Australian National Flag Day 2026: Ivor Evans and 125 Years of Our Flag

Why Australian National Flag Day 2026 is special

On 3 September 1901, the Rt Hon Edmund Barton announced the winners of the competition to design a flag for the newly federated nation. A flag measuring approximately 5.5 metres by 11 metres was then flown over the dome of Melbourne's Royal Exhibition Building, where Australia's first Commonwealth Parliament had opened earlier that year.

The Australian Government's 2026 Flag Day announcement recognises the 125th anniversary of Federation, the first sitting of Commonwealth Parliament and the first official flying of the Australian National Flag.

For Evan Evans, the anniversary also brings the story back to a young member of the Evans family whose work contributed to one of Australia's most recognisable national symbols.

Ivor William Evans and the winning flag design

More than 30,000 entries were submitted to the Federal Flag Design Competition. Ivor William Evans, a young Melbourne schoolboy and the youngest son of company founder Evan Evans, submitted one of the designs selected as a joint winner.

Ivor shared the honour with Leslie Hawkins, Annie Dorrington, William Stevens and Egbert Nuttall. Their entries contained closely related features that were combined into the winning design.

For historical accuracy, Ivor should be described as a joint winning designer or co-designer—not the sole designer of the Australian flag. That distinction respects the contribution of all five winners while recognising the remarkable Evan Evans family connection.

What the Australian National Flag represents

The winning design brought together symbols of Australia's geography, history and Federation. Although elements of the design evolved in the years that followed, its central visual language remains familiar today.

Prepare for Flag Day before 3 September

A meaningful Flag Day display does not need to be complicated, but it should be planned. Use this practical checklist before the morning of 3 September.

1. Inspect the flagCheck for fading, frayed edges, damaged stitching or marks that make the flag unsuitable for respectful display.
2. Confirm the correct sizeMatch the flag dimensions to the outdoor flagpole, indoor presentation pole or available display area.
3. Check the finish and hardwareMake sure the header, loops, sleeve, clips, rope and halyard suit the pole or display system being used.
4. Test the flagpoleCheck that the rope moves freely, fittings are secure and the flag can be raised without contacting nearby structures.
5. Plan the ceremonyNominate who will raise and lower the flag and brief participants on respectful behaviour during the ceremony.
6. Prepare an indoor alternativeIf there is no outdoor pole, arrange a foyer, reception, assembly or public-area display using an appropriate pole or stand.

Displaying the Australian flag respectfully on Flag Day

The full rules are covered in our dedicated Australian Flag Care & Etiquette Guide. For Flag Day itself, remember these essentials:

• Raise the Australian National Flag briskly and lower it with dignity.
• Do not raise it earlier than first light or lower it later than dusk unless it is illuminated at night.
• Keep the flag flying freely and prevent it from touching the ground.
• When displayed with other flags in Australia, place the Australian National Flag in the position of honour.
• Unless all flags move simultaneously, raise the Australian National Flag first and lower it last.

Organisations arranging formal or multi-flag displays should also review the official Australian National Flag protocols before the event.

Ideas for schools, councils and workplaces

Australian National Flag Day can be recognised in ways that suit the organisation and setting.

Choosing an Australian flag or display setup

If your current flag is worn or your organisation needs a new display, choose the product according to its location, pole height, mounting method and intended use. Avoid guessing the size or finish—particularly for formal school, council and workplace displays.

A flag-making legacy that continues today

Ivor Evans' role in the 1901 competition became part of a much larger company story. Evan Evans has worked with flags, banners, canvas goods and large-format display products across generations, supporting Australian institutions, events, businesses and communities.

Today, that legacy continues through Australian-made flags and custom display solutions produced for modern organisations. The manufacturing methods have evolved, but the purpose remains familiar: helping people and organisations represent identity, history and community with care.