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.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

The Honourable Tom (Thomas) Ian Pauling AO KC (1946 - 2023)

The Norther Territory Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet advises that a State Memorial Service for the Honourable Tom Pauling AO KC, will take place at 4:21pm on Wednesday, 13 December 2023, at Christ Church Anglican Cathedral in Darwin, Northern Territory.

Arriving in the Northern Territory in 1970, Mr Pauling worked as barrister, where in 1988 he was named Solicitor-General of the Northern Territory serving until 2007. In September 2007, Mr Pauling was appointed as the 19th Administrator of the Northern Territory. 

Mr Pauling was appointed an…

Police Funeral – Brevet Sergeant Jason Christopher Doig

The South Australian Department of the Premier and Cabinet advises that a Police Funeral for Brevet Sergeant Jason Christopher Doig will take place at 11.00am on Monday, 4 December 2023 at the Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide, South Australia.

The funeral will commemorate Brevet Sergeant Doig’s life and his 34 years of dedication to the South Australia Police and more than a decade of service to Limestone Coast community. 

On 17 November 2023, Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig, aged 53 years, was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call at a property in Senior,…

The Honourable Gerard (Gerry) Leslie Hand (1942 – 2023)

A State Funeral for the Honourable Gerard (Gerry) Leslie Hand will take place at 1.00 pm on Wednesday, 29 November 2023 at St Ignatius’ Church, 326 Church Street, Richmond, Victoria.

In 1983, Mr Hand was elected to the House of Representatives as the Federal Member for Melbourne, Victoria. In the Hawke and Keating Governments he was appointed as Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in 1987 and in 1990 Mr Hand was appointed as Minister for Immigration, Local Government and Ethnic Affairs, and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Multicultural Affairs. He concluded his…

South Australian Police Officer Tragedy

The South Australian Department of the Premier and Cabinet has issued a request for flags to be flown at half-mast with immediate effect on Friday, 17 November 2023. This is a mark of mourning for a South Australian Police officer who lost their life yesterday evening in the line of duty. Another officer was also wounded during the incident.

As a mark of mourning and respect, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast all day on Friday, 17 November 2023 in South Australia only from all buildings and establishments occupied by Australian…