What is the Torres Strait Islander flag?
The Torres Strait Islander flag represents the people of the Torres Strait Islands. Designed by Bernard Namok in 1992, it features green, blue and black stripes with a white dhari headdress and a white star in the center.
The green stripes at the top and bottom represent the land, and the blue in the center represents the sea. The black lines represent the people.
The white dhari is a traditional headdress worn during ceremonies and is a symbol of Torres Strait Islander culture. Beneath it is a white five-pointed star.
The five points
The five points of the star represent the five major island groups of the Torres Strait. The white color of the star symbolizes peace.
Bernard Namok, a young man from Thursday Island, created the design for a competition held by the Island Coordinating Council. It was officially recognized by the Australian government as an official flag in 1995.
The flag is flown at many government buildings, schools and events, alongside the Australian flag and the Aboriginal flag. It is an important symbol of identity and pride for Torres Strait Islanders, both in the islands and on the mainland. It is often displayed during NAIDOC Week and Mabo Day.