colours green and gold?
Gold conjures images of Australia’s beaches, mineral wealth, grain harvests and the fleece of Australian wool. Green evokes the forests, eucalyptus trees and pastures of the Australian landscape. Green and gold are also the colours of Australia’s national floral emblem – the golden wattle.
Can the Australian flag touch the ground?
The Australian National Flag should fly on the left of a person facing the flags, when it is flown with one other national flag; Do not fly two flags from the same flagpole; Do not allow the flag to fall or lie on the ground or be used as a cover, although it can be used to cover a coffin at a funeral.
What do the 6 stars mean on the Australian flag?
Commonwealth Star
The Stars. The Commonwealth Star is the emblem of Australian Federation. Six points represent the states and the seventh all the federal territories which together constitute the nation, the Commonwealth of Australia. The constellation of the Southern Cross indicates our geographical location in the southern hemisphere …
What flag did the Anzacs fight under?
Most Australians fought under either the Australian Red Ensign or the Union Jack in World War II. All Australian Naval personnel fought under the British Naval Ensign in both world wars.
Why are Australian flags red on boats?
It is the Australian Red Ensign, commemorating Merchant Navy Day, an opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of thousands of merchant mariners during wartime. Merchant ships, which included hospital ships, were attacked not only in distant waters but also within sight of the Australian coastline.
When was the Commonwealth Star added to the Australian flag?
The seven-pointed commonwealth star version was introduced by a proclamation dated 8 December 1908. The dimensions were formally gazetted in 1934, and in 1954 the flag became recognised by, and legally defined in, the Flags Act 1953, as the “Australian National Flag”.
When was the Australian flag changed to the Torres Strait Islander flag?
An amendment to the Flags Act 1953 was passed in 1998 to ensure that the Australian National Flag can be changed only with the agreement of the Australian people. Other official Australian flags include the Australian Aboriginal Flag, the Torres Strait Islander Flag and the ensigns of the Australian Defence Force.
What was the original design of the Australian flag?
In this original design, the stars of the Southern Cross had different numbers of points to signify their brightness. In 1903, King Edward VII approved two designs for the flag of Australia: the Commonwealth blue ensign, and the Commonwealth red ensign, for the merchant Navy.
Can a British flag be flown on an Australian ship?
The British Blue Ensign can be flown on an Australian owned ship instead of the Australian Flag if the owner has a warrant valid under British law. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet also advises that the flag should only be flown during daylight hours, unless it is illuminated. Two flags should not be flown from the same flagpole.