History of Australian National Flag Day
Australian National Flag Day is celebrated each year on 3 September to commemorate the anniversary of the first time Australia’s flag was flown in 1901. It is a day for Australians to honour their national flag, reflect on its history, and proudly display it. The evolution of National Flag Day, and ANFA Victoria’s contributions to it, is a story that spans decades:
3 September 1901 – The Flag’s First Flight: On this date, the Australian National Flag (then called the “Commonwealth Blue Ensign”) was officially flown for the first time. The occasion was a public ceremony at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, where the results of a nationwide flag design competition were announced by the Prime Minister, Sir Edmund Barton.
A huge flag, measuring 5.5 by 11 meters, was unfurled above the Exhibition Building’s dome for the crowd to see. This event took place just months after Federation; the new flag was a powerful symbol of Australia’s nationhood, combining the Union Jack, the six-pointed Federation Star (Commonwealth Star), and the Southern Cross. At that time, 3 September 1901 was not yet known as “Flag Day” – it was simply the flag’s birthday.
In the ensuing years and decades, however, that date faded from popular memory. While Australians certainly used and revered their flag (for example, troops fought under it in WWI and WWII, and it flew on public buildings on special occasions), there was no annual tradition of celebrating the flag’s first raising. Instead, other observances like Empire Day (later Commonwealth Day) and ANZAC Day carried the patriotic spotlight. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the idea of dedicating 3 September to the flag was rekindled.
1984 – The Idea of a Flag Day is Revived: The concept of Australian National Flag Day as a yearly celebration “dates from 1984.” In Sydney, passionate flag observers arranged for a public ceremony on 3 September 1984 in Hyde Park, Sydney, effectively Australia’s first modern Flag Day commemoration.
At this event, veterans and citizens gathered as the Australian flag was raised and tributes were made to its history (reportedly, a message from the Governor or a dignitary was read). This pioneering celebration did not yet have government recognition, but it set a precedent.
Late 1980s – Growing Observance: Following the example set in 1984, ANFA branches in other states – including ANFA Victoria – began to mark 3 September with their own flag events.
The Australian National Flag Association at the national level actively encouraged this, circulating the suggestion that all state divisions organise Flag Day ceremonies for members and the public. During the latter half of the 1980s, these observances remained relatively small-scale but steadily grew in profile.
For instance, in Melbourne, ANFA Victoria members held gatherings on 3 September where they might hoist the flag at a park or a historical site and speak about the flag’s origins. Each year a few more people would attend as word spread. Meanwhile, public figures began lending support. A milestone was in 1989, when the Governor of New South Wales, Sir David Martin, delivered an address at Sydney’s Flag Day ceremony. In his speech, Sir David captured the significance of the day: “I come here out of respect for a flag which is proudly Australian.”
His participation as a vice-regal representative gave Flag Day a new level of credibility. Media coverage increased; newspapers would note that 3 September is the anniversary of the flag and mention ceremonies taking place in capital cities. By the early 1990s, the push to formally recognise Australian National Flag Day had considerable momentum – thanks largely to ANFA’s persistent lobbying and the public’s growing awareness.
1996 – Official Proclamation: The year 1996 marked a turning point. On 28 August 1996, the Governor-General of Australia, Sir William Deane, acting on the advice of the Federal Government, issued an official Proclamation declaring that “3 September in each year shall be observed as ‘Australian National Flag Day’ throughout Australia and the external Territories of Australia.” This Proclamation – published in the Commonwealth Gazette – gave National Flag Day formal status for the first time.
A message from then Prime Minister, John Howard welcomed the proclamation of Flag Day and encouraged all Australians to join in celebration of our foremost national symbol. Then Minister for Administrative Services, Mr. Jull presented the Australian National Flag Association with a signed copy of the Governor-General’s proclamation as a token of this historic achievement.
Since 1996 – Annual Celebrations: Every year since 1996, 3 September has been celebrated as Australian National Flag Day, though the scale and nature of observances can vary. It is not a public holiday (businesses and schools remain open), but it is a nationally recognised day of commemoration.
Typically, the Australian flag is officially raised at ceremonies in capital cities and many towns. Federal, state, and local government institutions often participate by holding small flag ceremonies or simply by flying the flag on their buildings (many councils issue reminders to residents to fly their private flags on this day).
In summary, Australian National Flag Day on 3 September has developed from a passionate idea into an established national observance over the past few decades. It commemorates that historic day in 1901 when the Commonwealth Blue Ensign was first unfurled in Melbourne, and it celebrates the flag’s role in our national story.
Through ceremonies and educational efforts, Flag Day reinforces the message that the Australian National Flag is a cherished symbol of our unity, democracy, and heritage. ANFA Victoria is proud to have played a major part in both creating and promoting National Flag Day, ensuring that each year Australians have an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate their flag.
