Commonwealth Flag Network

You can register for the Commonwealth Flag Network for up-to-date advice on how to fly the flag on special occasions. Previous flag announcements are available on this page after they are sent.

Mr Harold Mitchell AC (1942 - 2024)

The Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet advises that a State Memorial Service for Mr Harold Mitchell AC will be held at 10.30 am on Monday, 13 May 2024 at Hamer Hall, Melbourne, Victoria.

Mr Mitchell had significant influence in shaping Australia's modern media and advertising industry. His service to the community and generosity was driven by a desire to give to others. 

In 2010, Mr Mitchell was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to the community through leadership and philanthropic endeavours in the fields of art, health and education…

Anzac Day

Anzac Day is a day of special significance to Australians, particularly for our serving military personnel and returned veterans. 

In accordance with Australian flag protocol, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast on Thursday, 25 April 2024 from dawn until noon in your locality, at which time the flag should be raised to the peak of the flag mast for the remainder of the day. This advice applies to buildings and establishments occupied by Australian Government departments and affiliated agencies. Other organisations are welcome to participate. …

Mr Leslie (Les) Jack Twentyman OAM (1948 - 2024)

The Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet advises that a State Funeral for Mr Leslie (Les) Jack Twentyman OAM will be held at 10.30am on Tuesday, 16 April 2024 at St Patrick’s Cathedral, East Melbourne, Victoria.

Les dedicated a lifetime of service, generosity and kindness to some of Victoria's most vulnerable people, and uplifted disadvantaged communities. 

Through the Les Twentyman Foundation, Les advocated for people who were often forgotten and made a lasting impact on community issues, including youth homelessness, drug abuse, prison reform and social welfare. He was…

Bondi Junction Incident, 13 April 2024

At the request of the Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, flags across Australia are to be flown at half-mast to honour the victims of the tragic events at Bondi Junction, Sydney, on 13 April 2024. 

As a mark of mourning and respect and in accordance with protocol, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast on Monday, 15 April 2024 from all buildings and establishments occupied by Australian Government departments and affiliated agencies. Other organisations are welcome to participate.

  • When flying the Australian National Flag with…

His Excellency Dr Hage Geingob

His Excellency Dr Hage Geingob, President of Namibia, died on 4 February 2024.

As a mark of mourning and respect, and in accordance with protocol, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast all day on Sunday 25 February 2024 Australia wide from all buildings and establishments occupied by Australian Government departments and affiliated agencies. Other organisations are welcome to participate.

  • When flying the Australian National Flag with other flags, all flags in the set should be flown at half-mast.
  • If a set of flags includes the…

82nd Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin

The Northern Territory Government has requested half-masting of flags to mark the 82nd Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin on Monday, 19 February 2024. 

On 19 February 1942, mainland Australia came under attack for the first time. Japanese forces mounted two air raids on Darwin, which involved land based bombers and approximately 188 attack aircraft that were launched from four Japanese aircraft carriers in the Timor Sea. Killing more than 230 Allied service personnel and civilians, the attacks devastated the city. Military aircraft were lost, eight ships at anchor in the harbour…

Anniversary of the Apology to Members of the Stolen Generations

On 13 February 2008 the Australian Parliament made a formal apology to members of the Stolen Generations. To recognise the anniversary of the occasion and in national recognition of First Nations Australians, the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag should be flown on additional flagpoles, where available, next to or near the Australian National Flag on Australian Government buildings and establishments all day on Tuesday, 13 February 2024.

If there is only one flagpole available at a flag station the Australian Aboriginal Flag or the Torres…

Australia Day 2024

On Australia Day we celebrate all the things we love about Australia: land, sense of fair go, lifestyle, democracy, the freedoms we enjoy but particularly our people.

Australia Day is about acknowledging the contribution every Australian makes to our contemporary and dynamic nation. From our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have been here for more than 65,000 years, to those who have lived here for generations, to those who have come from all corners of the globe to call our country home.

Further information is available on the…

Mr Barry Humphries AC CBE (1934 – 2023)

A State Memorial for Mr Barry Humphries AC CBE will take place at 11.00 am on Friday, 15 December 2023 at the Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Sydney, New South Wales.

The Memorial will provide an opportunity to celebrate the seven-decade global career of Mr Humphries, who was a renowned actor, poet, musician and artist. 

In 2023, Mr Humphries was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his eminent service to the arts as a comedian, actor, author, satirist and entertainer, to the promotion of Australian culture, and as a patron of organisations.

Details…

Dr Samuel Bush-Blanasi (1961 - 2023)

The Northern Territory Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet advises that a State Funeral for Dr Samuel Bush-Blanasi, will take place at 10:30am on Friday, 15 December 2023, at Territory Netball Stadium in Darwin, Northern Territory.

A proud Yolngu and Mayili man, Dr Bush-Blanasi was a strong advocate, and an inspirational leader for Aboriginal people across the Northern Territory and Australia.

Dr Bush-Blanasi was the NT Australian of the Year 2023, who will be remembered for his strong support of Native Title claims, including the handback of remaining ancestral lands…