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State Flag
A flag is an emblem which stands for its people, history and ideals. NSW has its own distinctive flag.
NSW state flag
The NSW state flag has been in use since 1876. It includes the Union Jack and the NSW badge.
Protocol
As the premier symbol of NSW since 1876, the NSW flag represents all the people of the state.
The NSW Government supports the flying of both the NSW and national flags, and encourages everyone to become familiar with the protocols for the correct use of these flags.
The Flag and Emblems of New South Wales booklet(external link) not only details the history of the NSW flag and coat of arms but outlines the general procedures to be followed in flying the NSW state flag.
Special occasions for flying flags
| Date | Occasion |
|---|---|
| 1 January | Anniversary of the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia |
| 26 January | Australia Day |
| 13 February | Apology to members of the Stolen Generation(external link) |
| March, second Monday | Commonwealth Day(external link) |
| 25 April | ANZAC Day – Flags flown at half-mast until noon then full-mast for the remainder of the day. |
| 27 May – 3 June | National Reconciliation Week(external link) |
| June, second Monday | The Queen’s Birthday |
| 6 – 13 July | NAIDOC Week |
| 3 September | Australian National Flag Day |
| 17 September | Citizenship Day |
| 29 September | New South Wales Police Remembrance Day |
| 12 October | New South Wales Terrorism and Homicide Victims Remembrance Day |
| 24 October | United Nations Day |
| 11 November | Remembrance Day – Flags are flown at full-mast from 8:00am to 10:30am. Lower to half-mast until 11:02am and then raise to full-mast for the remainder of the day. |
Note: Flags are also flown on special occasions and at half-mast for State Funerals, State Memorials and funerals of Heads of State of other countries.
Subscribe to the NSW Flag Network
Are you unsure of the flag protocols around a particular day or look to seek advice on what days to fly the NSW flag?
All NSW flag marshals now have the opportunity to register for the NSW Flag Network(external link).
By joining the network, you will be the first to be notified via email with the latest flag protocol for special occasions such as ANZAC Day, or on occasions when flags should be half-mast.
For further information about flying the flags, email Protocol New South Wales at the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet.
