It is with some trepidation that I raise this subject in the wake of Australia Day* but I believe that Australians really do need to update their image. And I am not alone...
The Australian Flag as it stands doesn't really represent Australia with all of its diversity in inhabitants or its rich Aboriginal history. It hearkens to a time when the first colonial 'government' of Federation was attempting to pay homage to the then Queen Victoria.
The Australian flag does not reflect the landscape, the people, nor the Australian ethos... sorry but who cares about whats left of the British Empire... It is simply the monarchy of that country and while Prince William seems to be a very nice and gracious young man and indeed dropped into see the folks at Redfern Community Centre when he came to Australia to visit... I am sure he wouldn't mind if Australia actually got its own true identity.
The Star Spangled Banner, The Union Jack, The Tricolour... Instantly recognisable phrases to describe the American, British and French flags but what do we have in Australia? Some sort of mis-mash of one quarter Union Jack and then a few stars apparently borrowed from the Americans...
So what flag should we have? I for one believe the Aboriginal flag reflects the Australian landscape at sunset and while it actually refers to the black of the skin, the red of the blood and the sun thats shines over all of us I believe that it is a cogent symbol of the country. Ok perhaps a slight modification would make us white fellas feel a bit happier... maybe the milky way on the black portion would do the trick...
To me that would be an inclusive and iconic symbol of this country, one that refers to all of us... red, yellow, black and white...
So if you are a graphic designer, an artist or just an international reader what would you suggest as a replacement for the current Australian flag?
*to Aboriginal people the 26th January, Australia's national holiday, it is better known as 'Invasion Day', for it actually celebrates the arrival of Captain Arthur Phillip to colonise the continent in the name of the British Empire. The Australian continent was described 'terra nullius' for the benefit of the British colonialists and does not recognise the existing populations of Aborigines.