30 June, 2017

NAIDOC Week 2 to 9 July 2017

National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week is held every year during the first full week in July. It is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society. This year, the theme for NAIDOC Week, which will be celebrated from 2 to 9 July inclusive, is ‘Our Languages Matter’.

Flying the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags throughout NAIDOC Week confirms our national respect for Indigenous Australians. From Sunday 2 July to Sunday 9 July 2017 the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag should be flown on additional flagpoles, where available, next to or near the Australian National Flag on Australian Government buildings and establishments. Other organisations are encouraged to follow this protocol.

If there is only one flagpole available at a flag station the Australian Aboriginal Flag or the Torres Strait Islander Flag should not replace the Australian National Flag. If two flagpoles are available, it is at the discretion of the authority concerned to determine which of the two flags is flown with the Australian National Flag. The Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag have equal status and may be flown in any order after the Australian National Flag.

Should it be the practice to fly other flags at the flag station, please refer to the Order of Precedence for flying the Australian National Flag along with other flags, which can be found in the ‘Australian Flags’ booklet (http://www.dpmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/australian-flags-excerpt.pdf).

The financial and staffing implications arising from weekend flag marshal duties are the responsibility of each organisation.

Your assistance is appreciated. Please contact Protocol on 8429 5135 if you require further information.