Torres Strait Islander Flag available in a wide variety of sizes and finishes, including fully sewn, and screen printed on defence-grade woven polyester. If the size or finish of flag you require is not listed, please contact us or call us on 0499 302100. Our Flag FAQs may also be helpful to you if you are not sure what size of flag to purchase. All of our flag prices INCLUDE delivery and GST so there are no hidden charges at the checkout.
Poseidon Poles and Flags are authorised by the Torres Strait Island Regional Council to manufacture and supply the Torres Strait Islander Flag. It is often purchased in conjunction with the Aboriginal Flag, which we are also authorised to sell.
This flag is an official flag of Australia and is the flag that represents the people of the Torres Strait Islands. It was designed in 1992 by Bernard Namok. It won a local competition held by the Islands Coordinating Council and was recognised by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission in June 1992. The green areas at the top and the bottom of the flag represent the land and the central blue panel embodies the vast waters of the Torres Strait itself, which have played a pivotal role in the lives of its people for generations. Adjacent to it, the black stripes stand as a representation of the Torres Strait Islanders, a community with a profound connection to their land and heritage.
At the heart of the flag, a white five-pointed star takes centre stage, symbolizing the five major island groups that comprise the Torres Strait—the Western, Eastern, Central, Port Kennedy, and (N.P.A.) Mainland islands. Encircled by the white Dhari, a ceremonial dancer’s headdress, the flag honours the Torres Strait Islands people and their vibrant cultural traditions.
The use of white in the design holds profound significance, signifying peace—a timeless aspiration for harmony and unity within the Torres Strait community. Moreover, the star itself embodies the art of navigation, evoking the exceptional seafaring prowess of the Torres Strait Islanders throughout history.
In essence, the flag design encapsulates the essence of the Torres Strait culture, capturing the profound connection to the waters, the rich heritage of its people, and the ever-present spirit of unity, peace, and navigational prowess that defines the region.
For more information about the history and meaning of the TSI flag, please visit wikipedia.