How the Australian Flag Was Chosen: The 1901 Design Competition and Its Winning Symbols

The Australian National Flag was born from a public competition held in 1901, following the federation of the six Australian colonies into the Commonwealth of Australia. The contest attracted an impressive 32,823 entries from citizens across the new nation.

The Winning Design

The winning design was submitted jointly by five Australians:

• Ivor Evans – a schoolteacher from Melbourne
• Leslie Holdsworth – a draftsman from Sydney
• Egbert John Nuttall – a clerk from Melbourne
• Henry Barraclough – a labourer from Sydney
• William Stevens – a signwriter from Sydney

Symbolism of the Flag

• Union Jack (canton): Represents Australia's historical ties to the United Kingdom.
• Commonwealth Star (lower hoist): Seven-pointed star symbolizing the six original states and the territories, and the unity of the federation.
• Southern Cross (fly): The iconic constellation visible in the southern hemisphere, representing Australia's geographic location and identity as a southern nation.

Selection and Adoption

The design was chosen by a distinguished panel including the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, and the Chief Justice of the High Court. It was officially adopted on 3 September 1901 and has since become a globally recognized emblem of Australia's sovereignty and national identity.