The 14 July celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Torres Strait Islander flag, that was designed by Bernard Namok in June 1992 and adopted in 1995. The colours of the flag represent the Torres Strait Islander people’s connection to the land, sea and sky.

The deep green stripe represents the land, the black stripe is for the people, and the blue is the colour of our seas. The Dhari (traditional headdress) is a symbol of Torres Strait Islanders and is used in cultural ceremony and dance. The white five-pointed star symbolises peace, and the navigational importance of stars to the seafaring people of the Torres Strait. It also represents the five distinct language and cultural groups of the region.

As we approach NAIDOC Week (July 6 to 13) we should all contemplate this year’s theme being – ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’.