From the Governor General, Sam Mostyn AC
I am proud to join Australians across the country to celebrate Australian National Flag Day.
The Australian National Flag is an enduring presence at the many events, ceremonies and engagements I attend on behalf of Australians. I am always proud and uplifted to see it unfurled in locations across the country and overseas. It is also always prominent at citizenship ceremonies across the country.
In May, I joined hundreds of distinguished guests at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne to mark the 125th anniversary of the opening of Australia’s Federal Parliament. In a building of such symbolic significance for Australia’s strong and vibrant democracy, and on a day of great importance for all Australians, it was the Australian National Flag which has represented our nation for 125 years.
And just a month ago I joined the Speaker of the House of Representatives at a local Canberra Primary School where, with the help of the students we unfurled the flag there.
It was once again uplifting to see our Australian flag proudly celebrated at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where Australian athletes competed on the world stage with such great success and pride. It was wonderful to see our national flag carried by Australian pole vaulter, Nina Kennedy at the Opening Ceremony, and cyclist, Georgia Baker at the Closing Ceremony, and proudly waving among the crowd during competition, and lifting our athletes during medal ceremonies.
Through the generations, at times of commemoration, celebration and recognition, the Australian National Flag has flown – giving shape to our national life, speaking to our democracy, and uniting us as a symbol of hope. Together with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, the Australian National Flag represents the success and optimism of modern Australia.
In 2026, I am delighted to celebrate the Australian National Flag as such a strong symbol of our national identity.
From the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese MP
For 125 years the Australian National Flag has proudly flown on flag poles across our nation and everywhere in the world our people are represented.
It has inspired and given courage to Australians at home and overseas, during times of war and peace. It has united us in celebration and despair, in mourning and respect.
Across generations, our flag has flown through political, economic and social change, and reflected our continuity and strength as a democratic nation.
The design that we all know today was born out of a competition 125 years ago, a contest that attracted nearly 33,000 entries – a feat made all the more remarkable by the fact that our population at the time was just 3.5 million.
The Australian Flag remains an emblem of unity, identity and pride. While it does not tell our continent’s story in all its extraordinary and ancient depth, it looms large in our history and symbolises the modern nation we have built together.
I wish everyone a happy National Flag Day.
From the Leader of the Opposition, Angus Taylor MP
As we mark the 125th anniversary of our national flag, Australian National Flag Day is a special opportunity to celebrate the pride we share in being Australian.
Our flag stands as a symbol of our history our values and the things that bring us together.
It reminds us of the love of country we share.
It is the flag under which Australian Defence Force personnel serve our country.
It is the flag new citizens choose to stand beneath as they make their commitment to Australia.
For many people who have come here seeking a better life, it is a symbol of optimism, opportunity, and hope.
I am happy and proud to stand in front of our flag.
It reminds us that, whatever our background, we stand together under one flag as Australians.
As we celebrate Australian National Flag Day we should take pride in what it represents, celebrate what unites us, and renew the love of country we share.
From former Prime Minister, John Howard OM AC
There is only one Australian Flag, and no government should unilaterally elevate others to an equal status, which the current government has done and wrongly in my opinion.
From the Chief of the Defence Force, Mark Hammond AO
This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Australian National Flag (ANF). As we commemorate ANF Day, we reflect on the history, significance and legacy of our chief national symbol.
Since it first flew from the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne on 3 September 1901, the ANF has united Australians in times of triumph and adversity.
The ANF holds special significance for the Defence community and the Australian Defence Force proudly displays it. It serves as a constant reminder of our duty to our nation and the people we defend, as well as of all who have served and sacrificed under it.
On 3 September, I encourage all Australians to reflect on what our flag represents and honour the sacrifices made under it to protect our Australian values and way of life.
From the Director of the Australian War Memorial, Matt Anderson PSM
In September 1901, Prime Minister Sir Edmund Barton raised the new Australian National Flag for the first time over the first Parliament House at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. On that day, Australian troops were fighting on battlefields far from home in South Africa. Since then, for 125 years, Australians have proudly served for Australia in war and on peacekeeping operations all around the world.
The flags under which Australians have fought have undergone slight alterations, but fundamentally remain the same. The Australian National Flag is a symbol of our great nation, of our proud history, and our exciting future.
This year, as we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Australian National Flag, it is an opportunity to reflect on the many hands that have contributed to making Australia the great place that it is. As Director of the Australian War Memorial, I particularly focus on our legacy of defence, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance.
Be they allies in need in times of war, people recovering from conflict, or civilians caught in natural disasters all around the world, when people in need see our Australian National Flag, they know they are in good hands.
Matt Anderson
Australian War Memorial Director/CEO
Patron of the Flag Day Australia Association
From Chairman of the Merchant Navy Memorial Fund, Sean Barrett
This year marks a significant milestone in Australia’s national heritage, marking the 125th Anniversary of both the Australian National Flag and the Australian Red Ensign, the official flag of the Australian Merchant Navy.
On 3 September 1901, the Australian National Flag was raised for the first time—an event that began a tradition now 125 years strong. Chosen through a public competition held shortly after Federation, the flag, together with the Australian Red Ensign, was formally recognised by King Edward VII in February 1903. From that point forward, Australia stood under symbols that reflected its identity, aspirations, and unity as a young nation.
Australia’s National Flag Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the values embodied in our national flag: commitment to service, resilience in adversity, and the shared purpose that binds Australians across generations. It is also the day on which we honour the Australian Merchant Navy, whose members served under the Red Ensign in both war and peace.
During the First and Second World Wars, Merchant Navy personnel undertook perilous voyages to deliver essential supplies, equipment, and troops. Their work was indispensable to Australia’s war effort, and many paid the ultimate price. Their courage and sacrifice earned the Merchant Navy its place alongside the Navy, Army, and Air Force as our nation’s “fourth service.”
As the Australian National Flag marks its 125th year, and the Red Ensign continues to be proudly flown at sea, we pause to acknowledge all who have served under these emblems. Their dedication has safeguarded the freedoms and security enjoyed by Australians today.
Lest we forget.
From the Governor of NSW, Margaret Beazley AC KC
It has been 125 years since the Australian flag was first flown from Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building, on 3 September 1901, just nine months after Australia came together as a Federation.
The flag’s design was a collective effort – the result of a public competition that attracted almost 33,000 entries. The judges settled on five designs that were almost identical, however the winners themselves came from strikingly different walks of life: a schoolboy, an architect, a teenage apprentice optician, an artist, and a ship’s officer.
The story of our flag’s creation is part of the story of Australia – where opportunity abounds for all to share as our nation flourishes under our beloved Southern Cross.
Today, our flag is a familiar and welcoming sight in the smallest of rural towns and our biggest cities. It stands tall in school playgrounds and at community celebrations. It is raised solemnly at dawn services and commemorative ceremonies.
This year, our national flag was carried by Australian athletes at the Commonwealth Games and the Winter Olympics. It will also have pride of place at the Special Olympics Australia National Games this October.
At Government House, we are proud to fly the Australian flag at the entrance to the House, alongside the New South Wales State Flag. The official Australian Aboriginal Flag, and Torres Strait Islander Flag are also flown honouring First Nations Australians’ unique, continuous history extending back 65,000 years.
Happy Australian National Flag Day, and best wishes to all Australians as we celebrate this special anniversary.
From the NSW Leader of the Opposition, Kellie Sloane MP
As the NSW Opposition Leader and Liberal Leader, I am proud to join Australians as we celebrate National Flag Day.
Our flag is an enduring and unifying symbol of our nation’s hopes and dreams.
For 125 years, it has been part of our national story.
In times of war, hardship and triumph, our Australian flag has united us and flown as a testament to our values of fairness, freedom and equality of opportunity.
To see it proudly fly around our country reminds us all just how lucky we are to call Australia home.
May it continue to always fly proudly in schools, front yards, buildings and landmarks.
Happy Australian National Flag Day.
From Greg Warren MP, NSW Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier and for Education & Early Learning
This Australian National Flag Day marks 125 years since our national flag was first flown.
Today, it represents more than 27 million Australians and the many stories that shape who we are.
Those stories reach back more than 65,000 years through the culture and connection to Country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. They also include generations of migrants who have chosen Australia as the place to build their lives and raise their families.
That diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and nowhere is it more evident than in our public schools. They inspire excellence in young people from all backgrounds, giving them the same chance for a quality education and the opportunity to pursue their ambitions.
On Australian National Flag Day, we reflect on what our flag represents and the country we continue to build together – one where everyone has the chance to contribute, thrive and build a rewarding life.
From the Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli MP
This Australian National Flag Day, we are proudly marking the 125th anniversary of our national flag.
Today is an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on the shared values of freedom, respect and inclusion represented by our flag.
Australia is a nation of opportunity, where dreams can become reality. It is a diverse country, proudly home to the world’s oldest continuous living culture, where people from all walks of life can succeed.
The flag was designed democratically, by and for the Australian people, using a public competition which attracted thousands of entries, resulting in five winners with similar designs.
Despite changes in almost every aspect of Australian life over the past 125 years, the flag remains a powerful symbol of the strength that comes with unity and ensuring that all voices contribute to our shared future.
Here in Queensland, it flies proudly alongside the Queensland flag as we celebrate everything that makes our State great—from our pristine beaches to our local legends.
I wish all Queenslanders a happy Australian National Flag Day.
SIGNED VERSION OF DOC26138304 – Message for Australian National Flag Association Queensland
From the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO
On 3 September 2026, it will be the 125th anniversary of the Australian National Flag.
On this special anniversary, we reflect on the many people, histories and values that help define us. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whose continuous connection to Country, culture and community for 65,000 years is central to shaping Australia’s story. We also reflect on the diversity, resilience and optimism of the Australian community.
The City of Sydney proudly flies the Australian Flag from all our buildings, and we display it at citizenship ceremonies and other official events.
I commend Flag Day Australia for its commitment to promoting understanding of the history and significance of our National Flag, and extend my best wishes to all Australians commemorating this milestone anniversary.