The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags are powerful symbols of unity and strength for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags is one of the most widespread and fundamental ways councils can recognise and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
It is an important symbol welcoming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to local government and the council area.
Frankston City Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, City of Greater Dandenong, and Shire of Yarra Ranges lower the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags to half-mast on the passing of Elders from their community, and City of Whittlesea lowers all Flags to half-mast on Sorry Day. Some Councils hold a special flag-raising ceremony on Sorry Day, lowering the Flags to half-mast for a minute’s silence, then raising to full-mast for the duration of Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week. Many councils also fly the Flags during NAIDOC Week, holding a flag-raising ceremony to mark the beginning of NAIDOC Week in their communities.
Glen Eira City Council won a HART Award in 2021 for their culturally safe 26 January event which included lowering the Flags to half-mast.
The 2012 Victorian Local Government Aboriginal Engagement and Reconciliation Survey found that 47/79 councils permanently fly the Aboriginal Flag.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria, and recognise First Peoples continuing connection to lands, waters and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present who carry the memories, traditions, cultures and aspirations of First Peoples, and who forge the path ahead for emerging leaders.
We dedicate ourselves to working respectfully with and guided by First Peoples, and to listen and amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in all areas of work
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Reconciliation Victoria acknowledges the valuable support we receive from our funding partners.
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