New flag design.

[Coldcomfort]

What does everyone think. I wasn't sure until I read the thought and design put into it. Its growing on me already.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/outbackjack0870/newflag.jpg

http://au.news.yahoo.com/queensland/a/-/newshome/15941287/mature-australia-needs-new-flag-academic/

[healy]

Nah not impressed happy with the way our flags are now

[the ferret]

Sorry mate, but so many have given their lives under this flag, so lets keep it that way huh?

http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt164/ferret/002-1.jpg

[Coldcomfort]

Sorry mate, but so many have given their lives under this flag, so lets keep it that way huh?



They gave their life for Australia and its people's and its people's right to self determination. I think that they would welcome a disscusion about it. I am not advocating we change the flag but we must accept that there are many in Australia now that could not give a tinkers kuss about Britain and our shared histories..... Britain very quickly dumped Australia as a trade partner when it suited them......

[the ferret]

Maybe so, but that is our flag not Britains, the union jack means nothing to me, the Aussie flag is the Aussie flag, so for those that don't give a FIG, good luck to em, for those of us who fought for this flag, let them have a say,( those that are still living that is!)
Sorry, but I wouldn't hang that other flag in the dunny.
Cheers, the ferret.

[Clunk]

After reading the article I can understand where he's coming from........ do I like the design? No not really. Do I think we should change the flag to incorporate our multi-cultural present as opposed to our imperialistic past? Hell no. Our flag is our flag and should stay that way. No other western society country has changed their flags to reflect their now multi-cultural society.

Personally if I was to design a flag, I'd have one with a white top half, green bottom half and a red dragon smack in the middle!!!!!!!!!! :sly::sly::D:p

To tap, or not to tap: Well it's obviously tap because this is the signature hey!!!!!! Duh

[Coldcomfort]

Maybe so, but that is our flag not Britains, the union jack means nothing to me, the Aussie flag is the Aussie flag, so for those that don't give a FIG, good luck to em, for those of us who fought for this flag, let them have a say,( those that are still living that is!)
Sorry, but I wouldn't hang that other flag in the dunny.
Cheers, the ferret.

Oh I dunno, it might look good in the dunny!! I still can't get my head around the statement " I fought for that flag" I am employed in the defence industry. I do my work for my country........ The union jack might mean jack to you, but it's the flag of a foreign country. Are we 100% Australian or part British......

[the ferret]

All I can say mate, is when you are up to ya neck in mud and there is no safe way out, it's good to see that flag come over the hill!!
Cheers, the ferret.

[Coldcomfort]

All I can say mate, is when you are up to ya neck in mud and there is no safe way out, it's good to see that flag come over the hill!!
Cheers, the ferret.

I bet it is. That I can appreciate......

[Clunk]

Hey Plassy, I actually prefer the look of the flag on the flagoz site...... Might have to do with the white stars. Or maybe the one in the OP looks similar the the RSA flag.
I must admit, I'm not a major fan of the union jack either, even having lived close to 30 years over, never had to sing the national anthem in school assemblies though and don't know of any schools that did.... Maybe it had something to do with living in Wales lol..
Now there's an idea.... Drop the union jack and replace it for the welsh flag. :D
Don't stroke it, TAP it!!!!.....

[evillius]

Like most Aussies I love our flag but I have a niggle deep down inside me about the union jack's prominence. I understand and respect many of our relatives (including mine) fought and died under this flag but a flag is an official symbol of a nation designed for the time. And times change, and people change, and societies evolve. And ours has evolved a lot since 1901.

As a kid I sang our national anthem "God Save The Queen" every Monday morning at school. I'm glad that's not our national anthem any more and I reckon most Australians would be. So I'm not averse to changing the flag at all.

The flag in the OP seems pretty good for the symbolism it contains and I liked it more after I read the link. Not sure about the green and gold stars though, think white stars on blue like current design looks better.

Used to think this one was a good one http://www.flagoz.com/ but like the OP version better after comparing them.

Anyway, this will be an interesting thread and no opinion will be more valid than another. Will be a difficult process to change the current flag but I believe it is inevitable in time.



I love our flag, but I do agree with some of the points you have made, like the niggle about the union jack & the anthem. However I am yet to see a reasonable alternative to the current flag offered up. The one in the op is too busy & trying to incorporate too much. The flagoz one seems too 'cartoonish' for want of a better word.

[Coldcomfort]

I think that the flag in the OP would look better if they dropped the green and gold stars and replaced them with plain white stars..... Too tired now but I will modify the fist image and post that up later..... with the white stars.

[Clunk]

I think that the flag in the OP would look better if they dropped the green and gold stars and replaced them with plain white stars..... Too tired now but I will modify the fist image and post that up later..... with the white stars.

And don't forget to add a bit a green and a nice big red Dragon

Don't stroke it, TAP it!!!!.....

[Coldcomfort]

And don't forget to add a bit a green and a nice big red Dragon

Don't stroke it, TAP it!!!!.....

Sure, why not......

[Woof]

Hate it, we only have ONE FLAG and it is OURS, I do not care about it's origins....... change the national anthem, YES but touch the OUR FLAG and there will be trouble....................getting hot under the collar just thinking about it.:furious:

Leaving now before I have to whack an infraction on myself

[MC97GQ]

Hate it, we only have ONE FLAG and it is OURS, I do not care about it's origins....... change the national anthem, YES but touch the OUR FLAG and there will be trouble....................getting hot under the collar just thinking about it.:furious:

Leaving now before I have to whack an infraction on myself

I'm with you Doggie & Ferret, why is everyone so quick to jump at changing the flag(always seems to come up around Australia day). Like it or not this country has a British heritage after all if Cook and Phillip hadn't come here there wouldn't be an Australia as we know it. As far as the Union Jack goes, like it or not we are actually still a Commonwealth country. If you don't like the flag or you are offended by it, you know what you can do?

Every country on the planet has seen radical change in population demographic in the last 112 years due to immigration, war and economic circumstances, no one else seems to be in a big hurry to change their flag. Last night they were banging on about how at the olympics you couldn't tell which flag was which, what about the tri-colours of the european countries they get a bit confusing at times, no ones changing their flags.

And if it is all so bloody confusing then we might as well change the name from Australia, because how many times has the Austrian flag or anthem been displayed to represent Australia.

LEAVE MY FLAG ALONE, I am a proud Aussie(and no I'm not a monarchist) and I am more than happy with it.

Anyway end of rant, and Happy AUSTRALIA(Not citizens, not Invasion) day.

Mark

[my third 256]

so is usa going to change their flag also for the indigenous
the aboriginal flag is made up not that long ago so why do we need to have it as part of ours
giult i think

[threedogs]

Thought that was a new beach towel from K-Mart. Leave our flag alone {identity}
Love seeing it raised at the Olympics, hate seeing it at half mast. we have already recognised the presence of the black man.
also love watching a new batsman touch it on the way out the the centre during the Boxing day test.
Its Australian ,its ours, leave it as it is Flying free.

WOW is this thread gunna hit some nerves

[Bigrig]

1. Love our flag - everyone can keep their filthy hands off it
2. The Union "Jack" is in the corner - not the Union "Flag" ... the Union Flag was only referred to as Jack by the navy in days gone by - that is because it hung from the 'Jack Mast' of old ships ... it is in the corner of the flag as a representation of our formation - off the back of a ship that sailed here from a foreign land (Yep, England ... I'll stick with foreign for now, I lived there for long enough to have an opinion!! lol). It is nothing more than that, hence why it takes up about 1/4 of the flag space).
3. The Southern Cross - enough said - that's about the best symbol those boys back in the 1900's could have come up with ... full marks. Represents our land like a beauty!
4. The 7 pointed star represents the 6 states under the federation and 1 point for the territories ... was originally 6 pointed though as I think Tasmania was an insignificant island off the mainland that no one cared about but they kicked up a stink and subsequently a point was added ... That's about right, hey Lucas??!! lmao.

I've got 26 (about to be 27) country stamps on my passport, and we are the only nation that harps on in some consistent cycle about changing our flag, changing our national anthem, etc ... how about those people changing their f#cking attitude about this nation and realise its a sum of the whole (i.e. all the people) and stop looking to make change by changing superficial things that have enormous bearing on many. Where would it stop, how many changes would be allowed, and how long till we lost our identity on a global scale completely?? What a joke.

This gets my back up ... not to mention the suggestion by some f'wit to change Australia Day to "Citizen Day" as a reflection of the large diversity of people here - was a f'ing disgrace ... I am no racist, I am welcoming of anyone who wants to come here so long as they are willing to adopt our lifestyles, practices etc (no, I don't mean practices in reference to religion and the like, so before any smart @rse latches onto that - leave it alone). BUT, if what seems to be becoming more prevalent keeps happening (no language skills, no job skills, no intent to become an Aussie, setup of isolated cells to make it "feel more like home", etc) ... well, back you go ...

My two (and last) cents ...

EDIT: just read Plassy's comments earlier about changing of the anthem to suit, so hence the possibility of changing the flag to suit also ... agree with you 100% Rohan ... it's simple, and the one we would all probably agree on ... remove the Union Jack, bang the Australian coat of arms in that corner and job done - that's the only one I would even consider if it went to vote (which I hope it doesn't).

[growler2058]

Frok ain't had a good Scotty post for a while hahahahahaa
Started work at 2 this morning so will take me a while to absorb that post mate;)
Now ya can't change the flag! What about all those out there with Aussie flag tatts mate????


Rock out with ya..........tap out

[DX grunt]

All I can say mate, is when you are up to ya neck in mud and there is no safe way out, it's good to see that flag come over the hill!!
Cheers, the ferret.

Reading Rod's post just gave me goose bumps!

[threedogs]

Coat of arms in the corner ain't gunna work as all the tree huggers will be saying we eat the animals on our flag. M2Cw on that bit.
Seems fine the way it is, people always want to change things that aint broke, pee off I say

[Bigrig]

Coat of arms in the corner ain't gunna work as all the tree huggers will be saying we eat the animals on our flag. M2Cw on that bit.
Seems fine the way it is, people always want to change things that aint broke, pee off I say

You get my point though? Coat of arms to represent the forward moving nation we're supposed to be (neither kangaroo nor emu can walk backwards), or just leave it alone. It seems the union jack is the centre of debate - but really?? Is it really that much of a bug in our daily (Australian) lives?? Maybe some of us don't have much of one (life) and have nothing better to do ... I know my family, my friends, and myself all do.

When Bigrig's go bad ... lmao

[lorrieandjas]

After reading the article I can understand where he's coming from........ do I like the design? No not really. Do I think we should change the flag to incorporate our multi-cultural present as opposed to our imperialistic past? Hell no. Our flag is our flag and should stay that way. No other western society country has changed their flags to reflect their now multi-cultural society.

Personally if I was to design a flag, I'd have one with a white top half, green bottom half and a red dragon smack in the middle!!!!!!!!!! :sly::sly::D:p

To tap, or not to tap: Well it's obviously tap because this is the signature hey!!!!!! Duh

Sorry Clunk! South Africa did!

Jas

[Bigrig]

Sorry Clunk! South Africa did!

Jas

Yep - but list the reason as well mate ... that was overwhelming majority that forced that change (and when I say overwhelming, I'm talking 42 million versus 3 million) and for political reasoning - not changed on a whim ...

When are we catching up for a beer on a more important note?? You've been threatening to ransack my fridge, but to date have avoided the charge!! lmao


I'd Tap That!!

[DX grunt]

When I was a youngin at school - about 35 years ago - part of our curriculum was learning about Russian and American History.

Australian history has been a self learning, 'on the job' process, since I was born. Sad, very sad.

Rossco

[Steve4wdin]

Just reading through this thread and noticed nothing here about PATROLS!!!! HaHa.
I love our Australia and would be happy to fight for it as others have done. Leave our flag alone. it is Austrailian. If people don`t like the Australian way, Get OFF
Steve

[Bigrig]

Just reading through this thread and noticed nothing here about PATROLS!!!! HaHa.
I love our Australia and would be happy to fight for it as others have done. Leave our flag alone. it is Austrailian. If people don`t like the Australian way, Get OFF
Steve

Maybe a GQ in the top corner instead of the union jack?? lmao


I'd Tap That!!

[lorrieandjas]

Yep - but list the reason as well mate ... that was overwhelming majority that forced that change (and when I say overwhelming, I'm talking 42 million versus 3 million) and for political reasoning - not changed on a whim ...

When are we catching up for a beer on a more important note?? You've been threatening to ransack my fridge, but to date have avoided the charge!! lmao


I'd Tap That!!

Hi mate - yep absolutely agree. Not saying I support changing our flag in any way - just stirring Clunk up! And yes - that fridge of yours has eluded me to date - have to fix that. I'm thinking one weekend in the very near future?

Jas

[Bigrig]

And yes - that fridge of yours has alluded me to date - have to fix that. I'm thinking one weekend in the very near future?

Jas

Lock it in Eddie!!


I'd Tap That!!

[Clunk]

Hi mate - yep absolutely agree. Not saying I support changing our flag in any way - just stirring Clunk up! And yes - that fridge of yours has alluded me to date - have to fix that. I'm thinking one weekend in the very near future?

Jas

Takes a lot to stir me up.... Actually forgot about theirs....... I wad more concerned about replacing the union jack withe the welsh flag instead...... Why? Mnehhh no reason, just because!!!!!! Lol

Don't stroke it, TAP it!!!!.....

[threedogs]

Would be interested to get some of our UK members to comment on our flag especially the union jack part.
No more beach towel ideas please

[Clunk]

Would be interested to get some of our UK members to comment on our flag especially the union jack part.
No more beach towel ideas please

I already did mate lol

To tap, or not to tap: Well it's obviously tap because this is the signature hey!!!!!! Duh

[threedogs]

Part time Pom or Fulltime Clunk ???
My family arrived on HMS WANATA in 1850ish
settled in the Phillip island area at a place called Kilcunda
suppose that makes me 100% skip

[taslucas]

Ofcourse we'd kick up a stink bigrig! After all, we were colonised before WA, SA, NT, QLD, ACT and VIC! We have the first aussie casino, oldestest pub, and a few other cool things I obviously don't care enough about to remember at the moment lol.
On the flag thing, I think change for the sake of change is useless.
If someone is after cultural and social changes then start trying to change the cultural and social attitudes. Don't just change a flag and expect everyone to wake up the next day with a different view.
Having said that, I don't think the majority of Australia needs to change a thing. There's a few bogan nobs about but as a whole, Australia has a culture and way of life that is envied all over the world. In my opinion, to say we need to change a flag is to say that we all need to change our attitudes and lifestyles. Am I somehow a racist bogan who wants to oppress minorities and suppress cultural diversity because I don't want to change the flag? Sure seems to be hinted at.

Ok my lunch break is over lol

EDIT: My Italian grandparents jumped on a boat and ran away from Hitler to Australia. They learnt English and helped to bring diversity. My Irish heritage was chained to a ship and taken to port arthur, which was like hell on earth to them. Neither of them scream out for parts of their old countries to be included on the aussie flag.

FanTapstic!

[Coldcomfort]

It seems that many think that Australia is the same country it was in 1901. Even the current flag is out of date. The commonwealth star only has 7 pointers. That needs to be updated. No-one is advocating changing our flag for the sake of it. I am on the fence, but I have an open mind about the topic and I can see that many in Australia now feel that the current flag does not fit their vision of Australia. And many countries have changed their flags over the centuries to reflect both their history their present and the people that live there.

The more I look at the flag in the original post and I think about it, the more I think that as a nation we can have a look at this. Its not an issue. Or a problem.

I think that change will come eventually. Like in any society the old guard moves on and the new incumbents bring a new and fresh way of looking at things.

If I was to design a flag for Australia I would simply take the Union jack off the current one and leave it at that.

[threedogs]

change will come ,will we be around to see it may be another matter?
I love the cultures of Aus my missus is Italian we eat so much or used too
theres some Greek in there as well,, oom pahhh

[taslucas]

Countries are in a constant state of change. How often should we change the flag? Lock it in for once every 200 years? I think by default a flag represents its country. Because the country is how it is at any point in time and that is its flag (if that makes sense? lol). I've never thought to myself "hmm I wonder what that country is like, I'll just look at their flag"

FanTapstic!

[Coldcomfort]

Any change would be eventually embraced by most Aussie I think. I can still remember the out cry when the national anthem was changed..... Would we ever consider going back to God save the Queen/King? I hope not. If you show our current flag to most foreigners and ask what country is that flag for. Many, if not most would not have a clue.......

[the ferret]

I think Dr John Blaxland should be spending his vast Knowledge researching other things, like the plight of homeless people, old age care, stopping the boats, stopping theft and bashings, internet fraud, and some of the many other problems brought about by so called "multicultualism''
Rant over, going out now to raise the REAL Australian flag!!
Cheers, the ferret.

http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt164/ferret/002.jpg

[Cuppa]

What does everyone think. I wasn't sure until I read the thought and design put into it. Its growing on me already.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/outbackjack0870/newflag.jpg

http://au.news.yahoo.com/queensland/a/-/newshome/15941287/mature-australia-needs-new-flag-academic/

1. I don't like that flag & agree it looks 'cartoon'ish.

2. I think it is past time that we dropped the Union Jack from our flag.

3. I think it is past time that we should acknowledge indigenous Australians on our flag.

4. Although I don't expect all to agree, or even like me saying..... But I have little doubt that some of the views expressed represent a disguised racism.

5. In the 25 years I have lived in Australia (Australian citizen for 23) I have witnessed a change in the meaning of Australia Day to many, particularly the younger generations. Whilst patriotism is something I believe is worthy of respect & encouragement, it distresses me to see a growing confusion between patriotism & racism. Whilst any criticism of the type of attitudes characterized by the "If you don't love it, leave it" is hard to have heard by those who believe they are simply being patriotic, such jingoistic attitudes are no doubt racist. When mobs wave our national flag as a means of proclaiming exclusiveness, rather than inclusiveness every Australia Day it has a dirty & unhealthy feel to it. I don't believe that this is what our diggers, including our indigenous diggers, fought for.

Ok, flameproof suit donned. :)

[Bigrig]

It seems that many think that Australia is the same country it was in 1901. Even the current flag is out of date. The commonwealth star only has 7 pointers. That needs to be updated. No-one is advocating changing our flag for the sake of it. I am on the fence, but I have an open mind about the topic and I can see that many in Australia now feel that the current flag does not fit their vision of Australia. And many countries have changed their flags over the centuries to reflect both their history their present and the people that live there.

The more I look at the flag in the original post and I think about it, the more I think that as a nation we can have a look at this. Its not an issue. Or a problem.

I think that change will come eventually. Like in any society the old guard moves on and the new incumbents bring a new and fresh way of looking at things.

If I was to design a flag for Australia I would simply take the Union jack off the current one and leave it at that.

Originally was a 6 pointed star for each of the states - was changed to a 7 pointed star for the 7th point to represent "and it's territories" - i.e. the 6 states and it's territories ... no need to revisit that one.


I'd Tap That!!

[Coldcomfort]

1. I don't like that flag & agree it looks 'cartoon'ish.

2. I think it is past time that we dropped the Union Jack from our flag.

3. I think it is past time that we should acknowledge indigenous Australians on our flag.

4. Although I don't expect all to agree, or even like me saying..... But I have little doubt that some of the views expressed represent a disguised racism.

5. In the 25 years I have lived in Australia (Australian citizen for 23) I have witnessed a change in the meaning of Australia Day to many, particularly the younger generations. Whilst patriotism is something I believe is worthy of respect & encouragement, it distresses me to see a growing confusion between patriotism & racism. Whilst any criticism of the type of attitudes characterized by the "If you don't love it, leave it" is hard to have heard by those who believe they are simply being patriotic, such jingoistic attitudes are no doubt racist. When mobs wave our national flag as a means of proclaiming exclusiveness, rather than inclusiveness every Australia Day it has a dirty & unhealthy feel to it. I don't believe that this is what our diggers, including our indigenous diggers, fought for.

Ok, flameproof suit donned. :)

I wont flame ya Cuppa. I think you make many valid points. BTW that flag is not the one that was referred to as cartoonistic.... BTW did anyone notice that there is still a 7 point star on this flag? Would a 8 point star be correct? I think that the green and gold southern cross stars should be plain white.

[taslucas]

If you show our current flag to most foreigners and ask what country is that flag for. Many, if not most would not have a clue.......

I can only name a handful of other countries flags. I don't think the ones I don't know should change so that I can match the flag to the country. A pizza on the Italian flag? An Indian totem pole on the American? (or maybe a big mac lol), what part of German history should be shown on their flag? Is history is to be shown on flags, what would the British look like? Hundreds of small pictures from many many cultures that have all made their mark. If the current state of a country should be shown on a flag, what would the British look like? Hundreds of small pictures from many many cultures that are all making their mark. Lol don't get me wrong, I'm not ranting, just thinking out loud:-)

FanTapstic!

[Coldcomfort]

Originally was a 6 pointed star for each of the states - was changed to a 7 pointed star for the 7th point to represent "and it's territories" - i.e. the 6 states and it's territories ... no need to revisit that one.


I'd Tap That!!

Which State or Territory is not included in the 7 point star??

[Bigrig]

Which State or Territory is not included in the 7 point star??

None are missed mate - it was originally a 6 point star to represent the 6 states included in the 1901 Federation, but was altered to include an additional point that covers the territories in collective. Ergo the 7 pointed star to represent the "6 states and all territories" of the nation. Making it an 8 pointed star is not something I'd have any issue with as I think the borders are finalised for a while to come. But as said, there endeth my overall interest in changing it ... cosmetic and not sure it's necessary.


I'd Tap That!!

[Bigrig]

1. I don't like that flag & agree it looks 'cartoon'ish.

2. I think it is past time that we dropped the Union Jack from our flag.

3. I think it is past time that we should acknowledge indigenous Australians on our flag.

4. Although I don't expect all to agree, or even like me saying..... But I have little doubt that some of the views expressed represent a disguised racism.

5. In the 25 years I have lived in Australia (Australian citizen for 23) I have witnessed a change in the meaning of Australia Day to many, particularly the younger generations. Whilst patriotism is something I believe is worthy of respect & encouragement, it distresses me to see a growing confusion between patriotism & racism. Whilst any criticism of the type of attitudes characterized by the "If you don't love it, leave it" is hard to have heard by those who believe they are simply being patriotic, such jingoistic attitudes are no doubt racist. When mobs wave our national flag as a means of proclaiming exclusiveness, rather than inclusiveness every Australia Day it has a dirty & unhealthy feel to it. I don't believe that this is what our diggers, including our indigenous diggers, fought for.

Ok, flameproof suit donned. :)

Hmmmm ... agreed in principle cuppa, but not sure I'd agree with the broad brush of racism driving a lack of desire for change ... irrespective of the union jack debate, you yourself have stated the inclusion of the indigenous flag. Why? It was formally recognised as a 'flag of the nation' in the mid nineties, but why should we have the two flags merged? Harold Thomas didn't even paint the indigenous flag until the early 70's, and even late into the 20th century, there was little if any acceptance by aboriginals themselves of a nationalistic union. Still very much tribal and isolated across geographic regions ... and I would suggest that opinion will be supported by most full bloods who have strong recognition and understanding of their heritage (come to my house on any given weekend and you can chat to a mates wife who is a full blood and no doubt you will get the same opinion).

One nation, one flag - I highly doubt if the indigenous flag was included into the current flag that you would see a drop in the usage of aboriginals flying their current flag - sort of defeats the purpose ... I'm cool with that truth be told, and support it in fact as that flag created a unity and nationalistic totem for the indigenous and whilst the vast majority accept openly they're Aussies, they have a deep seeded respect for their own culture and heritage and probably don't want the two flags incorporated - I think it smacks of hypocrisy to suggest its racist to not merge the two, when I feel it more racist (and a vain attempt at political correctness that ones don't truly believe in, and simply saying what "they think" the indigenous 'would like to see' without even asking the question) to not accept the vast majority don't want it merged anyway ...

You donned the flame proof suit, I've done the same and then dived into a vat of fire retardant as well!!! lol

Bring it on!!! lmao


I'd Tap That!!

[Clunk]

Part time Pom or Fulltime Clunk ???
My family arrived on HMS WANATA in 1850ish
settled in the Phillip island area at a place called Kilcunda
suppose that makes me 100% skip

I suppose I'd be classed as a part time pom. My folks are British, came over in the 60s, I was born in Port Hedland in 71 and became an instant Australian citizen. Lived there for 3 years, then the old man git work in Iran so off we went. Moved to Wales in 76,picked up my British passport. So then became a duel national. I came back to Perth 10 years ago on my Aussie passport and settled straight in. Work hard, pay me dues and don't expect to get anything for nothing.

Don't stroke it, TAP it!!!!.....

[threedogs]

Went from imperial to metric never told me
14th of FEB 1966 decimal change over
changed the national anthem again never told me
change the colour of the VB can never told me
Changed alcohol content of said VB again never told
Thats cool I'll get over it and have, bring on the next change
but bloody tell me first this time please

[evillius]

here's some I found on a quick google search for discussion. Most are from here www.newaussieflag.com There is more on there that are similar.

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/01/136.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/01/2.png

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/01/137.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/01/138.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/01/3.png

[Steve4wdin]

1. I don't like that flag & agree it looks 'cartoon'ish.

2. I think it is past time that we dropped the Union Jack from our flag.

3. I think it is past time that we should acknowledge indigenous Australians on our flag.

4. Although I don't expect all to agree, or even like me saying..... But I have little doubt that some of the views expressed represent a disguised racism.

5. In the 25 years I have lived in Australia (Australian citizen for 23) I have witnessed a change in the meaning of Australia Day to many, particularly the younger generations. Whilst patriotism is something I believe is worthy of respect & encouragement, it distresses me to see a growing confusion between patriotism & racism. Whilst any criticism of the type of attitudes characterized by the "If you don't love it, leave it" is hard to have heard by those who believe they are simply being patriotic, such jingoistic attitudes are no doubt racist. When mobs wave our national flag as a means of proclaiming exclusiveness, rather than inclusiveness every Australia Day it has a dirty & unhealthy feel to it. I don't believe that this is what our diggers, including our indigenous diggers, fought for.

Ok, flameproof suit donne

Cuppa,
I don`t mean to offend when I say like or leave. Yes I am racist. I am proud to be an aussie. You should be as well as you are. You and I have equal rights as do all others. Thats what our ancesters fort for.
Leave our heritage alone.

[Cuppa]

Hi Bigrig, I don't think we are really too far apart in how we see things.

To clarify, I didn't ( & don't) suggest that the current aboriginal flag should be incorporated into the current Australian flag.

You wrote "that (aboriginal) flag created a unity and nationalistic totem for the indigenous and whilst the vast majority accept openly they're Aussies, they have a deep seeded respect for their own culture and heritage and probably don't want the two flags incorporated" which I think is very much the case. However I do think that when the day comes that this countries indigenous folks are recognised on our national flag in some way, & the Union Jack removed, it will demonstrate that we as a nation have finally grown up. We are a relatively young nation, & I see us as still struggling through 'adolescence'. I make no suggestion as to what the Australian flag should look like, other than it should incorporate our past, be inclusive of our indigenous culture & be a design that brings all Australians together. I acknowledge that this is a big ask, but if possible would as I suggest, demonstrate to all of us that we have, as a nation, come of age.

One part of your post that I admit made me cringe, was your reference to 'full blood'. I say this without criticism because I recognise that such distinction may be made by some aboriginals themselves, & that for me to criticise this may simply be perceived as 'political correctness'. There may even be an element of truth in such criticism. However by making such distinctions, whoever make them, IMO only serves to sow the seeds of exclusion, which never helps.

As an aside, related but not strictly speaking 'on topic':

One thing about living in Australia which disappointed me for many years was how difficult it was to mix with, & get to know any aboriginal folk, & in particular to access their culture & world views (as opposed to those I saw professionally who were generally struggling with a 'white' existence & the fallout of the stolen generations. These folk frequently also found access to their own culture difficult. It seems that often the black & white culture just exists side by side without a great deal of mixing or understanding or desire to.

Things like the aboriginal flag, the tent embassy & more recently 'the apology' have helped to add strength to a failing culture by creating a needed sense of belonging.
Of course these are the sort of things most often attacked/ridiculed by the critics whose own views are more important than anything else.

It has always been my belief that each culture has a great deal to learn from the other, without preconceived expectation of change. In 2009 I was fortunate enough to walk the Lurijarri Trail with the Goolarabooloo, north of Broome, & subsequently spend a couple of months camped in their country, fishing, walking & yarning around the fire with one of their law bosses on a daily basis. I can't pretend that much of what I learned during that time gelled into a solid understanding (such complexity would take a lifetime), but it did give a first hand experience of traditional culture in modern times, & a picture of aboriginal life that was very different to that commonly spread through the white community. I only mention this to let it be known that I am not just speaking from an ignorant politically correct stance.

Of course racism is not just about aboriginal folk. The Aussie flag waving at the Cronulla riots & similar behaviours were also in my mind when making my previous post.

Cuppa

[threedogs]

Isn't the the Aboriginal flag the land , sky joined by the sun ? great looking flag IMO.
We don't need a beach towel for a flag nuff said

[Dhuck]

Don't like any of the designs. Do I think we should change it...........YES. Why? We (the white man) were not the first to settle here. As far as I am concerned we should incorporate the aboriginal heritage in some way (for those who wish to be politically correct "Indigenous". How ever that is not correct either). I am a white indigenous man (born here, making me indigenous to Aus) with an Aboriginal family. Why are we not able to have a National flag of our region. There were not even flags when the aboriginals came to Aus which was not even as we see it today.

I should not go on as this is a subject that infuriates me. Our original settlers get next to nothing in recognition. I can go on for hours on the issues created by white man. Do Aboriginals have the bad in their race? Yes. Does white man have bad in their race? Yes. Apart from colour what is the difference?

We are a multicultural society from the day the English arrived.

[Dhuck]

Isn't the the Aboriginal flag the land , sky joined by the sun ? great looking flag IMO.
We don't need a beach towel for a flag nuff said

I have to agree with that. Yes it is a great flag. It is a flag straight to the point.

[threedogs]

Yeah was living in Alice when the new Territory flag was un veiled 1980 or 81
saw princess anne I think?, Cool event. Many great Aboriginal mates in Alice, Darwin and nth wst Aust.
who knows we may/hope meet again, getting off flag a bit sorry, This thread is finished for me , said enough on the flag

[Cuppa]

Cuppa,
You and I have equal rights as do all others.
Leave our heritage alone.

Maaate, we have good & bad in our heritage & need to recognise both to understand the problems we continue to struggle with today. We may have to agree to disagree, but I would say that there is plenty of evidence to show that not all Australian citizens have equal rights. Legislation & reality on the ground are often two different things. I don't pretend to have answers to what are incredibly complex issues, but feel strongly that the first step is to acknowledge the problems.

Also I have plenty of mates who's beliefs I sometimes find offensive, & deal with this by recognising it is only one part of their being. Racism does offend me. We can still be proud to be Aussies together.

Cuppa

[Cuppa]

Isn't the the Aboriginal flag the land , sky joined by the sun ? great looking flag IMO.
We don't need a beach towel for a flag nuff said


I have to agree with that. Yes it is a great flag. It is a flag straight to the point.

Whilst recognising that many (black & white) would have reasons for not doing so, I also reckon it's a great looking flag & would be proud to have it as our national flag.

Cuppa

[growler2058]

Say no more ;)
24963

[Clunk]

Say no more ;)
24963

Read on the ABC site that someone mob from one of the UNI's over here conducted a survey of 500 people asking them questions in regards to flying the flag from their cars...... the suvrey found that just over 50% were racist and therefore adorning your car with the aussie flag is also a racist thing to do............................. interesting!!!!!

That counts me out then, coz I don't have a flag on the car............... I'm wondering what the one on my front door says about me!!!!???? Maybe I shouldn't have the Welsh one hanging under my patio either

[macca86]

I think even if we become a republic we should not change our flag we've come too far and means so much to so many is strongly recognised world wide. I think the aboriginal and torris straight flags should be officially recognised as they currently are not official flags they should be treated like state flags. If we were to change the union jack replaced with the red and black but instead of the sun in the middle the white head thing from the torris straight flag should be there. That way both first Australians get recognition as well as our federation star and beloved southern cross

[growler2058]

Maybe they were all on the uni cigarettes ay hahahahahahahahahahaha and got a bit confused between proud and racist. Right im gunna get one for each window now ;)

[Clunk]

Maybe they were all on the uni cigarettes ay hahahahahahahahahahaha and got a bit confused between proud and racist. Right im gunna get one for each window now ;)

I would have thought you would have at least 4 mate lol

Don't stroke it, TAP it!!!!.....

[growler2058]

Maybeeeeeeeee I need to paint the roof and bonnet with the flag

[Dhuck]

My missus just inquired which one. I am not aloud to raise a flag in my yard. Too many that have come to Aus that will not become Aussies. Mother F@$#$%g tourists. Go home. I am not a racist, but if you want to live here, at least take on the Aussie culture. If not go home.


Please mods, close the thread before things get nasty.

[Timmo]

I think it should stay as it is, I wear the flag on my uniform very proudly for the past 17 Years, if people think that I'm a racist for flying the flag on Australia day then I'm a racist every day when I'm in uniform, they can call it what they like how ever I call it " AUSTRALIAN" and I'm an AUSSIE digger and proud of it.

Keep the flag as it is..........................

[growler2058]

As requested locked

[growler2058]

OK good morning and HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY! So the majority want the thread open. Some may have a hangover today and some will have one tomorrow (hopefully I will be one) everyone's had a sleep, we live in a democracy so here yas go
Lets see how it goes ;)

[macca86]

Happy Australia day everyone. After the discussion here been carried out like adults we should be proud to be Aussie this is what makes us great tolerance respect the right to free speech to feel safe maturity passion. Even though some feel strongly about changing the flag today as we're part of the commonwealth we celebrate our federation as one whole country not just individual states. Today is the day we all became Aussies. Many thanks to those that have served and protected our way of life for those that have built this great nation. Today lets stand as one despite our differences and say good on ya matehappy bloody straya day

[threedogs]

Three cheers for ITA and the rest of the award winners
Aussie Aussie Aussie oi oi oi

[Lonicus]

x2 TD, good on them all!

[Lonicus]

As for the flag.

I can understand why people may not want the Union Jack in the corner, personally though it doesn't worry me, I love our flag. However, if it was changed, it would need to be a very minor change, remove the Union Jack and put something like the Federation Star, or Uluru in the corner and leave the rest as is.

For me a flag represents our country, not its history, the population mix, the number of languages spoken or any other demographic within our country.

[Cuppa]

Best wishes to all my fellow Aussies. Let today be our annual reminder of what a great place Australia is to live in & a great nation to be part of. Let us all also try to be tolerant & accepting of the Aussies whom we are yet to understand & to extend the hand of mateship in the true Aussie way.

Cuppa

[Clunk]

Yep, same goes from me from over this way, hope all have a very safe and fantastic day...... And don't forget to slip slop slap and wear a hat

Don't stroke it, TAP it!!!!.....

[growler2058]

Yep, same goes from me from over this way, hope all have a very safe and fantastic day...... And don't forget to slip slop slap and wear a hate

Don't stroke it, TAP it!!!!.....

Nice one clunky lets all wear hate hahahahaha

[Bigrig]

AUSSIE
AUSSIE
AUSSIE ....


I'd Tap That!!

[healy]

So the thread is back

[Clunk]

Nice one clunky lets all wear hate hahahahaha

Ooooops, fixed :D



Don't stroke it, TAP it!!!!.....

[the ferret]

Have a great weekend folks, just carry on in the Aussie traditional ways," Cheap'n nasty, dog's eye n dead horse" etc etc.,....... sayings that are almost as old as our Aussie FLAG!
Cheers, the ferret.

[Coldcomfort]

Have a great weekend all. I am working tonight and tomorrow night. So I will be having some Aussie beer later next week. Might even cook up a few snags....

[MEGOMONSTER]

Perhaps we needs an aboriginal standing with his spear with an aussie icon. 25016