Townsville’s place in Australian flag history celebrated

The 125^th anniversary of one of the nation’s most prevailing symbols has been celebrated with a special event on Flinders Street today.

The Australian flag’s 125^th birthday was marked this morning with a ceremony and the raising of the flag in front of The Speckled Hen, the same location it was first hoisted in Queensland by the state’s first Governor-General, Lord Hopetoun, on this day in 1901.

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said the flag meant something a little different to everyone.

“Our flag was created at a time when six separate colonies came together as a single nation,” Cr Dametto said.

“At its heart, the flag was designed to represent unity, and 125 years later that purpose still rings true.

“Here in Townsville, a proud garrison city, it carries special significance, representing the courage and sacrifice of the generations of Defence personnel who have served under it.

“For me, the Australian flag holds personal significance. My grandparents immigrated from Italy looking for a new life and found it right here in North Queensland. Every time I see this flag raised, I feel gratitude for the opportunities this country has given our family and so many others.”

Councillor Andrew Robinson said it was important to remember this significant part of Queensland and Australian history.

“We’re all familiar with the Australian flag, but what many people don’t know is that Townsville was the second place for the Australian National Flag to be flown officially – the first was flown at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, however it was the first time that the flag was flown by the head of state,” Cr Robinson said.

“The flag that was flown back in 1901 was made locally by a sailmaker called William McKenzie, who gifted the flag to Council and asked for it to be raised in a ceremony to celebrate the then Governor-General Lord Hopetoun’s visit to our city.

“It’s very special that we’re able to come together in the same spot 125 years later and pay tribute to the original flag that brings more than a century of history and representation for our country.”

The history of the Australian National Flag has been studied for decades by NSW-based vexillographer John Vaughan, an expert on our nation’s uniting symbol.

Mr Vaughan said understanding the history of the flag was important for all Australians.

“The essence of the flag teaches us about the foundation of our democracy and reminds us of the days of the Magna Carta,” he said.

“The Southern Cross not only reflects our place in the southern hemisphere but also shows us the Indigenous legend of Mirrabooka. The stars were also an important guide for sailors from the Torres Strait Islands. The Commonwealth Star originally had six points to reflect the six crown colonies, but a seventh star was added in 1908 to cover our territories.

“Back in 1901 your mayor and aldermen made sure the flag would be available for a very special visit from Lord Hopetoun. It was a combination of coincidence, good luck, good planning and patriotism that brought it to fruition.”

The small ceremony included a speech by Mayor Nick Dametto, Cr Robinson and the Commander 3rd Brigade, Brigadier Ben McLennan.