The Australian National Flag

When Australia became a nation in 1901, a flag was needed to

Days and weeks celebrated or commemorated in Australia (including Australia Day, ANZAC Day, Harmony Week, National Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week and

represent the new nation. Read about what each of the parts mean
and colour it.

Key The Union Jack

reminds us of our
b – blue r
history with the r

r – red United Kingdom. r

The Federation Star has seven r

points: six to represent the states

and one for the two territories. b

The Southern Cross can only

be seen in the Southern
Hemisphere. It reminds us of our
location.

Each of the dates below matches a piece of information about the

history of the Australian National Flag. Cut out the boxes. Use the internet

CELEBRATE AUSTRALIA
and other sources to create a time line on a separate sheet of paper.
National sorry Day) and the importance of symbols and emblems (ACHHK063)

early 1901 1901: 3 September 1903 1908

1953 1998: March 1998: 3 September
A seventh Prime Minister
King Edward officially
point is Barton
The first approves two versions
added to the announces
Australian of the flag of Australia—
Federation an
National the Commonwealth
Star to international
Flag Day is Blue Ensign—and the
represent the competition
observed. merchant navy flag—the
six states and to design a
Commonwealth Red Ensign.
two territories. flag.
An Australian
The Flags Act is passed
National The Flags Act is amended
to state that the
Flag is flown to state that the Australian
Commonwealth Blue Ensign
for the first National Flag can only
is the National Australian
time from the be changed with the
Flag and the Australian
Exhibition agreement of the Australian
Red Ensign is to be used for
Building in people.
Australian merchant ships.
Melbourne.

www.ricpublications.com.au R.I.C. Publications® Australian Curriculum History: Community and remembrance

ISBN 978-1-925812-38-1 51