Torres Strait Flag

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History

The Torres Strait Islander flag was designed by the late Bernard Namok of Thursday Island. The flag symbolises the unity and identity of all Torres Strait Islanders.

The flag is emblazoned with a white Dhari (headdress) which is aflag symbol of Torres Strait Islanders. The white five pointed star beneath it symbolises peace, the five major island groups and the navigational importance of stars to the seafaring people of the Torres Strait. The 5 island groups include:

  • Northern Division (Boigu, Dauan, Saibai)
  • Eastern Islands (Darnley, Murray, Stephen)
  • Western Division (St. Pauls, Kubin, Badu, Mabuiag)
  • Central Division (Yorke, Coconut, Warraber, Yam)
  • Southern Division (TI and Inner Islands, NPA and Mainland Australia)

The green stripes represent the land, the black stripes represent the people, and the blue the sea.
Adopted in 1992, it was the winning entry in a design competition run by the Island Coordinating Council (ICC), a Queensland statutory body representing the community councils in the Torres Strait.

In the same year it was recognised by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) and given equal prominence with the Australian Aboriginal Flag.

The Federal Government initiated steps in 1994 to give the flag legal recognition. After a period of public consultation, the Government decided in July 1995 that the flag should be proclaimed a "Flag of Australia" under section 5 of the Flags Act 1953. The flag was so proclaimed by the Governor General of Australia, William Hayden, on 14 July 1995.

Copyright
The copyright of the Torres Strait Island flag is owned by the Island Coordinating Council (ICC). Their contact details are:

  • Island Coordinating Council
    PO Box 501
    Thursday Island QLD 4875
    Telephone: 07 4069 1446
    Fax: 07 4069 1868

The ICC gives permission for requests to reproduce the Torres Strait Flag subject only under the following conditions:

  • that, where appropriate, recognition is given to the original designer, the late Mr Bernard Namok;
  • the original PMS colours are used; and
  • that permission must be received in writing from the ICC, prior to its use.

Permission is not required to fly the Torres Strait Islander Flag, however, any questions on how and when to display the Torres Strait Islander Flag should be directed to:

  • Commonwealth Flag Officer
    Awards and National Symbols
    Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
    3-5 National Circuit
    Barton ACT 2600
    Telephone: 02 6271 5629

 

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