Commonwealth Flag Network

A State Funeral for the Honourable William (Bill) George Hayden AC will take place at 11.00 am (QLD time) on Friday, 3 November 2023 at St Mary’s Church, Elizabeth Street, Ipswich, Queensland. 

Mr Hayden served as Australia’s 21st Governor-General from 1989 to 1996. In 1989, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia.

In 1961, Mr Hayden was elected to the House of Representatives as the Federal Member for Oxley, Queensland. He was appointed a Cabinet Minister in the Whitlam Government in 1972 as Minister for Social Security and then Treasurer in 1975. Mr Hayden…

United Nations Day is observed in Australia on 24 October each year to commemorate the entry into force of the United Nations Charter in 1945. Through the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, the United Nations officially came into being. 

Where there are two or more flagpoles of equal height available, the United Nations Flag should be flown alongside the Australian National Flag all day on Tuesday 24 October 2023, from all buildings and establishments occupied by Australian Government departments and affiliated agencies.…

Australia mourns the passing of the Honourable William (Bill) George Hayden AC, 21st Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia (1989-1996). He provided a lifetime of service to Australia as a Parliamentarian and as Governor-General. The Prime Minister has issued a media statement on his website. 

As a mark of mourning and respect, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast all day on Sunday 22 October 2023 from all buildings and establishments occupied by the…

This year marks the 22nd anniversary of Australian Citizenship Day. It is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate Australian citizenship. Further information is available on the Department of Home Affairs’ citizenship website at Celebrating citizenship.

In accordance with flag protocol, Australian Government departments and associated portfolio agencies are requested to fly or display the Australian National Flag all day on Sunday 17 September 2023 to…

Australian National Flag Day on 3 September 2023, marks 122 years since the Australian National Flag was first officially flown in 1901 at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne – the site of Australia's first Parliament.

Australian National Flag Day is an opportunity for all Australians to observe this anniversary by flying or displaying the flag.

In accordance with flag protocol, Australian Government departments and portfolio agencies are requested to fly or display the Australian National Flag on Sunday 3 September 2023. If facilities permit, multiple…

The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet advises a State Funeral for the Hon Michael John Ahern AO, will be held at 11am on Friday 25 August 2023 in Caloundra, Queensland.

Mr Ahern was elected to the seat of Landsborough from 1968, until his retirement from Parliament in 1990. He was the Premier of Queensland between December 1987 and September 1989. During his 22 years of service, Mr Ahern also held the position of Government Whip and Treasurer, and held a number of ministerial portfolios which included Primary Industries; Industry, Small Business and Technology; and…

The Northern Territory Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet advises a State Funeral for Dr Margaret Kemarre (MK) Turner OAM, will be held at 10am on Thursday 17 August 2023 at Atherreyurre (Telegraph Station) in Alice Springs, Northern Territory.

Dr Turner was a prominent Aboriginal Elder known for her remarkable contributions to Aboriginal education, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. In recognition of her tireless efforts, Dr Turner was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1997 for service to the Aboriginal community of Central…

A State Funeral for the Honourable Simon Crean will be held at 11.00 am on Thursday 20 July 2023 at St Paul’s Cathedral, Flinders Street, Melbourne, Victoria.

In 1990, Mr Crean was elected the Member for Hotham in Victoria. He was later appointed Cabinet Minister in the Hawke, Keating, Rudd and Gillard governments. Mr Crean was appointed Minister for various portfolios including Science and Technology; Primary Industries and Energy; Employment, Education and Training; Trade; Social Inclusion; Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government; the Arts; and…

NAIDOC Week is held every year in early July. It is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements, and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions that First Nations Australians make to our country and to our society. This year, the theme for NAIDOC Week, which will be celebrated from 2 to 9 July 2023 inclusive, is ‘For Our Elders’. Further information is available on the NAIDOC website.

Flying the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag throughout NAIDOC…

The Victorian Department of the Premier and Cabinet advises a State Funeral Service for the Hon Thomas (Tom) William Roper will be held at 2pm on Wednesday 5 July 2023, at the Immigration Museum, Melbourne, Victoria.

Mr Roper was elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly in 1973 as the Member for Brunswick West, moving to Brunswick in 1976. 

During his 10 years as a senior Government Minister his portfolios included Treasury, Planning and Environment, Health, Transport, Aboriginal Affairs, and Employment and Higher Education. He was also the Leader of…