The Australian embassy in Dublin has become the first in the world to fly the Aboriginal flag.
The flag was hoisted alongside the Australian national flag on Friday, as a new permanent feature of the embassy on St Stephen’s Green.
“History was made this morning,” the Australian embassy said in a tweet. “A proud day for all Australians.”
President Michael D Higgins also congratulated the move, describing it as “a tribute to Australia’s first nation people.”
President Higgins sends his congratulations to the Australian Embassy in Dublin.
The Embassy will today become the first Australian Embassy in the world to fly the Indigenous Aboriginal flag alongside the national flag, as a tribute to Australia’s first nation people. https://t.co/benlb1A9VE— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) March 5, 2021
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The flag was raised as part of a digital ceremony which included the Australian minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt, and Connaught rugby star John Porch.
It also saw pre-recorded videos from Australian Aboriginal people living in Ireland.
Australia’s Ambassador to Ireland, Gary Gray, said some of the country’s early history was “difficult to reconcile” with the “modern and open nation” it had become.
“The acknowledgement of the historic and unique connection which Australian Aboriginal people have to the land and culture of our nation is utterly appropriate,” Mr Gray said.
“Though the flag has been flown from buildings in Australia and on specific dates elsewhere, the embassy in Dublin is the first international post to take the decision whereby the flag will fly in tandem with the Australian national flag all year round.”
The flag’s red lower half represents the red earth of Australia. The upper black band is emblematic of Australia’s Aboriginal people, while the central gold circle symbolises the sun as the protector and giver of life.
