Aboriginal flag

An important symbol for Aboriginal people in Australia is the Aboriginal flag.

For Aboriginal people the flag represents cultural resilience, affirmation and identity.

The Aboriginal Flag is divided horizontally into equal halves of black (top) and red (bottom) with a yellow circle in the centre.

The Black symbolises Aboriginal people and the yellow represents the sun, the constant giver of life. Red depicts the earth and also represents ochre, which is used by Aboriginal people in ceremonies.

The flag was designed by Harold Thomas and was first flown at Victoria Square in Adelaide on National Aboriginal Day on 12 July 1971. It was used later at the Tent Embassy in Canberra in 1972. For more information about the Tent Embassy, see the Koori History website.

Merri-bek City Council flies the Aboriginal flag and the Australian flag at Council buildings.