Premier urges everyone to acknowledge National Flag Day

30/8/00

Premier Richard Court today urged all Western Australians to support Australian National Flag Day this Sunday.
The event celebrates the first official flying of the Australian flag on September 3, 1901.
On that day 99 years ago, the flag was raised over Melbourne's Exhibition Buildings - the home of the first Federal Parliament - in the presence of Australia's first Prime Minister, Edmund Barton.
Painter Annie Dorrington, who lived and died in WA, was the first-named of five equal prize winners in the original flag design competition and the Australian flag was based on this work.
Mr Court said the Australian flag had become a much loved and well respected symbol of Australia.
"Our flag has a way of uniting us all and is a great source of pride for many Australians," he said.
"In the next few weeks, as the world's sporting spotlight shines on us for the Sydney Olympics, the Australian flag will stand as a symbol of our great country which has so much to offer.
"We all hope that our flag will be raised proudly, and often, at the Olympics to acknowledge our sporting achievements."
Mr Court encouraged all Western Australians to acknowledge National Flag Day and to fly the flag with pride on Sunday.
The Australian National Flag Association in WA will fly 43 large Australian flags at locations approaching the city, including Kings Park and the Causeway.
Media contact: Justine Whittome - 9222 9475