Torres Strait Islander Flag

History

The Torres Strait Islander flag was designed by the late Bernard Namok as a symbol of unity and identity for Torres Strait Islanders. Adopted in 1992, it was the winning entry in a design competition run by the Island Coordinating Council, a Queensland statutory body representing the community councils in the Torres Strait.

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.

In July 1995 the Australian Government recognised it, with the Australian Aboriginal Flag, as an official 'Flag of Australia' under the Flags Act 1953.

Form and symbolism

The Torres Strait Islander flag has three horizontal panels, with green at the top and bottom and blue in between. These panels are divided by thin black lines. A white dhari (traditional headdress) sits in the centre, with a five-pointed white star beneath it.

The meanings of the colours in the flag are:

  • Green - represents the land
  • Black - represents the Indigenous peoples
  • Blue - represents the sea
  • White - represents peace
Torres Strait Islander Flag

The dhari represents Torres Strait Islander people and the five-pointed star represents the five island groups within the Torres Strait. The star is also a symbol for seafaring people as it is used in navigation.

Display

Any questions on how and when to display the Torres Strait Islander flag should be directed to the Commonwealth Flag Officer in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Further information on flags is available on the
'It's an honour' website.

Copyright

TThe Torres Strait Islander flag is protected under copyright and may be reproduced only in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968 or with the permission of the Island Coordinating Council. Contact details are:

Island Coordinating Council
PO Box 501
Thursday Island QLD 4875
Telephone 07 4069 1446
Fax 07 4069 1868

The Island Coordinating Council gives permission for requests to reproduce the Torres Strait Flag subject only to the following conditions:

  • that, where appropriate, recognition is given to the original designer, the late Mr Bernard Namok, and
  • that the original PMS colours (see above) are used.

Permission is not required to fly the Torres Strait Islander Flag.

Purchase of flags

The Island Coordinating Council has no licensing agreement with a flag manufacturer.