Today marks 120 years since the Australian National Flag was first officially flown at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne – the site of Australia’s first Parliament.

This year also marks 25 years of celebrating Australian National Flag Day.

Australia’s National Flag was chosen from the nearly 33,000 designs submitted as part of an international competition. On 3 September 1901, Australia’s Prime Minister, Sir Edmund Barton, announced the five winning entrants – all of whom submitted virtually the same design! The key elements of their designs were used to develop the Australian Flag we know and respect today.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the 120th anniversary of Australia’s National Flag is a poignant reminder of our nation’s strength as we face one of our most challenging periods.

“Our national flag is a symbol of great importance and under it we come together in strength and unity as Australians. It is fitting we use this historic day to acknowledge our rich and diverse national history and look with optimism to the future,” said Mr Vasta.

“I frequently have the great privilege of presenting the Australian flag to schools, community groups, local events and individuals across Bonner. It is always special to see people of all ages parade this flag with pride.

“On National Flag Day, I encourage everyone in Bonner to pause and reflect on our flag — the nation it represents, and the people it unites.

“In what has been the most unprecedented of times, today is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate our rich, national history and take a moment to reflect upon what our iconic flag represents.”

To learn more about the Australian National Flag visit www.pmc.gov.au/flag.

Its official, spring is here! Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP is encouraging locals to spark joy for someone in need by supporting not-for-profit donation platform GIVIT’s spring clean campaign.

Running up until 14 November, the campaign invites Australians to donate their preloved or unwanted items.

GIVIT works with more than 4,000 charities and support organisations around Australia to coordinate donations for people experiencing hardship due to natural disasters, COVID-19, domestic and family violence, homelessness, disability, and mental health.

Mr Vasta said the last 18 months have been a challenging time for many families and individuals in Bonner, where the support of campaign’s like GIVIT’s spring clean can make a priceless difference to those doing it tough.

“I have had the privilege of working with GIVIT for the last few years, who do incredible work with our charities in Bonner and am proud to be continuing my support with their most recent campaign,” said Mr Vasta.

“There’s no better time for a spring clean and I encourage locals to donate any items the GIVIT campaign needs.

“I would like to see the community come together to support those who need it most during this time.”

 GIVIT CEO and Bonner local Sarah Tennant said GIVIT is committed to improving waste reduction by facilitating the donation of used, returned, recycled and repaired quality items to support disadvantaged Australians.

“Recent reports show that most Australians have, on average, 19 unused or unwanted items in their homes, so we’re calling on people to donate these items to GIVIT and spark some much-needed joy this spring,” said Sarah.

 The GIVIT Spring Campaign runs from 1 September to 14 November. To donate to GIVIT’s Spring Campaign as an individual or business visit www.givit.org.au/spring.

Local charities, services and community groups can register with GIVIT for free to access thousands of donations offered by generous individuals and corporates. Register via GIVIT.org.au/need-help/organisations.