The Torres Strait Islander flag was created as a symbol of unity and identity for Torres Strait Islander peoples. Torres Strait Islanders’ culture and traditions are strongly connected to the land, sea and sky - elements which are represented in the flag.
The Torres Strait Islander 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.
The flag was adopted at its Council meeting on 24 March 1992 and officially recognised and presented to the people of Torres Strait on 29 May 1992.
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.
A rich and powerful story of a man whose design created meaning for a people once invisible to mainland Australia, the people of the Torres Strait.
The Elements
The flag features a white Dhari (traditional headdress), with a five-pointed white star beneath it.
The Dhari is a symbol of Torres Strait Islanders and is used in cultural ceremony and dance.
The white five-pointed star symbolises peace, and the navigational importance of stars to the seafaring people of the Torres Strait.
The five-pointed star also represents the five distinct language and cultural groups of the region.
The Dhari is a symbol of Torres Strait Islanders and is used in cultural ceremony and dance.
The white five-pointed star symbolises peace, and the navigational importance of stars to the seafaring people of the Torres Strait.
The five-pointed star also represents the five distinct language and cultural groups of the region.
The deep green stripe represents the land, the black stripe is for the people, and the blue is the colour of our seas.
The Celebration of 25 years of recognition in 2018.
Credit: Tamarind Tree Pictures
Credit: Tamarind Tree Pictures
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 proclaimed by the Governor General of Australia, William Hayden, on 14 July 1995.
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