The flag's symbolism and meaning
THE SOUTHERN CROSS . . . is shown rising. The use
of the
constellation ‘Crux Australis’ continues the
tradition of the
present flag and of our earliest
Australian flags.
THE GOLDEN SUN . . . is the warmth of our people and climate, life,
energy, optimism and growth. A sun
emblem is at the heart of the
Aboriginal flag and
has featured on the slouch hat of our soldiers
since 1902.
THE BLUE FIELD . . . (the background) represents the
free spirit of
our people, clear skies above and the
sea surrounding our country.
Composition. All elements are combined as one, but not bound,
inspiring unity
and order while reminding us of
our wide open spaces and freedom.
Colours. Warm and cool colours and a balanced composition
portray
strength, beauty, harmony and peace. Blue and gold are the heraldic
colours of Australia.
Flags and emblems
The flags which have influenced the design are shown below.
 Design progress 1995 - 1997
APRIL 1995 - First inspiration came from seeing John Vaughan’s
flag chart, which included the 1824 Australian Ensign and the 1854
Eureka Flag.
JULY 1995 - Experiments included designs with the golden sun of the
Aboriginal Flag. Fellow artist, Peter H. Marshall, suggested the
flag needed a warm colour, which reinforced that idea.
JANUARY 1996 - Announcement of ‘Ausflag’ competition prompted the
designer to apply himself to solving design problems and drawing up
the flag properly.
After speaking to an Aboriginal artist in The Rocks, James was
inspired to ‘float’ the symbols, instead of containing them within a
cross.
The design of the ‘Diggers’ hat badge and the mariner’s compass rose
inspired the idea of the ‘sun resplendent’.
FEBRUARY 1996 - The designer’s brother, Peter Parbery, suggested the
flag would be more dynamic if the Southern Cross was shown in its
natural form, as it is seen in the sky, and in the current flag.
James realised it would work with the constellation rising, but
initially decided to stay with the heraldic, symmetrical design.
APRIL 1996 - Symmetrical flag launched aboard Bounty at Sydney Cove.
JUNE 1996 - Captain David Miles suggested the sun’s rays would look
“more Australian” if they were rendered straight.
SEPTEMBER 1996 - Peter Parbery’s design idea was raised in Fitzroy,
Melbourne.
From 1997 - Further refinements were made.
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