Image: Bernard Namok Jnr with the flag his father designed. Credit AIATSIS

On 29 May 2022 the National Native Title Council pays tribute to the 30^th Anniversary of the Torres Strait Island Flag.

Designed by the late Bernard Namok from Thursday Island, the flag was created as a symbol of unity and identity for Torres Strait Islander peoples, whose cultures and traditions are strongly connected to the land, sea and sky.

From its colourway, the green panels at the top and bottom of the flag represent the land and the central blue panel represents the sea. The black lines dividing the panels represent the Torres Strait Islander people. The centre of the flag shows a white dhari (dancer’s headdress) to represents Torres Strait Islander culture, with the white colour symbolising peace.

Underneath the dhari is a white five-pointed star. The star is an important symbol for navigating the sea, with each point representing the five island groups in the Torres Strait.

Each part of the flag gives meaning to Torres Strait Islander culture and holds special legal and political status worldwide.

“Debe paipu gerger wabim”

Good Anniversary to you all