The Inspiring Story Behind Evan Evans, the Australian Flag, and a Legacy of Leadership

Updated for 2026: Evan Evans’ connection to the Australian National Flag is more than a piece of company history. It is a story that links Australian design, local manufacturing, national identity and more than a century of flag-making experience.

From Federation to a National Flag

In 1901, Australia had just become a newly federated nation. The Commonwealth needed a flag that could represent the country’s identity, its connection to the Southern Hemisphere and its place within the British Empire at the time.

A national competition was launched to design the Federal flag. More than 30,000 entries were submitted, including one from a young Melbourne schoolboy named Ivor William Evans. Ivor’s design was selected as one of five joint winning entries, alongside designs submitted by Leslie Hawkins, Annie Dorrington, William Stevens and Egbert Nuttall.

For accuracy, it is best to describe Ivor Evans as a joint winning designer or co-designer of the Australian flag, rather than the sole designer. That detail matters because it respects the full history while still recognising the special Evan Evans family connection.

What the Australian Flag Represents

The Australian National Flag brings together several important symbols:

• The Southern Cross represents Australia’s place in the southern skies and has long been one of the country’s most recognisable symbols.
• The Union Jack reflects Australia’s historical connection to the United Kingdom at the time of Federation.
• The Commonwealth Star represents the federation of the Australian states, with the later seventh point representing the territories.

The result was a flag that balanced history, geography and national identity — a design that would become one of Australia’s most recognisable symbols.

The First Official Raising in Melbourne

On 3 September 1901, the winning Australian flag design was flown for the first time above the dome of the Exhibition Building in Melbourne. At the time, the flag was known as the Commonwealth Blue Ensign. It later became known as the Australian National Flag.

This moment marked an important step in Australia’s post-Federation identity and gave the new Commonwealth a symbol that could be displayed at schools, government buildings, community events, sporting moments and national ceremonies.

Australian National Flag Day

Australian National Flag Day is observed on 3 September each year. It commemorates the first time the Australian flag was flown in 1901 and is an opportunity for schools, councils, community organisations, businesses and households to display the flag with pride.

For schools, councils and public venues, Flag Day is also a useful reminder to check flag condition, update worn flags and prepare flag displays ahead of major national occasions such as Australia Day, ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.

The Evan Evans Legacy

Ivor Evans’ connection to the Australian flag became part of a much larger company story. Evan Evans has been associated with flags, banners, canvas goods and large-format display work for generations, supporting Australian events, institutions and businesses with locally made visual display products.

Today, that legacy continues through Australian-made flags, event signage, banners, display systems and custom print solutions. The work has evolved, but the core idea remains the same: producing quality display products that help organisations represent who they are.

Choosing an Australian Flag Today

If this story has brought you here because you need an Australian flag, Evan Evans offers a range of options for everyday display, formal ceremonies, schools, councils, businesses and events.

• Australian National Flag — suitable for schools, councils, workplaces, ceremonies and general display.
• Australian Flags collection — browse national, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, state and related flag options.
• Australian Made Flag Bundle — a practical set for organisations displaying the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags together.
• Australian Flag Size Guide — helpful if you are choosing a flag for a flagpole, indoor pole, school or public site.
• Flag Care & Etiquette Guide — practical advice on displaying, storing and maintaining your flag respectfully.

Australian Flag FAQs

Did Evan Evans design the Australian flag?

More accurately, Ivor William Evans, the son of Evan Evans founder Evan Evans, was one of five joint winning designers in the 1901 Federal Flag Design Competition. His design was part of the winning group that shaped the Australian National Flag.

When was the Australian flag first flown?

The Australian flag was first flown on 3 September 1901 above the dome of the Exhibition Building in Melbourne. This date is now recognised each year as Australian National Flag Day.

What is Australian National Flag Day?

Australian National Flag Day is observed on 3 September. It commemorates the first official flying of the Australian flag in 1901 and encourages Australians to display the flag with pride and respect.

What Australian flag size should I buy?

The best size depends on how and where the flag will be displayed. A school flagpole, indoor presentation pole, council building and outdoor event may all require different sizes or materials. For help choosing, read our Australian Flag Size Guide.

Can Evan Evans help with flags for schools, councils and ceremonies?

Yes. Evan Evans supplies Australian flags and related display products for schools, councils, workplaces, ceremonies, commemorations, sporting events and public activations. You can shop Australian flags online or contact the team for advice on larger or more specific requirements.