Torres Strait Islander flag
Learn more about the Torres Strait Islander Flag
Flag Overview
Uncover the history of the Torres Strait Islander Flag.
- The year the flag was adopted
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1992
- The 5 white five-pointed star symbolises peace, and the navigational importance of stars to the seafaring people of the Torres Strait.
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5
- The year the flag was proclaimed a “Flag of Australia” under section 5 of the Flags Act 1953
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1995
About the Flag
The Torres Strait Islander flag symbolises the unity and identity of all Torres Strait Islanders. The flag is attributed to the late Bernard Namok of Thursday Island. His flag 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.
Design and Meaning
The Dhari
The Dhari (traditional headdress) is a symbol of Torres Strait Islanders and is used in cultural ceremony and dance.
The Stars
The white five-pointed star symbolises peace, and the navigational importance of stars to the seafaring people of the Torres Strait. It also represents the five distinct language and cultural groups of the region.
The Dhari
The deep green stripe represents the land, the black stripe is for the people, and the blue is the colour of our seas.
Frequently Asked Questions
The flag was officially recognised and presented to the people of Torres Strait on 29 May 1992 at the sixth ‘Torres Strait Cultural Festival’. 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 (HYPERLINK). The flag was proclaimed by the Governor General of Australia, William Hayden, on 14 July 1995.
- where appropriate, recognition is given to the original designer, the late Mr Bernard Namok
- original PMS colours are used
- permission must be received in writing from us, prior to its use.
To request permission to reproduce the Torres Strait Islander Flag, contact us.
Allow 10 business days for your request to be processed.
You do not need permission to fly the Torres Strait Islander flag. But, if you have any questions about how and when to display the flag, contact the below.
Commonwealth Flag Officer
Awards and National Symbols
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
3-5 National Circuit
Barton ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6271 5629
Website: pmc.gov.au