Page not found
Sorry, we can’t find that page. It may have been moved or removed.
For your convenience, we have performed a search for you.
If you can't find what you are looking for, you can:
- navigate our list of programs and initiatives
- contact us for more information.
Search results
Listen to more recordingsNew lyrics for verse oneFrom 1 January 2021, the second line of the Australian National Anthem was changed from ‘For we are young and free’ to ‘For we are one and free’.…
Advance Australia Fair
Peter McCormick, the composer of Advance Australia Fair, was a patriotic young man who was determined that Australia should have its own national anthem. Inspired, he produced the words and…
The Australian National Anthem identifies Australia at home and overseas and is used at official and public ceremonies and sporting and community events. From 1 January 2021, the second line of the…
Australian National Anthem protocolsThe Australian National Anthem is an important national symbol of Australia and should be…
Our symbols represent what is unique about the nation and reflect different aspects of our cultural life and history. The story of Australia's symbols is rich and colourful and fosters unity within Australian society.Australia's…
On 1 July 2024, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, was officially sworn in as the 28th Governor-General of Australia at a Parliament House ceremony.With a long career in law and business, Ms Mostyn is the second female in …
On 1 January 2021, the words of the Australian National Anthem were changed on from ‘For we are young and free’ to ‘For we are one and free’ by proclamation of Governor General His…
The Australian National Anthem was amended on 1 January 2021 by proclamation of the Governor-General His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC…
Commercial use
The Australian National Flag can be used for commercial purposes, including advertising, without formal permission, except when importing products, applying for trademarks and registering designs…
A world of symbols
Australia’s national symbols provides a shorthand way of representing Australia to the world. Our symbols represent what is unique about the nation, and reflect different aspects of our cultural life and…
Search Australian honoursTo find out more information about recipients of Australian honours, search the Australian honours database. There are options to perform a simple search based on name,…
More information on flag protocols is available in the Australian flags booklet, which is also available from your Federal Member of Parliament or Senator.When setting up flags for a conference or bilateral meeting please refer…
Long associated with Australian sporting achievements, the national colours have strong environmental connections. Gold conjures images of Australia’s beaches, mineral wealth, grain harvests and the fleece of…
The Australian National Flag is paraded by our defence forces and displayed around the country at sporting events and by service organisations, schools, community groups and private citizens. History of the…
When in flower, the golden wattle displays the national colours, green and gold.The golden wattle is an evergreen, tall shrub or small tree. It can grow to 8 metres tall and lives up to 12-15 years. It grows in South Australia…
Arranged by Christopher Gordon and commissioned by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Proclamation of King Charles the ThirdOn 9 September 2022 (GMT +01:00) the Accession Council convened at St. James’s Palace, and gave orders proclaiming the new Sovereign of the United Kingdom. The instrument proclaims Prince…
Opal, also known to Indigenous people as the fire of the desert, is a powerful symbol of Australia's arid interior.
Australia is home to the world's highest quality, precious opal. The most famous is black opal from Lightning Ridge in…
On the first day of September each year, Australians wear sprays of wattle to celebrate National Wattle Day. National Wattle Day was officially proclaimed on 23 June 1992 by the then Governor-General of…
Australia’s national symbols posters are a series of educational posters that include information about all six of Australia’s national symbols, including the Australian National…
1770
The Union Jack was first raised in Australia on 29 April 1770 by Captain Cook at Stingray Harbour (later renamed Botany Bay).
1788
Governor Phillip hoisted this flag again on 26 January 1788 at Sydney Cove, marking the first European…
A flag competition
In 1900, with federation looming, the search for a national flag began. A Melbourne journal, the Review of Reviews for Australasia, launched a competition in November 1900, offering a first prize of £50.…
The Australian Government has released new and updated educational resources to strengthen knowledge of Australia’s national symbols.
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, the Hon Patrick Gorman MP, launched…
Our Protocol and International Visits Branch provides high-level support for the Prime Minister’s overseas visits and Guest of Government visits to Australia, as well as virtual meetings and summits with Heads of State and Heads of Government.
We…
The elements of the Australian National Flag
The Australian National Flag consists of three elements:
the Union Jack
the Commonwealth Star
the…