Media Release: Australian National Flag Day

THE HON ANDREW HASTIE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CANNING

MEDIA RELEASE

30 August 2022

2022 AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL FLAG DAY

This Saturday, 3 September 2022, marks Australian National Flag Day – 121 years since the Australian National Flag was first officially flown at the site of Australia’s first Parliament.

On September 3 1901, Prime Minister Edmund Barton announced the winners of a competition to design a flag for Australia, and – on that day – what is now known as the Australian National Flag was first flown atop the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne.

Nearly 33,000 designs were submitted as part of the international competition, however, there were only five winners – all of whom submitted virtually the same design. The key elements of their designs were used to develop the Australian Flag we know and respect today.

Federal Member for Canning, the Hon Andrew Hastie MP, said National Flag Day is a reminder of our values, our heritage and our shared geography.

“I’m proud of the Australian flag and what it represents – it’s the only flag that I wore on my left shoulder in the Australian Defence Force, and it’s the only flag that I serve under as a Commonwealth Parliamentarian,” he said.

“Many have fled war torn, impoverished countries to seek a better life here in Australia. Our flag binds them to the rest of us and is a symbol of aspiration and unity that has flown now for more than a century.

“I hope the flag makes Australians feel a sense of gratitude for our country, and a sense of responsibility to preserve it.”

To celebrate National Flag Day and support our flag, Mr Hastie has prepared ‘Together Under One Flag’ bumper stickers, which are available free to all Canning residents.

To get yours, simply get in touch with Mr Hastie’s office at [email protected] or on 08 9534 8044. Alternatively, please feel free to pick one up from the office at 2/61 Sutton St, Mandurah.

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