Flags and Symbols

**Australia's flags** **The Australian National Flag** The Australian National Flag is **blue, white and red**. • The **Union Jack** (top left corner) — represents Australia's history of British settlement and the laws and institutions inherited from Britain • The **Commonwealth Star** (under the Union Jack) — has **seven points**: one for each of the six states and one for the territories • The **Southern Cross** (right side) — a group of stars visible in the southern sky **The Australian Aboriginal Flag** The Aboriginal Flag is **black, red and yellow**. • **Black** (top half) — represents the Aboriginal peoples of Australia • **Red** (bottom half) — represents the earth, which has ceremonial significance • **Yellow circle** — represents the sun **The Torres Strait Islander Flag** The Torres Strait Islander Flag is **green, blue, black and white**. • **Green stripes** — represent the land • **Blue panel** (centre) — represents the sea • **Black lines** — represent the Torres Strait Islander people • **White dancer's headdress** — a symbol for all Torres Strait Islanders • **White star's points** — represent the island groups in the Torres Strait; white symbolises peace **Australia's symbols** **Commonwealth Coat of Arms** • The official symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia • Represents national unity and identifies Commonwealth authority and property • The **shield** represents the six states and federation • A **kangaroo and emu** support the shield on each side — both native Australian animals • A **gold Commonwealth Star** sits above the shield • The background is the **golden wattle**, Australia's national flower **National symbols:** • **National flower** — golden wattle (bright green leaves and golden yellow flowers) • **National colours** — **green and gold** (the colours of the golden wattle; worn by national sports teams) • **National gemstone** — the **opal** (according to Aboriginal legend, a rainbow touched the earth and created its colours) • **National anthem** — **'Advance Australia Fair'** (sung at citizenship ceremonies and major sporting events)