The golden wattle is a symbol of unity.  In recent times, it has also been used as a symbol of remembrance and reflection.

The golden wattle survives through Australia’s droughts, winds and bushfires, and therefore can be seen to represent the resilient spirit of the Australian people

The Australian National Anthem, based on the song ‘Advance Australia Fair’, is used at important public ceremonies and sporting and community events.  It unites the nation and is a public expression of joy and pride in being Australian.

Australia’s national symbols are:

• The Australian National Flag
• the Australian Aboriginal Flag
• the Torres Strait Islander Flag
• the Australian National Anthem
• the national colours of green and gold
• our national floral emblem, the golden wattle
• the national gemstone, the Australian opal.

In Indigenous storytelling, a rainbow created the colours of the opal.

Australia’s opals are famous across the world for their brilliant colours.  Black opals are the best known of Australia’s opals. Similar to a rainbow, they display the colours of red, green, blue, violet, and magenta or yellow, which are set against a dark background of black, blue or grey.

Our national colours of green and gold, although long associated with Australian sport, also have strong environmental connections.  Gold makes us think of images of Australia’s beaches, mineral wealth, grain harvests and the fleece of Australian wool.  Green is seen in the forests, eucalyptus trees and pastures of the Australian landscape.

First flown in 1901, the Australian National Flag can be flown every day of the year and is an expression of Australian identity and pride.

The Commonwealth Coat of Arms displays the symbols of the six Australian states.  The kangaroo and emu support the shield and Australia’s floral emblem, the golden wattle, forms a frame around the Commonwealth Coat of Arms.  A scroll contains the word ‘Australia’.  A gold Commonwealth Star sits above the shield.  A wreath of gold and blue sits beneath the Commonwealth Star.

The kangaroo is a native Australian animal that holds the shield with pride.  The two animals were chosen because they are uniquely familiar Australian creatures found in almost all States and Territories.

The top half of the Australian Aboriginal Flag is black to symbolise Australian Aboriginal people.  The red in the lower half of the flag stands for the earth and the colour of ochre, which has ceremonial significance.  The circle of yellow in the centre of the flag represents the sun.

The star is white and has five points.  It is an important symbol for navigating the sea.  White symbolises peace, and the points of the star represent the five island groups in the Torres Strait.