The Australian flag will celebrate its 110th birthday on Saturday, September 3, Australian National Flag Day. The birth of the Australian flag is a unique and inspiring story. However, few know the story behind the Australian flag. Not only is it the only national flag to fly over an entire continent, but it was the first to be chosen in an open public competition.
Following federation in 1901, a nation chose its flag by inviting everyone to “have a go” in a design competition. Australians certainly responded to the call with entries received from nearly 1% of the population at that time. Five people were declared joint winners, and their design was unveiled in Melbourne on September 3, 1901.
All Australians are encouraged to make a special effort to fly or display the flag to celebrate its 110th birthday. Many cities and towns around Australia hold a special flag raising ceremonies to mark the occasion.
A wealth of information about National Flag Day, and the unique story of the Australian flag can be found at www.australianflag.org.au